Legendary Texas Tornados Member Speedy Sparks Has Died
Speedy Sparks was like the patron saint, and was thought of in no less regard than the legendary performers he had the pleasure of performing with over the years.
James Hand
Documentary on Texas Country Legend James Hand On The Way
Those who know about the life and career of legendary Texas singer and songwriter James Hand don’t need a history lesson to be convinced that he was the “real deal” and one of the most authentic characters.
What “Authenticity” Is in Country Music, and Why It Matters
What is “authenticity” in country music, and why is it so important? And should it be? This is a question many love to ask, but the answer isn’t simple. The authenticity question is intertwined with the history of country music.
Hey Screw Blackstone and Their Stupid Country Song
Blackstone is far and away the largest commercial landlord in history, and now these cretins have decided that the way to entice new investors to their funds is to “go country,” dressing their executive suite robber barons in cowboy duds.
Ags Connolly Pays Tribute to Mentor James “Slim” Hand
Whether you’re intimate with the James Hands catalog or not, you’re happy to see an album like this being made, especially knowing Ags Connolly’s story. Ags went from a starry-eyed fan of James Hand to a friend.
Texas Country Music Legend Tommy Alverson Has Died
Tommy Alverson’s songs were of Texas, from Texas, and for Texas. Well before it became cliché for Texas artists to sing about Texas, Tommy Alverson was doing it. Down in Texas, he might as well be a patron saint.
Charley Crockett Charms the 2024 Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Charley Crockett made his Telluride Bluegrass Festival debut at the 51st gathering Thursday night (6-20), and left a massive impression, putting on what might be the most animated and impassioned set of his career.
Winners Revealed for the 2023 Ameripolitan Awards
Under the maxim of “When opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door,” the Ameripolitan Awards were born to promote music with a prominent roots influence often ignored by the rest of the music industry. First held in Austin for a few years before moving to Memphis…
Charley Crockett Holds Court at a Sold Out Ryman
What a year it has been for Charley Crockett, who has recently transitioned off the club circuit to full-blown theaters. And in country music, there is no bigger theater than the Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman Auditorium.
Newest Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#109)
The Saving Country Music Top 25 Playlist is built to keep you informed on all the best songs and albums coming out right here, right now in country and roots music. It’s available on most all streaming formats, or you can just use the song, artist, and album recommendations.
Album Review – Charley Crockett’s – “The Man From Waco”
Like ferreting through your grandfather’s old belongings, and unearthing a rare collection of 78s representing a sumptuous cross-section of bygone American music that despite the dated verbiage and vintage styles, feels vibrant and fresh as ever as it hits your ears that have been rendered voracious.
Johnny Cash Tribute / James Hand Reissue Coming from Hillgrass Bluebilly
A new Johnny Cash compilation, as well as a 10th year Anniversary/Deluxe Edition of the James Hand studio album ‘Mighty Lonesome Man’ is coming from the Austin, TX-based independent record label Hillgrass Bluebilly Records. The releases are part of a last hurrah and Grand Finale from the label after releasing multiple original albums, compilations, and reissues over the past 15 years.
Release Radar & Most Anticipated Albums for Final Part of 2022
The final months of 2022 are here, and just like the first portion of the year, it is jam packed in an increasingly cluttered environment for new releases. Instead of being overwhelmed, use this guide to help you navigate through the crush of titles, with the first 20 albums listed considered some of the top releases.
Ameripolitan Awards Announce Return for 2023
Ameripolitan has been mothballed for the last couple of years, with a few fearing if it would ever return. Well just announced, the Ameripolitan Awards, as well as a weekend full of events will return to Memphis. Nominations are now open for the awards.
Charley Crockett to Tribute Country Roots with “Jukebox Charley”
“Jukebox Charley” isn’t just the name of an old Johnny Paycheck song. It’s a good term of endearment for Charley Crockett since he’s quickly proving that that he and his backing band The Blue Drifters can light into just about any classic country song you can call out
Charley Crockett Announces Spring ’22 Tour w/ Vincent Neil Emerson
Reigning Saving Country Music Artist of the Year Charley Crockett continues to be the hardest working man in country, pumping out records at a two-per-year clip (don’t be surprised if there’s two more in 2022), and he’s just announced a slew of new tour dates.
The Saving Country Music 2021 Artist of the Year
The Saving Country Music Artist of the Year Award is not exclusively about the musical output an artist contributes in a year. This award is about who best embodies the idea behind the phrase “saving country music” in a given year.
Texas Country & Cult Icon Chris Wall Has Died
Another guy that paid all the dues and left a crater of an impact, even though he never hit the big time has passed onto that honky tonk in the sky. His name was Chris Wall, and even if you’ve never heard of him or his music, you’ve certainly heard his influence in many of your favorite artists.
Recap & Review: Under The Big Sky Fest 2021
One thing was clearly evident after traveling to Whitefish, Montana to experience the massive Under The Big Sky Festival with its incredible lineup and expansive grounds: the independent country and roots music we all enjoy has officially arrived. This is no longer a boutique subgenre.
Charley Crockett Announces New Album “Music City USA”
Charley Crockett might be a worthy candidate for the most interesting man in country music. Not only is the dude wildly talented and entertaining, while he tours constantly and finds the time to make cinematic quality videos, he also keeps up a hare’s pace in the studio.
Newest Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#81)
The Saving Country Music Top 25 Current Playlist is built to keep you informed on all the best songs and albums coming out right here, right now in country and roots music. It’s available on most all streaming formats. New songs have just been added.
Album Review – Charley Crockett’s “10 For Slim”
The third installment of Charley Crockett’s Lil G.L.’s series is a significantly more personal one. Having become friends with James “Slim” Hand during the latter stages of his life and career, Slim’s passing on June 8th, 2020 was a big blow for Crockett. Charley knew was so few others do.
Charley Crockett Tributes James Hand with “Lesson in Depression”
Charley Crockett is one of the most formidable country artists for keeping the flame of authentic country music burning at the moment. With purpose and a servant’s heart, he leans into this charge once again with this unexpected cover of the James Hand song “Lesson in Depression.”
‘Nothing Stays The Same’ Film Highlights Struggles of Local Venues
The 70-minute film ‘Nothing Stays The Same: The Story of the Saxon Pub’ might be about a specific venue in Austin. But even if you’ve never been to Austin, the film offers a great encapsulation of why it’s so critical to preserve these performance spaces.