Country music group Chapel Hart did not only win the judges – along with the excited crowd – of America’s Got Talent on one episode of the hit NBC competition series last Tuesday (July 19) but as well as country icon Dolly Parton. The queen of country music took to social media to express her … Read more
In 2016, just in time for the Fourth of July, country a cappella group Home Free took the chance to celebrate the courageous military men and women with a beautiful rendition of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA,” and it’s a perfect showcase of each individual member’s talents. Home Free‘s delightful version was arranged by … Read more
Usually, when a story involves ghosts or spirits, the mood becomes scary. But David Ball turned it into a classic hit that would overthrow the eerie effect of the story. “Riding with Private Malone” narrates a man who finds treasure of a lifetime in an old car that belongs to a Vietnam War Soldier who did … Read more
In 1994, Alison Krauss teamed up with the bluegrass band The Cox Family for a collection of gospel songs called I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. The record touched so many hearts that it won Grammy Awards for Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album. One of the tracks they recorded was the beloved hymn, “I’d … Read more
In 1957, Marty Robbins achieved a massive hit when he released “The Story of My Life” off his compilation album Marty’s Greatest Hits. The song peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart – where it remained atop for four remarkable weeks. It also made an impressive crossover, peaking at No. 15 on Billboard Hot … Read more
In 2005, Toby Keith released “As Good As I Once Was” as the second single off his album Honkytonk University. It has since become one of his signature songs – as well as one of his most successful pieces. The song ranked atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart for six straight weeks – making it … Read more
With his smooth, warm baritone voice, Jim Reeves emerged as one of the distinctive and successful singers in country music. Jim Reeves songs did not only achieve commercial success in the United States but as well as in Britain, South Africa, Scandinavia, and much more – giving the genre a worldwide market. From 1955 through … Read more
While Dolly Parton may be a country artist at heart, she has actually dipped her toe into the rock genre. In 2002, she surprised her fans when she closed her album, Halos & Horns, with an incredible cover of Led Zeppelin’s iconic hit, “Stairway To Heaven.” Parton said she seems like “walking on sacred ground” … Read more
In 2016, history was made at the Country Music Association (CMA) when it celebrated its 50th-anniversary show. Some of the biggest names in country music joined together and performed a one-of-a-kind production that there has ever been. This includes some legends in their most epic opening number that has made fans really happy and overjoyed. … Read more
In 1973, Kris Kristofferson earned his lone major country hit as a solo recording artist when “Why Me Lord” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart while peaking at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was released on the album Jesus Was a Capricorn, and featured backing vocals by his … Read more
You may not have known it, but you have been singing Jamey Johnson songs without realizing it. The Alabama native has actually penned major hits for various country legends such as Merle Haggard, George Strait, and Trace Adkins. This makes him one of the most highly respected songwriters in country music today. Of course, he … Read more
Ernest Tubb was country music’s biggest star back in 1941. His song “Walkin’ the Floor Over You” was his first country hit and rightfully so. It was said that he wrote the song right after he had a misunderstanding with his wife about their finances. Thus, you can hear the sound of a plea from … Read more
Josh Turner definitely knows how to convey even the deepest of emotions. Singing the iconic ballad “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” the country music singer captivated his audience as he took them on a journey of endless love, at the same time, an unbearable heartbreak. Fans all remained silent as Turner’s voice soared throughout the … Read more
In 1962, Jim Reeves released a gospel album called “We Thank Thee.” The record contains twelve tracks that are a combination of gospel favorites and original Jim Reeves songs. This includes “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” “Oh, Gentle Shepherd,” and, of course, the album‘s title track which Reeves wrote himself. Thanking … Read more
In 1974, George Jones recorded a version of “Why Me Lord” for his fifth collection of spiritual music, In a Gospel Way. Jones’ love for gospel songs dated back to his childhood when he learned his first chords and songs at church, where his mother Clara played piano. Even if he achieved country superstardom years … Read more
