In the 1930s, a handful of songs blending blues, jazz, and big-band swing sprang up like mushrooms – but nothing compared to Bob Wills songs. After all, he’s the most popular and influential among all the Western swing band leaders, hailed as the King of Western Swing. Born in rural west Texas, James Robert Wills … Read more
What’s great about Jerry Jeff Walker songs is that they are crafted to provoke the listeners to think deeper about the world. Born as Ronald Clyde Crosby in 1942 in Oneonta, New York, the legendary outlaw went by his stage name in the middle of the 1960s and performed in bands including The Tones and … Read more
From coming up with some of the most important country tunes in the American songbook throughout the years to becoming a groundbreaking member of the Texas music scene, Jerry Jeff Walker died leaving all of us seeking and wondering who will fill his shoes. Truly, the impact he made is something that cannot be compared … Read more
On March 25, 2006, Country Music Hall of Fame member Buck Owens died of what seemed to be a heart attack at his ranch just north of Bakersfield, California. He was immediately rushed to Bakersfield Memorial Hospital but could no longer be revived. He was 76 years old. His death came a few hours after … Read more
On March 9, 2005, tears fell through the country music community as singer-songwriter Chris LeDoux died in Casper, Wyoming – where he and his family lived nearby. The country star suffered from a rare form of cancer and was admitted to Wyoming Medical Center after experiencing complications. He was 56. It was in 2000 when … Read more
Known as “The Guitar Man,” Jerry Reed enjoyed a successful career writing hit songs to major acting roles in Hollywood. His long career that began with his first record at the age of eighteen spanned to releasing more than forty albums and garnering accolades such as Grammy Awards. He truly made indelible marks on country … Read more
The three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, Alan Jackson, just unveiled his plans of hitting the road again with Last Call: One More for the Round Tour – which will kick off on June 24 in the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi and run through October 8. The “Remember When” singer will be bringing … Read more
Released in 1982 as a single for his album I Used to Want to Be a Cowboy, Chris LeDoux’s “This Cowboy’s Hat” tells a touching story, just like most of the best Western songs. Here’s Why You Should Respect a Cowboy’s Hat “This Cowboy’s Hat” is written by Jake Brooks and country singer Porter Wagoner, … Read more
Lew DeWitt is best remembered as a tenor and guitarist of the country music group Statler Brothers. He also penned a handful of The Statler Brothers Songs, including the band’s first major hit, “Flowers On The Wall,” which made it to No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart while peaking at No. 4 on … Read more
Bobbie Lee Nelson, whom Willie Nelson referred to as his “little sister” despite him being a couple of years younger than her, has died peacefully, surrounded by family at the age of 91. The sad news of her death was announced on Willie Nelson’s Instagram. “Her elegance, grace, beauty, and talent made this world a … Read more
Since most of Chris Ledoux songs sing about a cowboy’s life, he didn’t have to look far for inspiration. He actually lived the life. Before making a name in country music, Ledoux made ends meet as a professional rodeo cowboy – and music was just a side hustle. In fact, he was once a champion … Read more
Things are finally over for Kelly Clarkson and former husband Brandon Blackstock as they finalized their divorce just shy of two years after their messy split – and it comes with a massive payment from the Grammy-winning superstar. According to reports, the “Since U Been Gone” singer will have to make a one-time payment to … Read more
Sixty-three years after the legendary pop diva and rockabilly singer Brenda Lee released “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” the classic Christmas chestnut is still serving a-rockin’ Merry Christmas. And on top of that, last holiday season, the song also topped at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart — right behind Adele’s “Easy on … Read more
The appealingly delightful Townes Van Zandt’s “For the Sake of The Song” originally appeared on the music legend’s debut album of the same name released in 1968. It was later re-recorded in a more stripped-down version off his self-titled third album. Written by Townes Van Zandt himself, the song finds him pleading to a muse … Read more
While Townes Van Zandt’s “If I Needed You” is not one of his signature songs, it never fails to showcase his incredible knack for songwriting. The moving ballad comes with all the qualities that make a country song renowned. During a private concert in Houston, Van Zandt gave everyone a brief look at how the … Read more
