Whitney Houston's Country Connection
As you know, Whitney Houston is dead.
The singer, who was discovered unconscious in her Beverly Hills Hilton hotel room on Saturday, was paid tribute at Sunday's Grammy Awards.
Houston has influenced a whole generation of musical artists, country singers included (check out some of their responses). Indeed, one of her most popular songs has its roots in country music.
To discover how Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, and Elvis Presley had their hand in Houston's biggest hit, check out my article on "I Will Always Love You"
Image courtesy of Sony BMG Records
Country Song of the Week: 'Lucille'
"In a bar in Toledo outside of the depot / On a bar stool she took off her ring."
So begins this classic cut from Kenny Rogers. The story grows in intensity as an abandoned husband appears and our nervous narrator has a crisis of the conscience.
"Lucille" was released as a single by Kenny Rogers in 1977. Hitting #1 on the country charts (Rogers's first song to do so), it showed the former First Edition singer had a future as a solo artist.
The tune's surprising success on the pop charts (#5) also demonstrated Rogers's crossover appeal, repeated with later hits "Islands in the Stream" and "The Gambler."
If you need some alternative programming for Valentine's Day, here it is. (If you don't want to reminded of the heartache where love always leads, go elsewhere.)
Image courtesy of United Artists
'Emotional Traffic' Rules the Country Charts
Once more, Tim McGraw's Emotional Traffic is the number one country album in America.
(And why was Curb Records sitting on this record, again?)
See this week's country music charts for all the information about the latest country singles, radio songs, and albums.
Image courtesy of Curb Records
Who's on Twitter?
Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, and Blake Shelton. That's just for starters.
While these singers regularly tweet candid photos and witty off-stage anecdotes, other country stars' Twitter accounts have a, let us say, less than personal touch (Keith Urban...).
To relieve the social networking burnout, I've compiled a list of the top county music Twitter feeds -- along with some of the singers' best tweets.
Oh, did I mention that I -- your humble guide to country music -- am also on Twitter? It's true. Follow me to get exclusive links, recommendations, and even the odd knock-knock joke.
What are your favorite country music Twitter pages? Let me know in the comments.
Image courtesy of Twitter
Country Song of the Week: 'Are You Ready for Some Football?'
I hate to open up old wounds, but with Super Bowl Sunday this weekend, I can't resist.
I'm talking of course about "Are You Ready for Some Football," the longtime opening theme to Monday Night Football.
Last year the Hank Williams Jr. song was nixed from the weekly broadcast, after the singer made an unfortunate comparison on Fox News.
"Are You Ready for Some Football" made its debut in 1989 but was in fact based on an earlier Hank Jr. song from 1984, "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight." After making a few lyrical fixes, he fashioned it into a pigskin tradition that lasted until 2011.
Sure, the tune is hardly a paragon of country songcraft (for that, check out "Mama's Hungry Eyes"), but it can't help but strike a chord in the nostalgic hearts of football fans.
- Watch the old opening to Monday Night Football
- Watch the ridiculous music video for "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight"
Image Courtesy of Webster and Associates Public / Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Tim McGraw Tops the Charts
Despite some hefty competition, Tim McGraw's genre-hopping Emotional Traffic took its place as the #1 country album in America.
For the full story, check out this week's country music charts.
Image courtesy of Curb Records
Non-Depressing Country Love Songs
A box of chocolates remains the present of choice on Valentine's Day, but mixtapes are also popular. Just be careful.
Seemingly innocuous country songs have a knack for hiding lyrics about infidelity, alcoholism, and lifelong regret.
(Check out the words to Chris Young's mega-hit "Tomorrow" if you don't believe me.)
To keep your beer or champagne tear-free, consider including songs from my top 10 list of happy country love songs.
Otherwise, just go with the chocolate.
Image courtesy of Liberty Records
ACM Nominees Announced!
Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, and Brad Paisley lead the pack of nominees for the 45th Academy of Country Music Awards.
For all the info, check out my full list of 2012 ACM nominees.
Image courtesy of Broken Bow Records
Country Song of the Week: "Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine"
They're the secrets to a happy existence according to Tom T. Hall.
Enjoy:
Image courtesy of Country Music Foundation
Tim McGraw and Kellie Pickler Branch Out
Kellie Pickler's 100 Proof and Tim McGraw's long-in-limbo Emotional Traffic have something in common.
Both were released this week, and both find the country singers exploring new stylistic territory.
While Kellie Pickler has long gone the pop route, 100 Proof sports a neo-traditional country sound that may disarm some listeners.
Tim McGraw's Emotional Traffic, in contrast, is all over the place. It embraces rock and soul, and even features a duet with Ne-Yo.
While I enjoyed both albums' ambitions, only one earned my ultimate seal of approval.
- Album Review: Tim McGraw - Emotional Traffic
- Album Review: Kellie Pickler - 100 Proof