Ever since “How Great Thou Art” was published in 1949, it quickly became a worldwide sensation. Countless artists have covered the popular hymn throughout the century – this includes The Statler Brothers. In 1969, the country music group included “How Great Thou Art” on their album The Statler Brothers Sing Oh Happy Day. The joy … Read more
Being born into a musical family from Kirksville, Missouri, playing music has been as natural as breathing air to Rhonda Vincent. Fans have hailed her the Queen of Bluegrass – which she deservedly so! Rhonda Vincent songs have helped her bagged eight nominations from Grammy Awards, where she won Best Bluegrass Album in 2017. Three … Read more
Through the years, there has been a lot of Elvis Presley impersonators scattered around the world. Moreover, some of them are fans but others just want to be famous in impersonating the king. Anyway, this has been a big issue as well with Elvis’ wife Priscilla who said: “Elvis is a fine specimen of a … Read more
Many remember the great Chris LeDoux as someone who rose to fame in the 1990s. He is the father of Ned LeDoux, a budding artist in the music industry. He was a multi-faceted artist who enjoyed his career as a singer-songwriter, bronze sculptor, and hall of fame rodeo champion. For over 30 years in the … Read more
In 2006, Alan Jackson graced the gospel music scene when he released his first gospel record. Billed as Precious Memories, the album contained recordings of some of Jackson’s favorite hymns – including “Blessed Assurance,” which has been around for centuries. It was originally written in 1873 by blind hymn writer Fanny Crosby to which her … Read more
Ever since Patty Loveless graced the country music scene with the release of her first single, “Lonely Days, Lonely Nights,” in 1985, she has drawn comparisons with such country stalwarts as Loretta Lynn and Reba McEntire. But Loveless is not merely another female singer. While she’s reminiscent of the old-time sound, she brought a fresh … Read more
Morgan Wallen has remained on the top spot of Billboard’s Country Airplay this week, with “Wasted on You” leading the list for three consecutive weeks. This matches another personal best when “Whiskey Glasses” – Wallen’s second of six No. 1s on the ranking – ruled for three straight weeks in 2019. According to Luminate, “Wasted … Read more
In 2016, Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson teamed up for the first time in three decades with “Lay Me Down.” The song comes off Lynn’s album, Full Circle, in which she made history. Full Circle became Lynn’s highest-charting album of all time when it debuted at the 19th spot on the Billboard albums chart. The … Read more
In 1948, Eddy Arnold released his rendition of “Anytime” off the album of the same name. It turned out to be a massive hit for Arnold, climbing all the way to the top of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart while successfully crossing over the pop chart – ranking No. 17 on Billboard Hot 100. Composer … Read more
In the late 1950s, Willie Nelson– who would one day become Nashville’s hottest star – was struggling with financial issues. He worked at his school as a guitar instructor and sang at Houston’s Esquire Ballroom, in which he would take a thirty-mile commute. But in that very moment, one of his best songs was born … Read more
Patsy Cline’s sudden death left the country music industry and her fans in shock. It was a tragic day for her family, friends, and the people who admired and loved her. The sweet voice that made classics such as “Crazy” and “I Fall to Pieces” died on a plane crash in 1963. Despite this heartbreaking … Read more
Andy Samuel Griffith was best known for his numerous roles in a variety of television shows and films. The most notable of which included his ‘60s sitcom The Andy Griffith Show and the legal drama Matlock. Of course, he played the lead roles in both TV series. While it’s quite interesting to talk about his … Read more
In 1975, Emmylou Harris achieved massive success when she released “Sweet Dreams” as the third single off her second studio album Elite Hotel – which became her first No. 1 country album and helped her earn the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance. Harris’ rendition of “Sweet Dreams” also ranked No. 1 on Billboard’s … Read more
In 2001, Merle Haggard released an album of gospel songs called Cabin in the Hills. It features a mix of original Merle Haggard songs and traditional ballads arranged by the country legend himself – this includes “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.” The song was written by Thomas A. Dorsey, who is widely regarded as the … Read more
It’s quite amazing how someone’s testimony of faith in Christ amidst the horror of life gave birth to a powerful and beautiful song. Well, we’re talking about “I Believe in a Hill Called Mt. Calvary,” which the Gaither Vocal Band released in 1997. Written by gospel musicians and couple William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither, … Read more