Last year’s Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF) was such an incredible, sun-drenched celebration! Attendees soaked in the joyful vibes and reveled in stunning performances by Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Travis Tritt, Brooks & Dunn, and a lineup that left everyone buzzing. Kenny Chesney delivered an unforgettable show, stepping in for Morgan Wallen, who was forced … Read more
In 2018, Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, re-recorded her father’s 1967 song from his album How Great Thou Art titled “Where No One Stands Alone.” But instead of doing a cover, she released an emotional duet. The single was the title track to the legendary singer’s 14-track compilation album, featuring his archival vocal recordings … Read more
In 2017, country music trio Lady A returned after a year off with the You Look Good World Tour to support their seventh studio album, Heartbreak. For their setlist, aside from their original Lady A songs, they also gifted fans with covers, including Shania Twain’s classic track “You’re Still The One.” Lady A’s version of … Read more
On September 24, 2018, Danielle Johnson Jones uploaded a one-minute thirty-one-second-long video on Facebook of her husband and their daughter singing along to Rascal Flatts’ “I’m Moving On” and having the time of their lives. Dad sang the lyrics in the first thirty seconds while his little girl adorably harmonized with him in babbles and … Read more
Last December 17, 2018, in Syracuse, New York, three-year-old Drake Grillo made Carrier Dome history as the youngest National Anthem singer in the venue. He didn’t just set a record but also impressed everyone – 6,093, to be exact – in attendance for the Syracuse Women’s Basketball Team’s annual School Day vs. Niagara with his … Read more
In 2014, Carrie Underwood made a big wave with her Greatest Hits: Decade #1 album’s lead single, “Something in the Water.” Rolling Stone described the song as a “spiritual heartstring-tugger,” while Billboard praised it for delivering a powerful message of faith in troubled times. Of course, Underwood’s heavenly vocals were also a highlight. That critical … Read more
Singer-songwriter Johnny Cash, also considered one of the greatest of all time, had always written songs about redemption – and “I Got Stripes” carries that message. He wrote this song with a DJ from Los Angeles, who’s also his friend, Charlie Williams, and while they’re credited for the song, they actually borrowed it from the … Read more
In the 2002 re-issue of Johnny Cash’s 25th-anniversary studio album Silver, originally released in 1979, remakes of his two early career songs were added as bonus tracks. The first was “I Still Miss Someone,” and the second was “I Got Stripes,” and both of these Johnny Cash’s songs were duets with none other than George … Read more
The American country music group The Statler Brothers, or The Statlers, is considered one of their generation’s most successful vocal groups. Among the Statler Brothers’ many achievements was the transfer of country genre’s nostalgia records from the rural to the suburban setting – just like in their hit 1972 track “Do You Remember These.” It … Read more
Canadian country music artist Dean Brody is one of the genre’s most popular songwriters, and since his debut in 2008, he has racked up numerous hits – including “Canadian Girls.” According to Brody, his family wasn’t very musical. However, the one constant thing in their household was the radio; he grew up listening to music … Read more
Heartbreak caused by a lover’s betrayal is definitely one of the most painful things anyone could experience in life, and Hank Williams understood that. In fact, he did so all too well that he wrote it down and made a song titled “Your ‘Cheatin’ Heart.” He recorded the song in September 1952 under Nashville’s Castle … Read more
In 2014, a group of US Marines gathered in worship, singing along to Robin Mark’s “Days of Elijah.” Merrie Pardee Baldwin submitted the inspiring video to The Church Guide’s Facebook page, and it immediately went viral. The clip was also posted on YouTube and has since earned five million views. Praising the Lord The four-minute-seventeen-seconds-long … Read more
Eight-year-old Marleigh Miller wowed everyone as she sang her version of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” The event was held in Green Tree Farms in Holder, Florida, with veterans and their families in attendance. Marleigh, who was adorably clad in blue – from her bow to her dress and even her mic – opened … Read more
Country singer Jeannie C. Riley’s 1968 sassy country-pop track about a slut-shamed single mom who clap-backed hard at her haters titled “Harper Valley PTA” was the singer’s biggest career hit. First, it scored her the number one spot on both country and pop charts, making her the first woman to do so. She owned that … Read more
In his 1979 track “Footlights,” legendary country singer Merle Haggard got real on what it was like to live the life that most men only dreamed of. He wrote the song as the first track for his album Serving 190 Proof, and Fuzzy and Jimmy Bowen produced it. Meaning Behind The Song As the Country … Read more
