Terrence Howard Performing For Charley Pride, Dierks Bentley Lets Loose, And Rare Ray Price Recordings

With his solid band backing his every move, he was singing into fans’ cell phones, drinking their beers and wearing their hats. Bentley’s interaction with the crowd — emphasizing party-boy antics over shallow conversation — is why he’s gained a reputation as one of country’s most engaging live acts.

I saw him open for George Strait here in Austin and he had a lot of energy, but he definitely didn’t leave the stage. I assume he had to turn it down a notch since what he did would reflect on George Strait.

Going to see country legend Merle Haggard play The Paramount on Sunday, Feb. 11? Here’s a hint of what you might expect:

“I wrote a thing yesterday mornin’ and we couldn’t get it recorded ’til about noon,” Haggard drawled to Seattle Times music critic Patrick MacDonald over the phone. “I think it may be the biggest thing that I’ve written in 30 years. And I’ll just give you the title of it and see what you think.

“It’s called ‘Hillary’. (He laughs out loud). Tell you what, it’s good!”

“I went and had a talk with him about that, that it might not be appropriate for him to be singing that in school,” Atkins said. “That night, I started writing ‘Watching You.’”

The article, from the Houston Chronicle, also talks about Atkins not wanting to change his name to prevent confusion with Trace Adkins and Rhett Akins and living with three different families during his first year of life.

With his rugged looks and been-there vocal tones, Allan is thoroughly convincing when he sings about the hopes and aspirations, the dark days and tough breaks that come along in life.

I personally think the guy should be getting more recognition than he is. He’s consistently putting out memorable songs and quickly established himself as one of my favorite artists.