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Hank Williams’ Steel Guitarist, Don Helms, Passed Away Today At 81
Steel guitarist Don Helms, who played on more than 100 Hank Williams recordings, passed away this morning at 81 from an apparent heart attack.
Mr. Helms was the last remaining link to the Drifting Cowboys. His guitar was heard on more than 100 of Williams’ recordings, including “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Cold, Cold Heart” and “I Can’t […]Continue reading "Hank Williams’ Steel Guitarist, Don Helms, Passed Away Today At 81"
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Going Once: Former Home of Johnny Cash’s Parents Up For Bid
The former home of Johnny Cash’s parents, which sits across the street from where Johnny and June’s home was burned down last year, is up for sale on eBay. For only 1.4 million dollars you get the house, Johnny Cash memorabilia, including a gold record of “I Walk the Line,” and you’ll be neighbors with […]
Continue reading "Going Once: Former Home of Johnny Cash’s Parents Up For Bid"
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Clay Walker - “She Likes it in the Morning”
I’m not a songwriter, but I do know a thing or two about the craft. One of the most important elements of a song is the title, and when you’re marketing the song to a radio audience that’s going to be requesting it and talking about it, the title becomes even more important. With limited […]
Continue reading "Clay Walker - “She Likes it in the Morning”"
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Artists to Watch in 2008 (Part 2 of 5): The Comeback Kids
In yesterday’s installment of my five-part 2008 preview, I discussed six artists who are on the brink of fading into obscurity. Today, I’m bringing you the flip side–five artists who are poised to re-establish their careers in the new year.
Clint Black (Equity): Black’s late 2007 single “The Strong One” has been clawing its way slowly […]Continue reading "Artists to Watch in 2008 (Part 2 of 5): The Comeback Kids"
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Brad Paisley Feels The Pressure of Five CMA Nominations
We’re not the only ones with predictions for the CMAs tonight, both Country Universe and USA Today have chimed in as well. With all the different choices being made it doesn’t seem as though the awards are as predictable as they’re generally made out to be.
East Tennessee State University unveiled a kiosk and accompanying exhibit, […]Continue reading "Brad Paisley Feels The Pressure of Five CMA Nominations"
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Mailbag: Does Vince Gill Cut His Own Hair?
How do you write a tribute to someone you love?
If there was a formula, would it really be a fitting tribute? - Brody
What country singer had Big & Rich in their video?
The duo appeared in the video for Billy Joe Shaver’s “Live Forever” and even took part in vocal duties. (watch on YouTube) - Brody
Who […]Continue reading "Mailbag: Does Vince Gill Cut His Own Hair?"
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Album Review: Clay Walker - Fall
It doesn’t feel like it’s been four years since Clay Walker released his last album, A Few Questions, but indeed, it has. During that time, he learned Spanish and spent a year searching for songs with acclaimed producer Keith Stegall for his eighth album and first release on Curb Records. The result, Fall, is […]
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Porter Wagoner Celebrates 50 Years With Opry And Stagecoach Highlights Different Sub-Genres Of Country
On Saturday, May 19 Porter Wagoner will celebrate his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Marty Stuart will host the one-hour event to be televised on GAC and Patty Loveless and Dolly Parton will be giving special performances. Also to honor the occasion, The Martin Guitar Company is introducing the Martin […]
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Josh Turner Records To A Full House At The Opry And Carrie Underwood Named Sexiest Female Musican
I’m running short on time, so please forgive today’s rather punctuated Roundup.
Matt Curry from the Associated Press talks about Clay Walker’s newest album, and has a lot of positive things to say about it as well as Walker himself. “It seemingly includes something for everyone, including the heart-tugging ‘It Ain’t Pretty (But It’s Beautiful)’ and […]
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Rodney Atkins Celebrates Platinum Status And Last Of The Breed Debuts At #7 On Billboard
Michelle Branch, from the “country” duo The Wreckers, has a stalker. The guy shows up at all of her shows, sends her letters and videos, and even lunged at her once during an autograph session. Scary stuff.
Dierks Bentley and his wife Cassidy talked to People about their wedding on the beach in Mexico.
Although Dierks and […]
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Forgotten Artists: Goldie Hill Had Carl Smith and Goldie Hill been born 30 or 40 years later, they might have been like Faith Hill and Tim McGraw–the dominant married couple in country music.
Forgotten Artist: Wynn Stewart Both Buck Owens and Merle Haggard have cited Wynn Stewart as a major influence on their careers, yet somehow, he was never able to translate his enormous talent into extended and consistent success for himself.
Miranda Lambert - “More Like Her” This kind of material, as opposed to her tough-chick-done-wrong romps like “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and “Gunpowder and Lead,” is where her real promise lies
Joey Rory - “Cheater, Cheater” It’s actually downright frivolous, but that just makes it all the more fun. And really, are you allowed to say “ho” on country radio?
Josh Gracin - “Unbelievable (Ann Marie)” Despite initial marketing that touted the album as deep and personal, “Unbelievable (Ann Marie)” is anything but deep or personal.
Josh Turner - "Everything Is Fine" Turner is the rare example of an artist who records material that’s both quality and trademark.
Darryl Worley - "Tequila On Ice" A groovy mid-tempo that sways, a refreshing reprieve from the exhausting pace of a format that clamors for loud music and swelling choruses.
Blake Shelton - "She Wouldn't Be Gone" It’s all about nailing the melody rather than providing a legitimate interpretation that accentuates the lyrical content, although Shelton does do a pretty good job of injecting what limited emotion he can.
Don’t look now, but Darius Rucker, lead singer of 90s rock group Hootie & The Blowfish, has a country hit on his hands. What you probably haven’t heard is that Rucker is the first black artist to chart a single in the country top 20 since Charley Pride last did it in 1988.
News that former Sugarland member and co-founder Kristen Hall is suing her ex-mates, to the tune of $1.5 million, goes a long way towards providing a bit of context regarding the Atlanta singer/songwriter’s sudden departure from the group.
In Memory of Don Helms (1927 - 2008) Helms dated back to a time when an excellent four or five piece band and a good singer were all that were needed to make great country music. No drums, no light shows, no production tricks in the recording studio–just good music.
In this exclusive interview with The 9513, the Show Dog Records trio talks about growing up around Waylon and Jessi Colter, and about how those experiences have helped shaped their music as they set off on their own country music journey.
One of an emerging wave of artists empowered by decreasing production costs and a rapidly changing distribution landscape, Kelleigh Bannen has taken a do-it-yourself approach to her debut album, Radio Skies.Current Discussion
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