Billy Dukes
Blake Shelton Says Goodbye to Rocker Jordis Unga on ‘The Voice’
All four members of Team Blake were singing for their future on the show Monday night, after it was announced that one of the four would be sent home immediately after the night’s final performance. RaeLynn, Jordis Unga, Erin Willett and Jermaine Paul made Blake Shelton‘s decision very, very difficult.
George Strait, ‘Drinkin’ Man’ – Song Review
When you’ve been around for over 30 years and put almost 60 songs on top of the Billboard charts, it’s probably difficult to surprise people, right? Actually, if you’ve made it that far it’s because you’ve turned surprises into a career. George Strait‘s new song ‘Drinkin’ Man’ is a gut-punch one dials up again and again.
Neal McCoy, ‘Shotgun Rider’ – Song Review
The second single from Neal McCoy‘s ‘XII’ album is a breezy little country swinger called ‘Shotgun Rider.’ The song fits under one’s arm sweetly, much like the girl the singer is trying to romance.
Dolly Parton Reveals What a Woman Who Has Done Everything Plans to Do Next
Dolly Parton could write a book on adapting to the times… and maybe she will. The country legend has been a mainstay for over 50 years. She’s done movies, television, theater, pop music, amusement parks, children’s books and — well, how much time do you have? Just this month, Parton released ‘An Evening With … Dolly‘ on DVD and CD through Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores.
Future Grand Ole Opry Inductees – Readers Poll
On Tuesday night Keith Urban was asked to be the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill popped the question during his annual benefit show for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum — could there be a more fitting place to reward an artist for his or her commitment to country music?
Daily Roundup: Alan Jackson, LeAnn Rimes + More
A big theme in country music news today was ‘hair.’ LeAnn Rimes changed her hair color, and Taste of Country readers worked to decide which country male has the best hair in our daily readers poll. Find both of these stories, plus news on Alan Jackson‘s new album in the Daily Roundup.
Willie Nelson, ‘Just Breathe’ – Song Review
Much like Johnny Cash on ‘Hurt,’ Willie Nelson makes fans aware of his fragile mortality with an evocative cover of Pearl Jam‘s ‘Just Breathe.’ The famous country singer is joined by his son Lukas on this first listen of music from the upcoming ‘Heroes’ album. Together, they silence the room. Only a stone will keep from fighting tears after a few listens.
Results of ACM Awards 2012 Predictions – Readers vs. Taste of Country Staff
Now that the final awards have been handed out, it’s time to look back on Taste of Country’s and reader’s predictions for the 2012 ACM Awards. We chose ten categories and offered our best guess on who would win, also letting readers collectively decide on their top choice. In the end, we learned that nobody should be putting anything valuable on their ACM bets.
Thousands Remember the Life of Earl Scruggs at Public Funeral
Charlie Daniels may have summed up Earl Scruggs‘ contribution to country music the best. “No one will ever play the banjo like Earl,” the famous fiddle player said on Sunday, as over two thousand fans and contemporaries gathered around him at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Blake Shelton Closes the 2012 ACM Awards, Sings ‘You Are’ With Lionel Richie
A few moments into his duet of ‘You Are’ with Blake Shelton at the 2012 ACM Awards, Lionel Richie sort of smiled, shook his head and recognized the strangeness of two grown, heterosexual men singing the love ballad together. Then he kept singing, turning in a fine topper to an enjoyable — albeit tame — country awards show.
2012 ACM Award for Entertainer of the Year – Who Will Win?
The final award given out on Sunday night will name the country artist who — all things considered — had the best year in 2011. There’s no formula for how a voter should choose. It’s some magic mix of sales, concert draw, chart success, high-profile appearances and “heat.” Everybody has their own special blend to decide which artist is tops. Fans can still vote at www.VoteACM.com.
Earl Scruggs’ Funeral Set for Sunday
Services for country and bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs are planned for Sunday (April 1) at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The funeral will be held at the one-time home of the Grand Ole Opry, beginning at 2PM CT, with visitation scheduled at the Spring Hill Funeral Home in Nashville between 3 and 7PM on Friday and Saturday.