In 2019, country music powerhouse duo Brooks & Dunn released a collaborative album aptly titled Reboot. This record revisited 12 of their previous singles and featured 12 up-and-coming country music artists joining them in creating new versions. Their debut song and number-one country hit that launched their career, “Brand New Man,” was at the top … Read more
On June 27, 2024, American band The Mavericks frontman Raul Malo announced on Instagram that he was diagnosed with colon cancer. In the post, Malo talked about how they had been on a health kick for being on the road for the last couple of years. Aside from nutrition, part of taking care of themselves … Read more
Johnny Cash is set to become the first professional musician to receive a statue in the U.S. Capitol on September 24. In a congressional letter announced on Wednesday, July 31, the country legend’s commemoration will be held at 11 a.m. in Capitol’s Emancipation Hall as part of the National Statuary Hall Collection. The hall commemorates … Read more
Country legends Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson collaborated to release a live album titled VH1 Storytellers. The Rick Rubin-produced album incorporated records associated with both artists, taking turns performing — with one taking the lead while the other does harmony or occasional verses. It also featured some guitar solos by Nelson as well as song … Read more
For their debut album, country music duo Brooks & Dunn immediately served four consecutive number-one singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Songs) charts. And the first of their string of debut hits was “Brand New Man.” The song was written by the duo themselves and record producer Don … Read more
In 2009, country music artist Brad Paisley released his song “Welcome to the Future” as part of his album American Saturday Night. Upon its release, it immediately topped the music charts, landing at no. 2 on US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) and no. 1 on Canada Country (Billboard), making it one of Brad Paisley’s greatest … Read more
In 2015, record producer and singer Kirk Franklin released one of the best contemporary gospel songs of all time, “Wanna Be Happy?” as part of his album, Losing My Religion. The album immediately became a top hit among listeners, landing at no.1 on the US Top Gospel Albums (Billboard) and no. 3 on the US … Read more
In 1998, country singer Leon Russell released his amazing cover of the hit country single “He Stopped Loving Her Today” as part of his album, Legend in My Time” Hank Wilson Vol. III. Written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, the song was originally released by George Jones in 1980 as part of his album … Read more
In 2021, rising country star Michael Ray released his heartfelt cover of the Randy Travis hit song “He Walked On Water.” The song was originally released in 1990 by Randy Travis as part of his album No Holdin’ Back. It was one of the most listened-to country ballads because of its detailed lyrics, which many … Read more
A “Footloose 2.0” remake in 2011 was made with Blake Shelton singing the soundtrack. On October 8, 2011, the country singer premiered the music video of the classic soundtrack “Footloose” in Shaun Silva’s direction. Along with Shelton’s chart-toppers, the song was featured on his sixth studio album, Red River Blue, as a bonus track. This charted at … Read more
Country musician Merle Haggard released a soulful rendition of “The Old Rugged Cross” in September 1981 for the studio album Songs for the Mama That Tried. The gospel album reached No. 46 on Billboard country album charts. Although the album had no hit singles, Haggard genuinely loved the tracks as he wrote in his 1999 … Read more
In faith and glory, Conway Twitty seeks reassurance and praises God’s grace in the song “Clinging to a Saving Hand.” Connie Smith first recorded the song on December 21, 1970, whereas Twitty’s record was released on November 5, 1973. His version of the song was the lead single to the album Clinging To A Saving … Read more
Of the 65 songs on her discography, starting from her debut single “Apartment No. 9” in 1966, one will forever be affixed to Tammy Wynette’s name: “Stand by Your Man.” The track, co-written by Wynette with music producer Billy Sherill, was released as the first single and title track of her same-titled 1968 album. At … Read more
In 1986, Reba McEntire released the neo-traditional hit song “Little Rock” from her album Whoever’s in New England. Upon its release, the song immediately climbed up the charts landing at no. 1 on the US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) and no. 2 on Canada RPM Country Tracks. Since she started her career in 1976, Reba … Read more
In 1971, country legend Merle Haggard released a one-of-a-kind cover of Hank Williams’s classic gospel hit “I Saw the Light” as part of his album, The Land of Many Churches. Written and recorded by Hank Williams, the song was originally released in 1948. Although the single didn’t receive that much recognition upon its release, Williams … Read more
