2 “Sunday Morning Coming Down” Kristofferson wrote “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” but Ray Stevens recorded it first — one of the first times that Kristofferson heard someone else singing his material. “At the time Ray cut it, nobody had ever put that much money and effort into one of my songs,” Kristofferson tells The Boot.
Music
Alt-country talent Michael Paul Lawson seeks solace in the bright lights of downtown in his brand new single “I Know Where I’m Going Tonight.” The engaging first track from the Austin-based artist’s upcoming album Love Songs for Loners, set for release on Oct. 7, finds Lawson opting for a familiar distraction to help ease the lingering uncertainty
Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, and Dolly Parton were among the names called when the 33rd annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards were announced on Tuesday in Nashville. Strings will compete in six categories, Tuttle in five, and Parton in two when the 2022 IBMAs are held Sept. 29 at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing
It’s been 25 years since George Strait took his romantic single “Carrying Your Love With Me” to the top of the country charts, but this classic hit is finding a whole new audience for a surprising reason. In 1997, Strait released “Carrying Your Love With Me” as the second single and title track from his seventeenth
Ne-Yo, the three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning R&B hitmaker, iconic songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, has sold a cumulative 20+ million adjusted albums worldwide. His debut single, 2005’s “So Sick,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified quadruple Platinum. Since then, the Motown Records/Compound Entertainment recording artist has racked up a collection of hits including “Sexy Love,”
Maren Morris was born and raised in Texas but she quickly found a place in Nashville as one of country music’s brightest stars. Though she’s a prolific writer whose songs have been recorded by Tim McGraw, Kelly Clarkson and more, Morris’ raw performing talent has continued to propelled her into the spotlight. Morris signed with Columbia in September
Jake Owen‘s song, “1×1,” is about a bachelor-turned-husband-and-father — and it’s all because of one person who changed his life. Suddenly, his world is filled with irreplaceable treasures. Owen showcases those treasures in the song’s music video. The video opens with the country singer seated strumming on his guitar. One beam of light washes over
Luke Combs has one of the biggest hearts in county music, he proved that once again recently, taking care of a young fan battling acute myeloid leukemia. After hearing Addison (Addi) Conely’s story, the country singer went to work making sure she had the trip of a lifetime. Combs flew the 17-year-old and her entire
Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and producer Leah Haywood has been releasing new music under artist name Haywood over the last few months via Palm Tree/Sony Records. Her first single “Cheers to Us,” was a duet featuring Jackson Foote from pop duo Loote followed by her second single, “Backbeat” which was another banger for Leah. The hit songs
Brandi Carlile always has a few tricks up her sleeve. On the last night of this year’s Newport Folk Festival, Carlile surprised the audience by bringing out Joni Mitchell for an exceedingly rare live appearance — her first at the festival in over 50 years. Billed as “Brandi Carlile and Friends,” the Sunday evening set
Zach Bryan‘s genre-leading American Heartbreak album is powered by “Something in the Orange,” a strolling heartbreak ballad that’s forcing its way on to country music charts. While the self-penned folk song has just cracked the Billboard Country Airplay chart, it’s been perched for weeks at No. 6 or No. 7 on the Hot Country Songs chart,
Rascal Flatts‘ 2015 hit, “I Like the Sound of That,” gets retooled as a laidback reggae jam as part of the new compilation album, Country Goes Reggae. Released on Friday (July 22), Country Goes Reggae revamps a collection of country classics and newer hits, with help from producers Christian and Frank Berman (aka the Berman
After whiskey, tequila just might be the preferred spirit of country singers. The liquor shows up in song after song about late nights, warm memories and decisions both good and bad. When a country song wants to party, it usually enlists the help of tequila. There are dozens and dozens of songs on the topic of
Fiddle, heartache and an uncompromising rootsy production take center stage on Jon Pardi’s ebullient new song, “Mr. Saturday Night.” Benjy Davis, Joe Ragosta and Reid Isbell co-wrote the rootsy up-tempo tune, which opens with its chorus as Pardi reflects on his infamous friends-given label “Mr. Saturday Night.” As he reveals, he’s “Mr. never-missed-a-good-time” only because he’s
Kelsea Ballerini will celebrate the release of her new Subject to Change album in New York City as she begins her 2022 Heartfirst Tour. On Friday (July 22), the “Heartfirst” singer announced a 10-date headlining tour in major cities across America. The new tour begins on Sept. 24 at Radio City Music Hall and continues through
