Album Review – Tanya Tucker’s “Sweet Western Sound”
44 Comments“Sweet Western Sound” will be very effective for what it was designed to do: win Grammy Awards. For Tanya Tucker, and Brandi Carlile. And when it does it will be hard to argue against, because its brilliant moments unquestionably soar.
Maddie Hasson to Play Billie Jean in Hank Williams Biopic
19 CommentsThe third important role in the new Hank Williams biopic I Saw The Light has been cast. 19-year-old Maddie Hasson from New Bern, North Carolina, who previously played Willa Monday in the Fox TV show The Finder, and currently co-stars in the ABC Family show Twisted has been cast in the role of Billie Jean—Hank’s second wife and an important woman in country music lore.
The Secret Ingredient to Make Outlaw Fest “Shine”
1 Comment“Marty Shine” is what many of his friends call him. He’s the owner of the Moonshine Sauce Company who through a series of events over the last year or so has gone from slaving over a hot barbecue pit to playing festival promoter at this weekend’s Outlaw Fest at the Edgehill Farm in Oakland, KY. “Good food makes good friends.”
Folsom Tributes Johnny Cash with Trail, Bridge, & Upcoming Statue
2 CommentsOver the weekend, Johnny Cash’s daughter Rosanne Cash ventured out to Folsom, CA to cut the ribbon at the new Johnny Cash Trail and Overpass, which includes a pedestrian and bike bridge that replicates the castle-style guard towers of Folsom Prison’s east gate. After the 2.5 mile trail is complete, planners want to create a 2-acre park beside the trail that will include a 50-foot statue of Cash.
Why Live Nation Buying C3 Would Be The Worst Thing Ever
10 CommentsAccording to multiple unnamed sources, Live Nation is currently negotiating a deal with C3 to purchase 51% of the company for around $125 million. It’s hard to see how Live Nation getting into the independent music business and a further drying up of competition could be good for independent music consumers.
NASH Icon is Now Beating Bobby Bones in Nashville
27 CommentsHold the presses. This whole Nash Icon / country music format split business just got a hell of a lot more serious and interesting. On Monday (10-6), the ratings for radio stations were released for Nashville and other locations, and within those numbers was a bombshell for the country music radio world. In Nashville, the NASH Icon affiliate beat the biggest pop country station.
Review – Cole Swindell’s “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight”
67 CommentsHere’s to watching what you wish for. For a while we’ve been clamoring for these Bro-Country types to put a little story in their songs instead of simply listing off the stuff they see as they sit on their tailgate with their iPhone notepad pulled up trying to write a song. Unfortunately those results regularly turn out to be worse than the latter.
Sturgill, John Moreland, DM3, Nikki Lane & More on 2015 Stagecoach
16 CommentsIndio, California’s country version of the massive Coachella Festival bucks the trend of most corporate country music festivals by casting independent artists and legacy acts in their lineup right beside some of the biggest current names in the country music industry as well as major label up-and-comers. This is the environment that cultivates cross-pollination between independent artists and a wider fan base.
Who is The Man Who Saved Historic Studio ‘A’?
11 CommentsAs recently as the middle of last week it looked as if the fate of historic Studio ‘A’ in Nashville’s Music Row district was all but sealed, and its date with a wrecking ball was a forgone conclusion despite preservationist’s best efforts. But in one fell swoop, one man came in and did what thousands of people could not do despite their best efforts: preserve Studio ‘A’.
Results from the Waylon Jennings Arizona Estate Auction
19 CommentsWaylon fans and collectible enthusiasts from around the country and world made their way to the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, AZ or tuned in online to a 2,000-item estate liquidation from the Arizona homestead of the late Waylon Jennings. The auction was conducted by Guernsey’s of New York who compiled over 500 lots of Waylon’s personal effects.
Trial in the Wayne Mills Murder Case Delayed
7 CommentsFriends, fans, and family of slain country music artist Wayne Mills will have to wait a little longer to attempt to get the answers and justice they seek in the songwriter’s death. The 2nd Degree Murder trial for the man accused of killing Wayne, bar owner Chris Ferrell, has been pushed back nearly five months from its originally scheduled date.
Dissecting Garth’s “Man Against Machine” Cover & Quote
53 CommentsOn Friday (10-3) Garth Brooks unveiled the cover art and title to his first album in 14 years called Man Against Machine set to be released on November 11th. Garth strikes a much different pose on the Man Against Machine cover than we’re used to from him. Even more interesting is the quote offered up with the album announcement.
35 Artists More Deserving of an Opry Invitation Before Little Big Town
134 CommentsTonight (10-3) on the Friday night presentation of the Grand Ole Opry, Capitol Records recording group Little Big Town was surprised by Reba McEntire on stage and invited to become the newest members of country music’s most storied institution. Now Little Big Town, like so many of the Opry’s newest members, can take the accolades and attention the distinction bestows, but not fulfill their performance obligations.