Album Review – Struggle Jennings – “Last Name”
Struggle Jennings released his new album “Last Name” on April 23, 2026, signaling a shift from his country‑rap roots toward a faith‑focused contemporary country sound. The record leans heavily on collaborations with Grammy‑winning Jelly Roll and blends redemption‑themed lyrics with mainstream production, yet Jennings’ raspy vocal delivery limits its appeal to traditional country radio. Despite his connection to the Jennings legacy and the high‑profile partnership, the album has struggled to gain traction, earning a modest 5/10 rating from critics.
Wayne Moss – Guitarist on “Pretty Woman” And “Jolene” – Has Died
Wayne Moss, the legendary Nashville session guitarist who contributed iconic riffs to songs by Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan and many others, died on April 20 at age 88. Starting in 1959, he became a go‑to musician for country and rock artists, earning credits...
This Feels Big: Miranda Lambert Inks New Deal with MCA
Miranda Lambert has signed a new recording contract with MCA, marking her first major label shift since her debut with Sony imprints. While her 2024 album *Postcards From Texas* under Republic/Big Loud peaked at #8 on the country charts, the...
The Unlikely Friendship Between Gram Parsons and Merle Haggard
Gram Parsons’ 2026 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame reignited debate over his country‑music credentials. In 1968 he traveled to Bakersfield to secure Merle Haggard’s blessing for the Byrds’ cover of “Life In Prison,” and the two later plotted...
Album Review – Vincent Neil Emerson’s “Blue Stars”
Vincent Neil Emerson’s ninth studio effort, "Blue Stars," earns an 8.2/10 rating and showcases twelve tracks that weave classic country, Western and Cajun‑inspired sounds. The album opens with breezy mood‑setters before moving into autobiographical storytelling and a second half that...
Album Review – Alex Miller’s “More Country Than You”
Alex Miller, the Lancaster, Kentucky‑born singer‑songwriter, drops his sophomore album “More Country Than You,” a ten‑track collection that leans heavily into traditional country aesthetics. The record reunites him with producer Jerry Salley and features notable collaborators such as fiddle virtuoso...
Rock Hall of Fame Beats Country to Inducting Gram Parsons
Gram Parsons, the late country‑rock pioneer, was announced as a 2026 inductee in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Early Influence category. The honor arrives alongside artists such as Celia Cruz, Queen Latifah and Fela Kuti, and follows recommendation letters from...
Spacey Kacey Musgraves Spotting UFOs Is Pure Gold
Country star Kacey Musgraves claimed to see three UFO‑like orbs while exiting a plane on April 9, posting a video that quickly went viral. Space‑sceptic Mick West identified the lights as Starlink satellite horizon flares, matching the video’s timing and motion....
Texas Music Revolution Fest Reveals 2026 Lineup, New Documentary
The Texas Music Revolution Fest marks its 30th anniversary in June 2026, returning to McKinney, Texas for a two‑day showcase. The lineup features Texas stalwarts such as Shane Smith & the Saints, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and special guest Kiefer Sutherland. Alongside...
40 Years Ago: The Love Story of Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan Begins
Lorrie Morgan first heard Keith Whitley’s voice while singing demos at Acuff‑Rose in 1985, sparking a personal and professional partnership that led to their marriage in November 1986. After Whitley’s tragic death in 1989, Morgan became the driving force behind...
New Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#176)
Saving Country Music released its latest Top 25 Current Playlist, adding eight fresh tracks from emerging and established country‑roots artists. Highlights include Emily Zeck’s vintage‑styled "Old Is Gold," John R. Miller’s John Prine‑inspired "If You Could Only See Me Now," and Rachel...
Album Review – Drayton Farley’s “A Heavy Duty Heart”
Drayton Farley’s new album “A Heavy Duty Heart” delivers a mix of country‑rock and Americana, pairing steel‑guitar‑driven ballads with anthemic rock numbers. The record continues his partnership with guitarist Sader Vaden, the same collaborator from his 2023 release “Twenty On...
Gruene Hall Unveils Loaded Lineup for New “Still Rammin’ Fest”
Gruene Hall announced the Still Ramblin’ Fest, a one‑day country and roots music showcase set for May 17, with proceeds benefiting Austin’s SIMS Foundation. The lineup includes ten emerging Texas artists, from Vincent Neil Emerson to Shelby Stone, performing in the...
Killer Lineup for Tanner Usrey’s 2026 Memorial Benefit
Tanner Usrey is hosting the Down Range Memorial Benefit on May 24, 2026 at Union 28 Tap House in Midlothian, Texas. The all‑day concert showcases a Southern‑rock lineup including The Droptines, Them Dirty Roses, Taylor Hunnicutt, Lance Roark, Kirk House and Canaan Bryce....
Yes, George Strait Actually Wrote New Songs in His Career
George Strait, often labeled a non‑songwriter, actually has a modest catalog of original material spanning his 40‑year career. He wrote solo tracks like “I Can’t See Texas From Here” (1982) and contributed several songs to his 1995 box set. From...