Album Review – Charles Wesley Godwin’s “Seneca”
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When you hear an artist like Charles Wesley Godwin sing, there is no need to power cycle your sense of disbelief. The sinewy roots of West Virginia’s hardscrabble existence seem to be intertwined with Godwin’s synapses and muscle tissue, almost as if he’s a construct of the land itself, like a scrub tree clinging to life.
African American Influence on Country Music Can’t Be Understated, or Overstated
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For many years, the influence and contributions of African American musicians in country music went mostly overlooked, or overshadowed by their Caucasian counterparts. However there has been a recent trend by media and even some artists to overstate the influence of African Americans.
Unheard Townes Van Zandt Songs Accompany New “Sky Blue” Album
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A new posthumous collection of Townes Van Zandt recordings is on its way from Fat Possum and TVZ Records. Made in early 1973, the songs come from a recording session with journalist, musician, and close Townes Van Zandt friend, the late Bill Hedgepeth. They were recorded in Hedgepeth’s home studio in Atlanta.
George Strait Debuts New Willie Nelson Tribute Song “Sing One With Willie”
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It’s both weird that fellow Texans and country legends Willie Nelson and George Strait have never collaborated together or even performed side by side in their illustrious careers, and yet it also makes perfect sense. But it was bound to happen eventually that the two would sing together.
Pioneering Musician, Performer, & Label Owner Bonnie Guitar Has Died
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Legendary and pioneering guitar player, country music star, label owner and businesswoman Bonnie Guitar has passed away according to close friends and family. She died Sunday morning (1-13) in Washington State, where she was born, lived most of her life, and launched a record label that had major implications in music.
Legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd Ed King Guitar Now in Custody of Jason Isbell
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An iconic guitar owned by Ed King of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and that once was stolen from the “Sweet Home Alabama” co-writer at gunpoint, is now in the custody of the King of Americana, Jason Isbell. “Don’t think I’ve played a finer electric guitar than this one. It haunts me now,” Isbell said after playing it the first time.
“All My Ex’s” Songwriter Whitey Shafer Has Died
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A legend of country music songwriting, and one that put the painful experience of divorce into words and song like none other has gone to the great honky tonk in the sky. Sanger D. Shafer, known popularly as Whitey Shafer, passed away on Saturday, January 12th according to reports.
Tracy Byrd Is Back, and Is Hitting The Road Hard and Heavy
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With all the re-emphasis on 90’s country lately, what better time for 90’s country star Tracy Byrd to re-emerge with a big tour. Tracy Byrd continued to make live appearances here and there, but he re-emerged in 2016 when he released his first record in 10 years, the self-funded and self-promoted ‘All American Texan.’
Patty Griffin Announces New Self-Titled Album
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Like a lazy Sunday morning, a Patty Griffin song can frame life perfectly, and put everything into perspective. This gift is the reason artists such as Emmylou Harris, Miranda Lambert, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and the Dixie Chicks have selected her songs to record, and the Grammys have awarded and nominated her efforts.
Album Review – Randy Houser’s “Magnolia”
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Tag Randy Houser’s Magnolia as yet another entry into the evidence file that the era of Bro-Country continues to wane, and it’s slow but steady expiration has allowed the latitude of some established artists to return, giving them the ability to select and record the material of their choosing, and reuniting them with their more […]
UPDATED: ‘Highwomen’ Supergroup with Brandi Carlile & Amanda Shires On The Way
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A new country music supergroup is on the way that will combine the talents of Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, and Margo Price. Called the Highwomen, it will take inspiration from legendary country music supergroup The Highwaymen. Jim Lauderdale is also involved in the project as a co-writer.
Dillon Carmichael Lands Big Tour Opening Opportunities for 2019
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One of the biggest discoveries in 2018 was Dillon Carmichael and his debut, Dave Cobb-produced album Hell On An Angel. This hard country, heart-pounding honky tonk record was nominated for Saving Country Music’s Album of the Year, and put this young man with a country music pedigree on the radar of the real country crowd.
Meet King Calaway: Country Music’s Manufactured Boy Band
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Looking for yet another reason to be embarrassed as a country music fan? Well here comes King Calaway. Who or what is “King Calloway” you ask? Never heard of them? That’s okay, nobody has. Up until a couple of days ago, there was absolutely no information about this project entered into the public record whatsoever.