In 1990, Alan Jackson released one of the catchiest country songs, “Wanted,” as part of his album Here in the Real World. Right after its release, the song immediately topped the charts, landing at no. 3 on both the US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) and Canada Country Tracks (RPM) – making it one of Alan … Read more
In 1976, country music legend Charley Pride released one of the best gospel songs in history, “I Don’t Deserve a Mansion,” as part of his album, Sunday Morning with Charley Pride. The song is considered one of Charley Pride’s greatest hits, even though there was no record of it landing on any musical charts. As … Read more
In 1968, country superstar Conway Twitty released a cover of Merle Haggard’s classic hit song “Mama Tried” as part of his album, Next in Line. The album consists of eleven cover songs, and “Mama Tried” is probably the most popular cover. Originally released by Merle Haggard in 1968, the song is simply about a son … Read more
Released as the follow-up single to his 1973 hit “The Most Beautiful Girl,” Charlie Rich’s “A Very Special Love Song” was also a multi-chart-topper. It topped Billboard’s Hot Country Singles and Easy Listening and even almost breached the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 11. The song also earned its songwriters, … Read more
Released on August 31, 1992, Garth Brooks delivers a clear message of social liberation in the classic “We Shall Be Free.” It was the first single to Brooks’ fourth studio album, The Chase. The country singer wrote the song with songwriter Stephanie Davis in response to the Los Angeles Riot in 1992, a fight against … Read more
The popular singing TV competition series American Idol welcomes back one of its very own as the new judge for its 23rd season, and it’s none other than Season 4 winner and now multi-Grammy-winning country singer Carrie Underwood. ABC announced on August 1 that she will replace Katy Perry on the judging panel and join … Read more
Gwen Stefani’s son with former husband and rockstar Gavin Rossdale, Zuma Rossdale, surely has the genes of music. The 15-year-old performed live for the first time at his stepdad Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Tishomingo bar in Oklahoma. In his black cowboy hat, striped button-down shirt, and blue jeans, Zuma sat on a stool while playing … Read more
Toby Keith was honored at an all-star concert on July 29 held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, and he didn’t miss it. Nearing the final act of performances, the late singer made an appearance on the overhead video screens, surprising everyone in attendance. In the clip, which was billed as his final recording session, he was … Read more
How could anyone forget Roy Orbison, the Caruso of Rock? The man had a signature look—black hair, dark glasses, and a black outfit—and a reputation for performing with minimal motion. His songs were hot in the ‘60s, earning 22 Top 40 including several Top 10 hits, which he had either written himself or co-written with … Read more
Upon its release on January 11, 1984, “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins took over radio stations and charts in a wham. Loggins wrote the song with Dean Pitchford, and together, they made history. Gaining attention from the American musical drama film “Footloose,” it spent three weeks as No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It … Read more
In 2019, Sheryl Crow released a new version of her 1996 meditative track “Redemption Day” off her Grammy-winning eponymous sophomore album. But this isn’t simply a remake with a refreshed take. Crow meld her vocals with Johnny Cash’s cover, which was recorded shortly before his passing in 2003 and released posthumously in 2010 on his … Read more
Country singer Collin Raye has built his multi-platinum career with his great storytelling, singing different stories and bringing the song’s characters to life. One of those was his 1994 track “Man of My Word,” written by Gary Burr and Allen Shamblin and produced by John Hobbs, Ed Seay, and Paul Worley. The song, which was … Read more
Country singer Keith Whitley’s career may have been short-lived—only five years after the release of his first album—with his untimely and tragic passing at the age of 34, but his songs will forever be etched in every country music fan’s heart, especially his love songs. He always had a way with them, and they never … Read more
News of George Jones’ death in 2013 was undeniably one of the most devastating announcements in the genre. As Merle Haggard, a legend himself, said in a statement to Rolling Stone, “The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time.” Jones was 81. Born in Saratoga, Texas, in poverty, Jones went on to … Read more
In 1965, country legend Loretta Lynn released her calming version of the ultimate hit gospel song “Peace in the Valley” as part of her album, Hymns. Written by Thomas A. Dorsey, the song was initially released in 1939 by Mahalia Jackson with the title “There’ll Be Peace in the Valley For Me.” Since then, it … Read more