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
In 1983, country singer Earl Thomas Conley released “Angel in Disguise” as part of his album Don’t Make It Easy for Me. The song instantly became a massive hit, landing at no.1 on both US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) and Canadian RPM Country Tracks – making it one of the artist’s greatest hits. As one … Read more
In 2007, Canadian country singer George Canyon released his cover of one of the classic hits of all time, “Kiss an Angel Good Morning,” as part of his album Classics. The song was initially released in 1971 by Charley Pride as part of his album Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs. Since its release, the song … Read more
In 1907, Adelaide A. Pollard first published the Christian hymn “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” as part of the Northfield Hymnal with Alexander’s supplement. It is one of the hymns that became a gospel song that country legends would sing in the coming years. According to a report, Adelaide got the inspiration for the song … Read more
As usual, Dolly Parton always has something up her sleeves. During Easter month in 1989, the all-rounder superstar surprised everyone when she released another gospel hit, “He’s Alive,” as part of her album, White Limozeen. The song was originally released by Don Francisco, a Christian artist famous for his narrative style of songwriting. Since listeners … Read more
In 2000, legendary country and gospel singer Randy Travis released his solo version of the hit gospel song “Baptism” as part of his album, Inspirational Journey. The song “Baptism,” also known as “Down with the Old Man (Up with the New),” was originally released in 1999 by Kenny Chesney and Randy Travis. Randy’s solo version … Read more
Contrary to what many people know, B.J. Thomas was the first singer to record the hit song “Always On My Mind” in 1970, not Willie Nelson. Although there is no doubt that Nelson made the song popular, it was Thomas who first introduced the song to the public. Written by songwriter Wayne Carson Thompson, the … Read more
Sheryl Suzanne Crow, better known as Sheryl Crow, is an American singer who is one of the most versatile artists today. Her amazing song releases since her debut in 1993 have made her a household name. Sheryl was raised in a well-off family, and she was given the chance to explore different musical styles. Her musically … Read more
In 1998, country singer Faith Hill released “Let Me Let Go” as part of her album Faith. The song would become a worldwide anthem. Right after its release, the song immediately climbed up the charts, landing at no. 1 on the US Hot Country Songs (Billboard), no. 10 on the US Adult Contemporary (Billboard), and … Read more
In a special stage performance on May 16, 2011, at his CD release party at Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, Jesse Keith Whitley sang his late father’s 1987 recording “Tell Lorrie I Love Her.” He did it for his mom, Grammy-nominated country singer Lorrie Morgan, and dedicated it to his dad, the “Kentucky Bluebird,” Keith Whitley. … Read more
Festival Title: Mill Town Music Festival 2024 Festival Duration: August 31, 2024 Venue: Paisley Town Hall in Paisley, Scotland Performers Include: Flatland Cavalry and more Ticket Information: Get Your Tickets Here A new music event is coming to Paisley Town Hall in Paisley, Scotland, this August 31, 2024. It’s the Mill Town Music Festival, organized … Read more
Grammy-winning country star Lainey Wilson is taking her wardrobe malfunction in stride. Wilson was performing her headlining set at the Faster Horses Festival 2024 on the grounds of Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn on July 20 when her signature bell-bottom pants ripped. She immediately slipped backstage, with her microphone still in hand, and asked the … Read more
Lauren Alaina’s father, J.J. Sudet, died on July 23. The country singer announced on her Instagram post on July 24 that she’s canceling three scheduled shows to be with her family to mourn her father’s death. “We lost my daddy last night, and I really don’t have words yet,” she shared in the post. View … Read more
Post Malone’s highly anticipated country album F-1 Trillion is set to drop on August 16th, and fans are buzzing with excitement after a major leak. The retail giant Target reportedly revealed the full tracklist on its pre-order page, which has since been removed. However, quick-thinking fans managed to capture screenshots, uncovering an impressive lineup of … Read more
The country industry mourned the loss of a superstar when Jack Greene died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease at age 83 on March 14, 2013. He has left behind classic country tunes from the ‘60s, such as “There Goes My Everything” (1966) and “Statue of a Fool” (1969). He was survived by his wife, Barbara … Read more
In 2011, country legend Kenny Rogers released one of the most tear-jerking covers of the hit gospel song “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” as part of his album, The Love Of God. The song was originally released as a hymn by preacher Joseph M. Scriven in 1855. Joseph wrote the hymn for his … Read more
Festival Title: Earl Scruggs Music Festival 2024 Festival Duration: August 30 – September 1, 2024 Venue: Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina Performers Include: Yonder Mountain String Band, The Steel Drivers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Tanya Tucker, Peter Rowan & Sam Grisman Project, and more Ticket … Read more
In 2016, the bluegrass duo Joey + Rory released their version of the hit gospel song “How Great Thou Art” as part of their album, Hymns. The song was originally released as a Swedish hymn in 1885 by Carl Boberg. It talks about the greatness and majesties of God’s creation. Due to its profound meaning, … Read more