You can be assured that Dale Watson’s new album called “Unwanted” will be twangy, hard-charging, and true to itself when it’s released on April 24th via Forty Below Records. The twelve tracks all self-produced and written by Dale.
Waylon never followed, or imitated. He led. Even if he was going to fail, he would rather do it his way. That’s why it isn’t just the music, but Waylon’s attitude that was so influential, and inspirational.
The final hit from a country legend is always a fascinating topic. The sad reality is that whenever a superstar reaches the end of their shelf life according to the cold and soulless assessment of country music.
When folks go to listen to Wanted: The Outlaws on streaming services, Tompall Glaser’s contributions won’t be there. As folks started noticing recently, Tompall’s tracks have been grayed out.
Alan Jackson became a country music Hall of Famer singing them. But it was his long-time behind-the-scenes songwriting partner Jim McBride who was responsible for co-writing so many of his songs.
This year, using the term “essential” has never felt more important. As AI threatens to upend the music industry in the new year, it’s critical we underscore just how essential music is to all of us.
Along with Guy Clark and his wife Susanna, Rodney Crowell, Steve Young, Richard Dobson, dobro player Jim McGuire, Billy Callery, and a very young but hungry Steve Earle all sat around the table.
Beloved drummer, band member, session player, brother, and father Bryan “Keelgood” Keeling has passed away. He played with many musicians, but is best known as a member of the .357’s.
The music is still up on streaming services as of this post, though it will likely be taken down soon. But in many respects, the damage is already done. This is just a harbinger of things to come.
Fans are loving the new posthumous release of Waylon Jennings songs called “Songbird.” The appeal for the album is reflected in the sales and streaming numbers for the release so far.
Don’t allow the purveyors of pop to piss in your ear and call it “country.” There’s an entire universe of actual country artists out there offering a more healthy alternative. This playlist is your window into it.
Waylon Jennings was the real deal if there ever was one, and that’s why unheard tracks come so anticipated. The 10 tracks from ‘Songbird’ are from the ’70s and early ’80s era.
If you really want to test someone’s country music mettle, see if they can give you any details on the song “Mama’s Don’t Let Your Cowboys Grow Up To Be Babies” featuring Tony Joe White and Waylon Jennings.
Sonny Curtis was a skilled guitar player, a clever songwriter, and someone who left his fingerprints all across American culture in indelible ways, including as a member of The Crickets.
As fall breaks and the end of the year fast approaches, it’s time to look at what’s on tap for the rest of 2025 in country before Christmas music ushers the music industry into the Holidays.
Ever since Merle Haggard’s passing on his 79th birthday on April 6th, 2016, there’s been talk of some 300 to 400 unreleased songs sitting in an archive somewhere in the bowels of the Merle Haggard estate.
He played as a primary musician in the band for The Highwaymen. He was the final steel guitar player and producer for Waylon Jennings. He played on albums from Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton. He earned the nickname the “Man of Steel.”
Over the last few months and years, something has been coming to the rescue of this relic of mass advertisement: independent country music. Charley Crockett, the Turnpike Troubadours and others have used billboards.
Don’t ever find yourself taking for granted that we live in such a fruitful, resurgent time for true country music. It’s a bumper crop of incredible songs coming out each week. This is where you can find the cream of the crop.
The new song is called “The Cowboy (Small Texas Town),” and it’s taken from the same recording sessions of Waylon’s 1978 album ‘I’ve Always Been Crazy.’ It also answers the Littlefield Billboard mystery.
This unassuming building, formerly known as the Cowboy Arms Hotel and Recording Spa, was once the home and creative nucleus of legendary producer and songwriter Cowboy Jack Clement.
The interview resulted in some great revelations about Charley Crockett, answered some major criticisms that comes up regularly about him, and generally speaking, portrayed Charley as a knowledgeable guy.
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.
On Father’s Day 2025—which also happens to coincide with Waylon’s birthday this year (June 15th)—we’re finally getting to hear some of what Shooter Jennings has been working on, with a lot more in store.