Masterclass Songwriter James McMurtry Prepares 1st Album in 4 Years

“James McMurtry” is all that really should need to be said for any music fan worth their salt to immediately pay rapt attention, and await further information.
“James McMurtry” is all that really should need to be said for any music fan worth their salt to immediately pay rapt attention, and await further information.
Yes, Luke Combs is one of the largest names in popular country music. But from the very beginning, Combs has always proven to go deeper than the surface with his music.
It’s one of the most frenetic and talent-rich events all year, resulting in one of the most sought-after tickets in music. It’s Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion, and it happens on the Thursday of Austin’s greater SXSW gathering.
Before we look forward to 2025, let’s look back at 2024 and remember the important individuals we lost, from huge superstars, to songwriters and side players. They all contributed to the music we love, and deserve to be remembered.
Did you know that there was a very distinct possibility that The Highwaymen might have never been called “The Highwaymen,” and that they might have never recorded the iconic song that gave them their name?
Recently, Billboard published a list of what they believe are the “100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time.” As always with these lists, it has stimulated lots of conversation, and some controversy.
It sets a bad precedent that when a titan of country music passes, we don’t take anything more than 20 seconds and a box of plastic cups to pay tribute. This is country music, and we honor our past legends.
Luke Bryan made an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast in an episode published on Wednesday (10-23), and participated in a little revisionist history about his career and how it careened into Bro-Country.
The media loves to place individuals firmly in the political binary, and then pit them against each other. It’s good for clicks and business, even if it causes collateral damage in communities or greater society in the process.
It’s impossible to compose a proper summation of the career of Kris Kristofferson. You can’t tie a nice little bow around it, because it’s so bursting and effusive, and touches so many sectors of American society.
Many Willie songs were sung, some legendary collaborations ensued, Miranda Lambert’s fringe was longer than Snoop Dogg’s spliff, and pound for pound, it was more entertaining than any country music awards show.
Earlier this year, Willie Nelson celebrated his 90th Birthday with two epic shows at the Hollywood Bowl in California on April 29th and 30th. A massive list of performers was assembled to toast Willie…
There are a lot of threads and tentacles to talk about and run down when it comes to the ultra viral explosion of Oliver Anthony and the video for his song “Rich Men North of Richmond.”
Every so often, it is important to stop down, pay tribute, and appreciate all of the living legends we still have around in country and roots music. These are the contributors who you can sometimes trace back to the very formations of country.
Yes Tina Turner sang country music. Her first solo album was country, she recorded country songs throughout her career, and she even inspired one of the most iconic country songs of all time.
You all know about The Highwaymen, arguably the greatest supergroup in country music history, and one of the greatest supergroups of any genre ever. Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash. We think of these guys as the pinnacle of country music badassery.
The only thing more cool than your favorite country music performers is when your favorite country music performers come together to collaborate in a supergroup. Some of these collaborations have gone on to become just as legendary as the individual performers themselves.
Who sings the song marking the passing of a soul when the person who has died is the one we turn to on such solemn and grave occasions? Who writes the obituary for the man who was responsible for marking the passing of so many greats in country music when he is now the one being eulogized?
The family of singer, songwriter, performer, producer, journalist, and historian Peter Cooper are asking for thoughts and prayers after the veteran member of the country music community suffered a head injury that was initially thought to be life threatening. He remains in critical condition.
One of the biggest names ever in rock & roll, who also amassed a distinguished Hall of Fame career in the country music realm as well, has taken his place among the Million Dollar Quartet in the sky, right beside Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Carl Perkins. “The Killer,” a.k.a. Jerry Lee Lewis, has died.
Rock and roll legend and recently-inducted Country Music Hall of Famer Jerry Lee Lewis is NOT dead, Saving Country Music can confirm. Despite multiple reports of Jerry Lee’s passing on Wednesday (10-26), including from TMZ, the New York Post, and UK’s Independent, Jerry Lee Lewis publicist Zach Farnum…
Concept albums have been an integral part of country music history, with the release of certain projects completely reshaping the country music paradigm, including in recent memory. Just in case you need an illustration of the breadth and importance of concept albums in country music
As reported by Saving Country Music in July, a new 6-part, 12-hour documentary named ‘They Called Us Outlaws: Cosmic Cowboys, Honky Tonk Heroes, and the Rise of Renegade Troubadours’ is on the way, featuring over 90 interviews and 75 live performances, with Jessi Colter executive producing.
Country music is country music, and the best definition of what country music is, is that you know it when you hear it. It’s self-evident. But the genre has birthed many subgenres, many stylistic movements over the years, and at times has seen a splintering and Balkanization.