“Blue Suede Shoes” is an irrefutable iconic rock n’ roll anthem — a classic among classics, as they say. But while many think of Elvis Presley when they hear the hit song as he was the one who popularized it to the mainstream, it was actually originally written and performed by the resident Sun Studio … Read more
While many find Townes Van Zandt as a reckless drunk and a hopeless idealist, no one can deny that he’s the best Texas songwriter of our time. His musical legacy continues to inspire a generation of performers while his classic tunes are being hailed and covered by some of the biggest names in country music. … Read more
Townes Van Zandt never released an album on a major label and only sold a very few ones in his lifetime. He totally evaded mainstream commercial success and was never much concerned with his career. Still, Townes Van Zandt songs have influenced a wide variety of singers more famous than he would ever be. The … Read more
On New Year’s Day in 1997, Townes Van Zandt died at his home in Smyrna, Texas, with friends and family nearby. A spokeswoman for Sugar Hill, the music label for which he recorded, revealed the cause was apparently a heart attack. View this post on Instagram A post shared by John Townes Van Zandt (@townesvanzandt_) … Read more
Songs from Nashville hitmakers globetrot next week to Las Vegas for a stadium-sized country music party – the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards – land high in the top 40 country songs for March 2022. There’s Jordan Davis, Luke Bryan, Walker Hayes, Kane Brown, Jason Aldean, and so much more. More Top 40 Country: February … Read more
Famous for her intensely brutal ballads of romantic revenge, Carrie Underwood is one the most successful and adored singers of the 21st century. Hailing from a small town, Underwood’s first taste of stardom came after winning the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. Since then, she’s gone on to become the country superstar that … Read more
Ever since Townes Van Zandt’s “Pancho and Lefty” was recorded in 1972 for his album The Late Great Townes Van Zandt, it has been widely considered as his most enduring and renowned song. Written by Townes Van Zandt himself, the country classic tells the tale of two partners in crime – Pancho and Lefty. Pancho … Read more
On May 13, 1975, Bob Wills breathed his last at the Kent Nursing Home at Fort Worth, Texas. He died of bronchial pneumonia and was 70 then. The country legend’s health started to fail in 1964 when he suffered liver ailments and diabetes. The end of his performing days came in 1969 when he suffered … Read more
Just last month, Eric Church revealed his upcoming, electrifying concert – dubbed “One Hell Of A Night” – in Milwaukee on Memorial Day Weekend. This will feature Brothers Osborne and Parker McCollum as opening acts. Then, he brought fans’ excitement to another level when he said there would be more to come. Eric Church Released … Read more
The cast members of National Geographic’s Outback Wrangler are mourning for the death of “their best friend and highly respected colleague,” Chris Wilson. Wilson passed on when the helicopter he was riding crashed in a remote spot of Australia’s Northern Territory. On Monday, Northern Territory Police, Fire, and Emergency Services received a report on an … Read more
Jimmy Fortune, who used to be with the legendary country quartet vocal group The Statler Brothers, is celebrating his birthday today! Born in Staunton, Virginia, Jimmy Fortune started singing when he was in high school. From being a member of his school’s choir, he became a professional singer. It took him a while to land his … Read more
With his soulful sound and Cajun vocal kick, Sammy Kershaw songs quickly became among the most consistent power hitters in country music. Since he graced the world of music in the early 1990s, the Louisiana native has enjoyed major hit records and sold-out tours. Born in 1958, Kershaw focused his attention on music at an … Read more
Try asking anyone in Texas about musical legends, and there’s a big chance they’ll proclaim Bob Wills is still the king with might and main. Though the country music legend has long been gone, his legacy lives on through his contributions to music. He left an indelible mark on country-and-western music throughout the decades, and … Read more
Ever since he graced the country music scene in 2005, Jason Aldean became one of the most celebrated artists in the genre. The three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year has forged his own unique musical path with his country-rock style. His career boasts impressive billions of streams, millions of albums sold, countless hits, prestigious awards … Read more
Patsy Cline’s life was cut short on March 5, 1963, when a small plane carrying the country music icon and fellow performers Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins, and pilot Randy Hughes crashed near Camden, Tennessee. At just 30 years old, Cline was at the height of her career, helping to shape the Nashville Sound and leaving … Read more