Lots Happening in the Willie Nelson World
Willie Nelson may have turned 90 last month, but he remains one of the most active and prolific artists in country music.
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson’s Now a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer … and a Rock Artist Isn’t
Even though you want to root for your favorite country artist for any honor they might receive, it feels like Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions should be reserved from rock and roll artists first and foremost.
Why Charley Pride Took So Long to Become a Grand Ole Opry Member
30 years ago today—May 1st 1993—Charley Pride took the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville as he had done many times before, but this time it was special.
“Family Bible” Singer, ‘The Tall Texan’ Claude Gray Has Died
He stood 6’5″ tall, which is why people referred to him as “The Tall Texan.” He was the first performer to record and release the song “Family Bible” written by Willie Nelson.
Newest Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#118)
The Saving Country Music Top 25 Playlist isn’t turning into the “Bluegrass” Top 25 Playlist. It just happens to be with all the bluegrass musicians kicking ass these days, it’s beginning to feel that way.
Morgan Wallen Duffs It Once Again
You can’t let fans load into the venue, get a beer in their hand, and then last minute, pull the plug. It’s not cool. And this is what Morgan Wallen did in Oxford, Mississippi on Sunday night, April 23rd at the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, even waiting until after openers Hardy and Ernest had performed.
Melonie Cannon & Friends to Pay Tribute to Vern Gosdin
Melonie Cannon owes a special debut of gratitude to Vern Gosdin. She’s gives Vern credit for believing in her as a singer even before her own father did. Gosdin took Melonie under her wing when she was a teenager, and got her father to pay attention to her as a serious country vocalist.
10 Years Ago Today: George Jones Plays His Final Concert
It’s something that most of us mere mortals can’t comprehend. But for our country legends, they would have it no other way. Willie Nelson has regularly said that he wants to die on stage. And as morbid as a prognosis as that might be, it speaks to how important music and performance is to these legends.
Album Review – Willie Nelson’s “I Don’t Know a Thing About Love”
Willie Nelson will turn 90 on April 29th, and has shown no signs of slowing down, either on the road, or in the studio. His last album called “A Beautiful Time” was released last year on his birthday and went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Country Album, and earned it entirely on the merit of the music.
2023 Luck Reunion Features Legendary Performances, Logistical Issues
Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion remains one of the most premier and exclusive events in the country and roots space every year, and a much healthier option to braving a day at SXSW in Austin, TX, which Luck acts as an alternative to. But even though the 2023 installment will be remembered for plenty of fond reasons…
FairWell Festival Offers Excellent Inaugural Lineup
Now Central Oregon will have their own country and roots festival, and it may have one of the best lineups of any independent country event all year. Called the FairWell Festival, they have just announced their inaugural lineup for their July 21-23 festival at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond.
25 Years Ago: Johnny Cash Flips the Bird at Nashville Establishment
Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve likely seen the iconic image of Johnny Cash aggressively flipping the bird from back in the day. In fact, you’ve probably seen it all over the place, perhaps to where you may be tired of seeing it at this point. But few remember how it came into the world.
The Highwaymen’s Surprisingly Saccharin Tour Rider
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.
Remembering Eddy and Billy Joe Shaver’s Super Duo “Shaver”
Billy Joe Shaver was one of the greatest, most influential, and most colorful songwriter/performers in the history of country music. There may have never been a more important performer in country music who never had a Top 40 hit. Billy Joe’s son Eddy Shaver was no slouch either.
Big Release Day In Country Music (3-3). Here’s What Not to Miss
In the embarrassment of riches that is the current country/Americana landscape, it’s an increasingly common issue where there are more new album releases on a given Friday than time to review or even listen to them in a timely manner. So to make sure you don’t miss anything…
Lineup for Willie Nelson’s 2023 Luck Reunion Revealed
Over the last eleven years, one of the major events worth seeking out as a refuge from the madness is Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion held at his ranch just west of town … if you’re lucky enough to be able to get in. Held on the Thursday of SXSW every year (which puts it on March 16th in 2023).
50 Years Ago: Waylon Jennings Cuts ‘Honky Tonk Heroes’ & It Gets Heated
The story of both the song “Honky Tonk Heroes” and the album illustrates how sometimes through conflict can come great creativity. If Billy Joe Shaver had never accosted Waylon Jennings in that hallway, who knows what may have happened with the Outlaw movement.
Two Worlds Collide as George Strait Joins Bruce Springsteen On Stage
Folks attending Bruce’s show Thursday night, February 16th at the new Moody Center in Austin, TX got a special treat when not one, but two American music legends took the stage. George Strait came out to give The Boss a warn Texas introduction.
A Compendium of Country Music Supergroups
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.
Real Country Wins Big at 2023 Grammy Awards
Before all the pomp, pop, and circumstance of the televised portions of the 2023 Grammy Awards, the Grammy Premier Ceremony transpired Sunday (2-5) afternoon in Los Angeles. This is where many of the country awards are given out, as well as awards for bluegrass, folk, Americana.
The Good & Bad of Willie Nelson’s Rock Hall of Fame Nomination
Well here we are again talking about a major country music artist being nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and just like Dolly Parton in 2022, Willie Nelson will be one of the next Rock Hall members. His nomination ordains that. Voters won’t not drop a vote on Willie.
Aaron McCune Keeps Bass Singing Alive with Oak Ridge Boys, Dailey & Vincent
Aaron McCune can not only can handle the bass parts to iconic country songs from The Oak Ridge Boys and others, he can go even deeper, and this is bringing the important element of four-part harmonies with bass in country music to a new generation. He’s a member of Dailey & Vincent.
The Legendary Longhorn Ballroom Finally Sets Re-Opening
The Longhorn Ballroom was one of the most important venues in country music for many years. When it opened in 1950, it was known as Bob Wills’ Ranch House, and was one of the major venues in Western Swing. It was also once operated by Jack Ruby.
Willie Nelson’s 90th Birthday Will Be One for the Ages
Not all of us will end up making it to 90. But we’re all the beneficiaries of the fact that Willie Nelson (almost) has. On April 29th, Willie will officially turn 90 years old, and on that day and the next one, a massive cavalcade of stars will converge on the Hollywood Bowl in California.