While Keith Whitley’s solo career only spanned five years, tragically cut short by his sudden death in 1989, his impact was undeniably immense. Even those who don’t really listen to country music may have come across at least one or two Keith Whitley songs just like his five number-one hits: “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” “When … Read more
Country music singer Randy Travis released his rendition of the 1868 hymn “In The Sweet By and By,” with lyrics by Sanford Fillmore Bennett and music by Joseph Philbrick Webster, in his 2003 album Worship & Faith. The song was previously covered by fellow country icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Loretta … Read more
No country music fan wouldn’t know about the iconic country music duos, most especially Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. The two collaborated on 11 studio albums from 1971 to 1988, earning five chart-toppers off five different albums – including their fifth and final hit “Feelins” from their same-titled 1975 album. The song, which was written … Read more
“Blue Skies” was originally written by American award winner composer Irving Berlin as a last-minute addition to the musical Betsy in 1926, which became an instant hit. Several artists recorded and performed the song, but it was in 1946 that it became notable because it became the title for a Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire film. It … Read more
Initially released by Kris Kristofferson in 1970, the piece “Help Me Make It Through The Night” is still famous today. The lyrics speak about a man’s longing for intimacy, making it controversial. Despite that, several artists, like Sammi Smith, Olivia-Newton John, Engelbert Humperdink, and Willie Nelson, still released their versions. Smith’s version bagged the Grammy … Read more
The Canadian pair Ian & Sylvia wrote the classic song “Four Strong Winds” in 1962. Aside from the fact that it was named one of the best tracks ever made, Ian revealed that it only took him 20 minutes to write the song. Meaning Behind the Song There are times in our lives when we … Read more
Country icon George Strait did not disappoint with his cover of “Are The Good Times Really Over.” He sang the classic Merle Haggard tune during his comeback performance in 2017 to pay tribute to the late country legend. “Are the Good Times Really Over”: A Tribute to Merle Haggard “Are the Good Times Really Over” … Read more
Country legends Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard collaborated for the sixth and final time (as Haggard would pass away ten months after the album’s release) with Django and Jimmie under Legacy Recordings. It was 14 tracks long with two features: Jamey Johnson for the first single, “It’s All Going to Pot,” and Bobby Bare for … Read more
Two of Country’s biggest names, George Strait and Alan Jackson, joined for a duet of Larry Cordle and Larry Shell’s “Murder on Music Row.” And it wasn’t just an immaculate collaboration and an iconic moment in country music history. The Iconic Performance “Murder on Music Row” was first recorded by the bluegrass group Larry Cordle … Read more
In an episode of CMT Cross Country back in 2006, Randy Travis and Josh Turner performed a string of hit songs from their discography together in front of a live audience. The performances included Turner’s “Your Man” and “Long Black Train,” Travis’ “Forever and Ever Amen” and, of course, “Three Wooden Crosses.” Josh Turner is, … Read more
“I Want Love” by Elton John, released in 2001, peaked at number 6 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary charts upon release. Because of this, fans and famous artists worldwide would create and release their version and cover the song. Among those famous artists is Grammy award winner Chris Stapleton. Chris Stapleton I Want Love … Read more
“Goodbye Time” was included in the album Still in Your Dreams, released in 1988. The album features songs by Conway Twitty, such as “I Wish I Was Still in Your Dreams,” “If You Were Mine to Lose,” and “Saturday Night Special.” The song, written by Roger Murrah and James Dean Hicks, charted at the 7th … Read more
“House of Love” is a song by Amy Grant and Vince Gill, released in November 1994. The track reached the 5th spot on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and peaked at the 2nd spot on the Canada RPM Adult Contemporary chart. The duet was part of the album House of Love, with two versions … Read more
In October 2005, Randy Travis released Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship, and Praise of gospel cover songs, which included “Here I to Worship.” Other notable gospel songs of Randy Travis are “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “He Walked on Water,” and “Three Wooden Crosses.” Originally written by Tim Hughes, “Here I Am to Worship” is … Read more
Heartbreaks are never easy, and Vince Gill interprets the pain of letting go of someone in “Tryin’ to Get Over You.” The song perfectly resonates with the emotions of losing a loved one and trying to move on from the pain. Released in January 1994 as the fifth single from his album “I Still Believe … Read more
If you think loving someone is easy, Don Williams’s “That’s The Thing About Love” will tell you otherwise. Richard Leigh and Gary Nicholson wrote the song in March 1984, and it narrates the contradictions one feels while falling in love. The song ranked no. 1 on the country charts for 12 weeks, making it the … Read more
Songs have deeper meanings that all of us can relate to, or they’re simply narrated stories that need to be told. “Beat The Devil” by The Statler Brothers is an example of that. The Statler Brothers is an American country gospel band from Virginia. The group of four talented men, also called The Statlers, would … Read more
Country singer Porter Wagoner’s “The Carroll County Accident,” written by Bob Ferguson, earned the singer a string of achievements: a runner-up position on the Hot Country Singles chart, an entry in the Billboard Hot 100, and a CMA Song of the Year Award in 1969. And so, it wasn’t surprising that the track became one … Read more
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
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