With a red satin dress, makeup and perfume, and a locket inscribed with “To thine own self be true,” Bobbie Gentry masterfully crafted her 1969 Southern-gothic style song “Fancy” into a resounding anthem of women’s liberation. This four-minute and 15-second solo single earned her public acclaim and scored her a Top 40 on the Billboard … Read more
From a small-town teen with a guitar, an incredible talent for writing songs, and a big dream, Taylor Swift has made herself a household name. Over the past few years, she has reached new heights in her career with the successful release – even record-breaking – of her re-recorded songs and sold-out stadium tours. TIME … Read more
Bobbie Gentry, the revolutionary country singer, has delivered several chart-topping songs since her debut in 1967 under Capital Records. Gentry was raised by her grandparents in Chickasaw County, Mississippi, who have persistently supported her ambition of becoming a singer. Gentry has shown talent at a young age, writing her first song, “My Dog Sergeant Is A … Read more
Here are the facts: First, singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry may have had a short career by choice, but she left the country genre with music that impacted generations after generations of artists. Second, she was the full package – gorgeous face, Miss America-type figure (37-23-37), and a creative fashion sense. And third, she knew exactly how … Read more
Georgia native Megan Moroney made a glorious entry on the country music scene when she released “Tennessee Orange” in December 2022 as her debut single and the lead track off her first-ever studio album, Lucky. In fact, the catchy ballad gained some serious traction way before its release and when Moroney was still an unsigned artist. … Read more
The song “Smoky Mountain Rain” by Ronnie Milsap came out in September 1980 as the first and only track on his album Greatest Hits. The song became another massive hit for Milsap, reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, where it remained on top for the entire week. It also had great crossover success. … Read more
On October 24, 2022, Luke Combs released “Going, Going, Gone” as a single from his album Growin’ Up. This heart-wrenching yet addictive song has won over both fans and country radio, proving to be a clear favorite. It resonated with many listeners that it climbed all the way to the top of Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. … Read more
Due to its infectious pace and upbeat vibe, “Mama’s Old Song Book” from Marvin Morrow’s 2001 album “I’ll Live On the Mountain” quickly gained popularity among listeners. Marvin Morrow was reared in a rather low-income setting; thus, he was compelled to start working at a young age to make ends meet. After relocating from city … Read more
In 2006, everyone was reminded of Jesus’s resurrection through Gaither’s hit song, “Then Came the Morning.” As a worship song that conveys so much emotion, multiple gospel singers have already covered the song through the years. One of the most notable performances to this day was Guy Penrod‘s emotional cover of the song in 2012, … Read more
In 2017, the known gospel country band Brian Free & Assurance released their “Miscellaneous” album containing twenty-five worship songs, including the hit gospel song “Somebody’s Miracle.” The soulful tone of the song did indeed catch everyone’s attention. Even though the song didn’t land on any official music charts, “Somebody’s Miracle” is still one of the … Read more
In 2002, Travis Tritt released yet another chart-topping masterpiece, a song titled “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde.” The song has an upbeat take on country music, making listeners feel cheery whenever they play it. As part of Tritt’s album “Down the Road I Go,” “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde” immediately climbed the charts, landing at … Read more
TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year, Taylor Swift, shared a special anecdote with Sam Lansky for her cover story in the magazine featuring Kenny Chesney. She was 17, freshly starting her music career, when she booked a career-changing slot opening for country superstar Kenny Chesney. That kind of big opportunity – arguably the biggest at … Read more
Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves’ “I Remember Everything” is the number one song on the list of top 40 country songs for December 2023. It’s a very special track for the two musicians as the song launched at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100, marking both artists’ first trip to the summit of the chart. … Read more
Willie Nelson’s Bluegrass is leading the top Bluegrass albums for December 2023. Many fans are really enjoying his first full album of bluegrass music featuring a band of talented musicians and twelve songs from his immense catalog refashioned to sound more like resonant Appalachian music. The album is actually a nominee for the Best Bluegrass … Read more
Zach Bryan’s self-titled album is still on top of its game, leading the top Americana/Folk Albums for December 2023. The 16-track country-rock album continues to see a mixture of emotions from his fanbase. Five more albums by the Oklahoma-raised singer-songwriter are also on this list. Meanwhile, Noah Kahan’s Stick Season sits in the second spot. … Read more