It’s fair to ask if The Eagles’ ‘Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)’ released 50 years ago today should it be considered a country album, or at least, mostly or partly country, or country-inspired.
It’s one of the most difficult and scrutinized performances any singer can commit to. But if you turn in a memorable rendition, it could be a defining moment in your career. It’s the National Anthem.
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.
New Years Eve is a joyous time for many, but it always comes with a pinch of sorrow for those proud to call themselves country music fans who know of the tragedy this time of year has wrought on the music.
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.
Many country music artists have claimed to be “Outlaws” over the years. Only two have produced .22 pistols and shot at people’s heads to prove it: Billy Joe Shaver, and Johnny PayCheck.
Rob Reiner’s role in a Reba McEntire video was probably the least of his accomplishments in his storied career. But it illustrates just how much he’d become an unlikely cultural icon both in front and behind the camera.
In fact, the impact and reception for the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack was so significant, it’s very fair to characterize it as one of the most important albums in country music history.
Kris Kristofferson had been named a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University. He’d also been an officer in the US Army. But he wanted to be a songwriter, so he had to start somewhere.
As the eventual title track to George’s February 1976 album, “The Battle” came out in the aftermath of George’s divorce from Tammy Wynette, and at a time when his career was in a commercial slide.
From humble beginnings and low expectations to the very pinnacle of the country genre, George Strait is an inspiration for all those country performers getting up on stage to play their first professional gig.
By the time Willie minted his first #1 in country music, he’d been hired and fired from the Grand Ole Opry. He’d been married and divorced. He’d retired from music, put on 40 pounds, and become a pig farmer.
“Diamonds & Gasoline” has been the ever-present fuel and gem to the Turnpike Troubadours phenomenon that never tires, never gets old, will never fall out of style, and will continue to be relevant and resonant.
Country music isn’t just here to entertain. It is here to heal. And few songs have the healing power, and present such grace and adulation for a fallen friend, loved one, or fellow country great.
Of all the harrowing, tragic, and redemptive stories in the history of country music, pioneering Hispanic country star Johnny Rodriguez might have the rest of the field beat.
When you think of Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw, you don’t exactly think of a couple of country music “Outlaws.” Horse thievery isn’t exactly what comes to mind either, nor does disorderly conduct or assault.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a decade since someone probably mentioned to you that you should check out this really cool, but really obscure EP from a Canadian guy that sounded like he’d been throat punched by a banshee.
Bill Monroe will forever be the Father of Bluegrass. But it was Jimmy Martin, who studied under Monroe, who was able to rear back and declare himself “The King of Bluegrass.”
Of course, there was a little more going on than innocently picking flowers. But that’s how Johnny Cash loved to portray it at the time, before he was more open and honest about his substance abuse issues.
It wasn’t just a country album. It was the country album. It ended one era in country music, and began a new one, while going on to define the era it founded, and to define country music for generations.
There are just a few landmark records that you can point back to in the history of country music and legitimately claim they revolutionized the genre in fundamental ways.
George Jones and Tammy Wynette were two of the best to ever do it—divorce songs, and country music in general. So it should be of no surprise that Mr. and Mrs. Country Music would themselves get married, and eventually, divorce.
We want our country and Western artists to be the real deal. Even if it doesn’t make any bit of difference in the quality of the music, we want to know that they sing what they live, and live what they sing.