When the stars align . . . sometimes the music stars align. Keith Urban shared just such an instance during a recent sit-down with Kix Brooks of American Country Countdown. As Kix was reminiscing about his fun-loving days on the road as part of Hall of Fame duo Brooks & Dunn, he jokingly noted that…
Like the rest of the music-making world, Jordan Davis was forced to cancel his spring and summer gigs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But there’s been a silver lining for the Louisiana native, who has scored three consecutive No. 1 singles with “Slow Dance in a Parking Lot” (April 2020), “Take It From Me” (March…
Garner, N.C., native Scotty McCreery has a special affinity for his home state. To this day, the American Idol winner—who has scored three No. 1 albums and two No. 1 singles—cites an honor from his home state as one of his “prouder moments.” In March 2017, Scotty was honored with the Order of the Long…
Kip Moore released his fourth studio album, Wild World, on May 29. The 13-song offering features 12 songs that Kip co-wrote, including lead singe, “She’s Mine,” which is currently No. 26 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart after 38 weeks. In addition, Kip co-produced the album with David Garcia, Luke Dick and Blair Daly on select…
With songs like “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega and “One Night Standards,” Ashley McBryde has proven herself to be one of the most vivid storytellers in country music. Her lyrics are almost as fun to read as listen to—but, of course, she also has a beautiful voice. After breaking out in…
Luke Combs’ single, “Does to Me,” featuring Eric Church, ascended to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart this week. With his latest No. 1 single, Luke is the first country artist in history whose first eight singles have reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Eric, on the other hand, scored his…
Since releasing his debut album in 1999, Brad Paisley has seen—and accomplished—some things. Over the course of his 20-plus-year career, Brad has earned three Grammy Awards, 15 ACM Awards and 14 CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year. The Grand Ole Opry member (2001) has scored 19 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country Airplay…
Sam Hunt has another Top 10 hit on his hands as “Hard to Forget” reached No. 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. The new tune, which samples Webb Pierce’s 1953 hit, “There Stands the Glass,” was co-penned by Sam, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne and Ashley Gorley, as well as “There Stands the…
Kenny Chesney planned to kick off his 2020 Chillaxification Tour on April 18 in Arlington, Texas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 11 dates on the tour—from April 18 to May 28—were scrapped. The pandemic, however, didn’t stop Kenny from dropping his 19th studio album, Here and Now, on May 1. Now, Kenny is looking forward…
Since dropping her debut album, Kerosene, in March 2005, Miranda Lambert has served as one of the de facto “voices” in country music. With a résumé that includes 34 ACM Awards, 13 CMA Awards and two Grammy Awards over the last 15 years, Miranda has built herself into one of the most celebrated artists—male or…
Chase McDaniel believes that listening to music in real-time can have a significant impact on listeners, rather than letting an algorithm choose what they hear. The new country artist recalls three life-changing moments he’s had while hearing songs on country radio, and McDaniel hopes his first radio single, “Burned Down Heaven,” has a similar effect…
Lainey Wilson will make her feature film debut in the Universal adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, Reminders of Him. The Grammy-winning country superstar will join a star-studded cast that includes Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, and Lauren Graham, with the film set to be directed by Vanessa Caswill. This won’t be Wilson’s first…
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kacey Musgraves clarified her previous comments on her marijuana use, revealing that she still smokes, though not to the extent she did when she was younger. “I never said I don’t ever partake,” says the 36-year-old singer. “I just don’t wake up and hit a gravity bong…
Reba McEntire has been one of the top female country stars since the ’80s, but she realizes she wouldn’t be anywhere without the support of her dedicated fans. In the new Variety cover feature on McEntire as part of their Power Of Women Nashville issue, the 70-year-old country music icon says she owes everything to…
In a new interview with Variety for their Power of Women Nashville issue, Sheryl Crow reflected on the evolving landscape of women in music, while celebrating the rise of young and talented female musicians. “The caliber of writing is just so good with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, and Phoebe Bridgers, and these women are not…