With her unmistakable bluegrass twang and impeccable soprano, Alison Krauss is one of country music’s most enduring and beloved voices. She’s also one of its best talents: Krauss is the winner of 27 Grammy Awards — second only to Beyonce in terms of female artists. With more than 25 singles to her credit and an
Little Big Town are counting their blessings on their introspective new song, “Rich Man.” Featuring Jimi Westbrook on lead vocals, the stripped-back, near-spoken-word ballad finds him reflecting on what being a “rich man” truly means. Westbrook, the song’s sole writer, relates it to simpler things including happiness, love, having a family and feeling blessed, rather
Prior to his death in 2019, magical New Orleans musician Dr. John was recording songs that would make up his final album, Things Happen That Way, out Sept. 23. Ahead of the LP’s arrival, Rounder Records released Dr. John’s duet with Willie Nelson, “Gimme That Old Time Religion.” It’s a loose yet powerful rendition of
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Ben Danaher looks back on lessons learned in his new single “If I’d Have Known Then,” which was released today (July 22). “This song was a reflection for me,” Danaher says. “Looking back to your younger self and maybe shaking them and telling them to not get so worked up over some of
Billie Eilish surprised fans today by releasing a two-song EP called Guitar Songs, featuring new tracks “TV” and “The 30th”. In an interview with Zane Lowe, Billie said “The 30th” was written last December and was the first track she wrote following “Happier Than Ever.” She went on to say “That’s why it’s called ‘The 30th’
Like many of his peers, John Moreland figured he’d write new songs nonstop when the pandemic first hit in the spring of 2020. After all, he couldn’t tour anymore and was basically stuck inside his home in Oklahoma like the rest of the world. “Once I got over that initial ‘Holy shit, what the fuck
Often times, it takes both added distance and the passing of time to see a clear view of the path that led you to where you are today. Celebrated singer-songwriter Mary Bragg takes an honest look on a tough but transformative season of life within her upcoming self-titled album, set for release on Sept. 30
Willie Nelson’s Luck Ranch will host its inaugural 10-day Lucktoberfest in late October. Featuring a wide variety of performers and cultural experiences, the event will kick off Oct. 28 at the famed Spicewood, Texas, property and include performances by Tanya Tucker, Orville Peck, and the Black Opry Revue. Lucktoberfest will begin with Paul Cauthen’s popular
Shonka Dukureh, the actress who portrayed Big Mama Thornton in the recently-released Elvis movie, was found dead in her Nashville apartment on Thursday (July 21). The 44-year-old was just one month removed from watching her big screen debut in theaters. Metro Nashville Police confirmed Dukureh’s death on social media, noting that she was found in her bedroom of
Parker Twomey “Counting Down The Days” Lauded by Vincent Neil Emerson as a “country Elliot Smith,” Parker Twomey has just released his debut album All My Life, which features the stand-out track, “Counting Down the Days.” On this electrifying number, the Dallas, Texas native ponders the gripping heartache he’s left to battle following a breakup.
Tyler Hubbard has dropped a new song, “Way Home,” and it’s a powerful message that will stop listeners in their tracks. Co-written with frequent collaborators Canaan Smith and Corey Crowder, the stirring life anthem chronicles Hubbard’s journey of faith and reckless pursuits, which eventually sees him finding refuge in God’s steadfast plans for him. Although “Way
Shania Twain parses her career in a new documentary premiering on Netflix on July 26. Not Just a Girl chronicles the life journey of Twain, who grew up with modest means in Timmins, Ontario, before becoming one of country music’s most popular and influential artists. Directed by Joss Crowley, the documentary includes new interviews with
Dale Watson turned to social media to ask fans for help in recovering a precious one-of-a-kind guitar after it was stolen in Houston on Saturday night (July 16). Watson posted a picture of his eye-catching, customized guitar on Instagram on Sunday (July 17), writing, “On Saturday, July 16th, at 5:11pm we went to eat dinner
James Blake, Rhonda and MATTE present CMYK James Blake makes a rare East Coast appearance to debut his latest creative endeavor in New York. The event takes place at the still-fresh MUSICA Club, which officially launched in May. Will include a variety of musical performances and DJ sets from:Jasmine InfinitiChristian TokyoGoddollarsPlus Special Guests Airhead &
On July 20, 1968, Johnny Cash hit No. 1 on the country charts with the live version of “Folsom Prison Blues.” The song is the first track on his hit At Folsom Prison album. This ascent to No. 1 was actually the second time “Folsom Prison Blues” had charted: Back in 1955, the studio take