In an episode of Country Road TV uploaded in August 2021, the up-and-coming artist Mo Pitney performed a beautiful rendition of Mel Street’s country classic “Borrowed Angel.” Cross Rhythms described Illinois-native Pitney as an “anomaly.” That is, in a time when country-pop tracks dominate the charts, he decided to go against the flow. He embraced … Read more
“That’s all in the movies; so baby don’t cry,” Merle Haggard soothed in his 1975 number-one hit song with the Strangers titled “It’s All in the Movies.” And it was such an easy listen with a simple, remarkable melody and uncomplicated lyrics. As always, The Hag committed to complete simplicity, saying, “The best songs feel … Read more
The sons of Merle Haggard, Noel Haggard and Ben Haggard, shared a stage to honor his musical legacy with a cover of two of his hit songs, “Running Kind” and “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive.” The performance was part of the Country’s Family Reunion four-part tribute series for the legendary singer. The Tribute Larry Black, a … Read more
In October 2023, Country’s Family Reunion released a two-volume, 14-track tribute album for the one and only Merle Haggard, featuring Ben Haggard’s cover of “It’s All in the Movies.” And as always, the youngest son of the legendary singer nailed it. Since 1997, Country’s Family Reunion has brought together country music greats who helped shape … Read more
In 2013, Dion Pride and Lorrie Morgan released their rendition of Charlie Pride’s classic breakout song “Kiss an Angel Good Morning.” The song is simply a joyful love story of a man who is deeply in love with a woman he calls his angel. However, according to reports, the song was inspired by fatherly love … Read more
In 1981, American country singer Merle Haggard released his hit cover of the gospel song “Where No One Stands Alone” as part of his album Songs for the Mama That Tried. It was originally written by Mosie Lister in 1955 and was sampled by Elvis Presley and Lisa Marie Presley in 1967. This album is … Read more
In 2008, American country music trio Lady A released their hit song “One Day You Will” as part of their self-titled album, Lady Antebellum. The way the band sang the song definitely struck a chord for many. Their powerful yet mellow vocals give the song the spark that many listeners fell in love with. That … Read more
In 2000, singer Phil Vassar released “Just Another Day in Paradise,” and it instantly became his first-ever number-one single as a country artist. Upon its release, “Just Another Day in Paradise” immediately climbed up the charts, landing at no. 1 on the US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) and no. 2 on the Canada Country Tracks … Read more
In 1998, American country singer Chad Brock released his breakout hit “Ordinary Life” as part of his self-titled debut album. Upon its release, “Ordinary Life” immediately made it to the charts, peaking at no. 3 on the US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) and no. 10 on the Canada Country Tracks, making it one of Chad … Read more
Aside from being a highly successful country singer, Brad Paisley is also a loving husband to his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, and a proud dad of two kids, William Huckleberry and Jasper Warren. But before we get to know the boys, let’s take a quick walk down memory lane and reminisce about their mom and dad’s … Read more
“Dear John, I must let you know tonight that my love for you has died away like grass upon the lawn,” Jean Shepard sang in her 1953 hit song with Ferlin Husky titled “A Dear John Letter.” It was her first chart appearance and a number one at that. The most impressive part? She was … Read more
Merle Haggard’s youngest son, Ben Haggard, revived his 1967 chart-topping single “Sing Me Back Home,” and it didn’t disappoint. As expected from the son of the legendary singer himself. Ben Haggard’s Version “Sing Me Back Home” was written and recorded by Merle Haggard and The Strangers as the first single and title track of his … Read more
Did you know that Hunter Hayes, now known for his hit songs “Wanted” and “Somebody’s Heartbreak,” once shared a stage with Bocephus, aka Hank Williams Jr.? Yes, you read that right. He was four at the time, and his song choice for their performance was something you’d never expect from someone that young. While every … Read more
In October 2010, the Country Music Museum and Hall of Fame witnessed the performance of three country icons: Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban. And their song choice was as iconic as the three of them. It was George Jones’ classic track “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Dolly Parton was on center stage while … Read more
If anyone’s to list songs from Merle Haggard’s discography that defined his legendary career, then “The Fightin’ Side of Me” would’ve made it. He wrote the song with the American band The Strangers and was released as the first single and title track of the same-titled album. This wasn’t supposed to be Haggard’s next release … Read more
