Paying a Visit to Marty Robbins
If there was ever a “most interesting man in country music,” Marty Robbins would make a great candidate. The career of Marty Robbins really was quite incredible.
George Jones
George Jones, Johnny Paycheck Drummer Arnie Adams Dies
The Country Music world has lost an incredibly important and pioneering drummer. On August 28th, Roland “Arnie” Adams passed away at home, reportedly from a late-stage cancer.
George Jones Right Hand Man Ron Gaddis Has Died
If you went to see George Jones for some 25 years, it was difficult to impossible to miss Ron Gaddis on stage with him. He was one of the most famous “Jones Boys” for the latter half of George Jones’ career.
30 Years Ago: Vince Gill Toasts George Jones in #1 Song
One of Vince Gill’s #1 songs saw the nexus between quality writing, reverence for country’s past, and widespread appeal. Released 30 years ago today (July 26th, 1993), “One More Last Chance” was not only Vince Gill’s signature hit
George Jones & Tammy Wynette Actors Receive Emmy Nominations
Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain have both received Emmy nominations for their portrayals of George Jones and Tammy Wynette, part of four nominations total for the limited series.
Jelly Roll Is Everywhere in Country Music
Former rap and hick-hop artist Jelly Roll is poised to become one of the biggest artists in country music in the coming weeks, months, and years.
Disgraced Publicist Kirt Webster Working with George Jones Estate, Others
The George Jones Estate and others continue to work with disgraced publicist Kirt Webster, who has accused of sexual assault and other behavior.
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.
New Surreal Film Chronicles Garth Brooks Meeting George Jones
Well now, this is certainly something we were not expecting to see in 2023 or any other year, but here we go. There is a new film being released that chronicles Garth Brooks meeting George Jones before George is scheduled to be cryogenically frozen in 1994. Called Country Gold, the film stars actor Ben Hall.
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 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.
Turnpike Troubadours Put Cool Twist on Brew Partnership
The Turnpike Troubadours partnering with a coffee company actually seems quietly awesome, and this is coming from someone who doesn’t even drink coffee, and doesn’t get excited about these kinds of things ever. It’s an interesting twist on the country music brew partnership.
What The “George & Tammy” Series Got Right and Wrong
George & Tammy turned out pretty spectacular generally speaking, with some very serious caveats that for some viewers ultimately turned out to be fatal to their viewership. There is a reason that almost every single professional review of this series was glowing in its praise, but some fans balked.
Big George Jones “Still Playin’ Possum” Concert Announced
April 26th, 2023 will be the 10th Anniversary of the death of George Jones, and on the day before—Tuesday April 25th—artists and fans will be congregating in Huntsville, Alabama at the Propst Arena to remember George Jones in a one night only event billed as “Still Playin’ Possum.”
Album Review- Zachariah Malachi’s “Local Bar Opry Star”
Full of original classic country songs that sound like they’re recorded 60 years too late (in the best of ways), it is a breath of fresh air compared to many of today’s modern country monstrosities, and a worthy introduction to an artist we hope to hear much more from in years to come.
FOX’s “Monarch” Canceled as Showtime’s “George & Tammy” Soars
It’s the tale of two television shows, as two networks try to tap into the rich narrative of country music, one via fictionalized drama, and another via the true story of Tammy Wynette and George Jones. One didn’t go very well at all. Another is setting records. FOX’s “Monarch” vs. Showtime’s “George & Tammy.”
Venerated Journalist and Performer Peter Cooper Has Died
Who sings the song marking the passing of a soul when the person who has died is the one we turn to on such solemn and grave occasions? Who writes the obituary for the man who was responsible for marking the passing of so many greats in country music when he is now the one being eulogized?
“George & Tammy” Debut Episode Lives Up To Expectations
The real life stories of certain country music artists are sometimes even more intriguing and dramatic than the dramatized stories they tell in song. This was certainly the case for George Jones, Tammy Wynette, and their tumultuous marriage and working relationship.
Artist, Journalist, and Historian Peter Cooper Suffers Head Injury
The family of singer, songwriter, performer, producer, journalist, and historian Peter Cooper are asking for thoughts and prayers after the veteran member of the country music community suffered a head injury that was initially thought to be life threatening. He remains in critical condition.
Album Review – Billy Strings – “Me / And / Dad”
If there was an ideal time for Billy Strings to hop off the bluegrass train, it would be right now. So what does he do to codify his dominance of the live music space? He goes off and records the most straightforward album of bluegrass and country standards as possible, and invites his father.
Charley Crockett Holds Court at a Sold Out Ryman
What a year it has been for Charley Crockett, who has recently transitioned off the club circuit to full-blown theaters. And in country music, there is no bigger theater than the Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman Auditorium.
“George & Tammy” TV Series Finally Gets Trailer, Air Date
The limited series ‘George & Tammy: The Rise and Fall of Country Music’s King and Queen’ about the life and marriage of country legends Tammy Wynette and George Jones will premier on both Showtime and the Paramount Network. Starring Jessica Chastain as Tammy, and Michael Shannon as George.
Polarizing “Wagon Wheel” Now One of The Most Popular Songs Ever
There is one thing that can’t be disputed about the song “Wagon Wheel.” It is unequivocally now one of the biggest songs in country music history. Darius Rucker and his label Capitol Records Nashville celebrated the song going Certified Diamond by the RIAA, meaning it has now racked up 10 million in sales.
Country Music’s Greatest Concept Albums of All Time
Concept albums have been an integral part of country music history, with the release of certain projects completely reshaping the country music paradigm, including in recent memory. Just in case you need an illustration of the breadth and importance of concept albums in country music