Country singer Keith Urban sang a tribute medley to the iconic country singer of the ‘60s, Marty Robbins, during the 2009 Artist of the Decade All-Star Concert. And no one could’ve done it better than him. The Tribute Every decade, the Academy of Country Music Award recognizes one artist whose career has significantly impacted country … Read more
The famous country vocal quartet, The Oak Ridge Boys’ track about a girl named “Bobbie Sue” became a massive hit. It was the first single off their same-titled album, and just months after its release in 1982, it nabbed the Oaks their sixth number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Not just that, … Read more
While Jean Shepard’s only number one hit in her entire career was “A Dear John Letter,” she did rack up a string of Top 10 hits, including her highly sensual track “Then He Touched Me.” She released it in 1969 as the first single for her album A Woman’s Hand, which peaked at number 8 … Read more
When Jean Shepard was making her way into the country music scene, she never felt the need to fit herself into the mold. She won people over with her rather unfamiliar hard-edged honky tonk vocals – unlike the usual smooth singing. And she was unafraid to record and release gritty songs, which were mostly about … Read more
In a time when women struggled to have full-blown careers, let alone break into country music, Jean Shepard paved the way. According to Opry announcer and WSM DJ Eddie Stubbs, she pushed doors open – she even kicked her way through if she needed to. So, if you’re curious to know more about this absolute … Read more
Country singers Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge got married just hours after meeting in an airport lounge in Los Angeles in 1971. Their marriage lasted for only seven years. And while they didn’t seem like the best as husband and wife, they fared better as duet partners. Case in point: “Please Don’t Tell Me How … Read more
In 1981, country music couple Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter dropped their duet version of Colter’s “Storms Never Last.” And it was a heartwarming, wonderful display of love between two lovely, beautiful human beings. In a 1973 interview with Rolling Stone’s Chet Flippo, Waylon Jennings said that he had been at the lowest point of … Read more
It’s no secret that Johnny Cash has been through a lot, and his songs are a big reflection of that. With the plethora of facts about him available on the Internet, there’s no shortage of little slices of his life that are still not-so-known. So, for every fan out there, we’ve compiled a short list … Read more
While people saw Elvis Presley as a rock’n’roll god. His stepbrother, Billy Stanley, recalled that the singer would often say a fifteen-second-long prayer before he went on stage to calm his nerves and to ask God to help bless the concert. He had always been a devout Christian. In fact, according to Colonel Tom Parker, … Read more
On September 12, 2003, the world bid goodbye to the Man in Black, Johnny Cash. And it was a heartbreaking day not just for the genre but for the whole music industry as well. The 71-year-old country music icon passed away in the early-morning hours at Nashville’s Baptist Hospital. He succumbed to respiratory failure brought … Read more
“The Pilgrim, Chapter 33” by Kris Kristofferson has been considered one of the most successful songs by the artist. The song is part of his album The Silver Tounged Devil and I, which also included hits like “Good Christian Soldier,” “The Taker,” and “Lovin’ Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again).” The album … Read more
Here are some facts you probably know about rising country artist Warren Zeiders – he’s from Hershey, Pennsylvania, and he first made his name on TikTok in 2021 with his viral acoustic hit “Ride the Lightning.” During that time, he wasn’t looking for fame – no pretense or motive, just genuine sharing of his artistry. … Read more
In 1991, country singer Doug Stone released the country ballad “In a Different Light” as part of his self-titled debut album. Upon its release, the song immediately climbed up the charts, landing at no. 1 in Canada Country Tracks (RPM) and US Hot Country Songs (Billboard). This was already expected since the country love ballad shows how … Read more
In 2017, Kyle Tomlinson, a fifteen-year-old kid, sang the high notes of the hit gospel song “Hallelujah” effortlessly with passion during his audition for Britain’s Got Talent Season 11 and shocked the audience and the judges, especially David Williams. If you aren’t familiar with the story, during a brief interview before his performance, Kyle did … Read more
In February 1969, Merle Haggard dropped his first single, “Hungry Eyes,” from his 10th studio album A Portrait of Merle Haggard. And this was not just a chart-topping hit, it was arguably one of the greatest Merle Haggard songs whose impact transcended into the history of country music. Meaning Behind the Song Merle Haggard wrote … Read more