We're Talking Country

02/06/2024

In a world where music feeds our souls and unites people from all walks of life, there exists a particular genre that resonates with a sense of timeless patriotism and unwavering loyalty to one's roots. This genre, known as country music, has produced countless icons, but none quite as influential as Toby Keith. With a heart full of pride and an unwavering love for his country, Toby Keith's music became the soundtrack of an entire nation. Yet, fate dealt a cruel blow as it revealed Toby's battle with cancer. Yesterday, Toby lost his three-year battle with stomach cancer and passed away surrounded by loved ones.

Toby Keith was not just another musician; he embodied the spirit of America, his rugged voice echoing through stadiums, concerts, and campsites. From humble beginnings in Oklahoma, he encapsulated the essence of the American dream, resiliently working his way to the top of the music charts. Toby's songs were filled with stories of the average American, the patriot, and the hardworking individual who loved their country unconditionally. RIP Toby Keith!!!

01/12/2024

Happy Heavenly Birthday Naomi Judd!!!
On what would have been the beloved performer's 78th birthday, it seemed appropriate to share this video from The Judds show in Las Vegas from October 2015. Naomi Judd was half of the best-selling duo The Judds. She tragically passed away last year from su***de. We can only hope she has found her peace. We are sending her, all her friends and family our well wishes on her special day.

12/22/2023

Unleashing the Power of Music: A Gibson Garage Review
They are not kidding here with the name, Gibson Garage. This store has everything a guitar player could want. The selection of guitars is insane. There is plenty to browse, they have a 'room' dedicated to all of their brands. An Acoustic room, Epiphone, Kramer, Mesa Boogie room, a Custom Shop, and a repair shop. There is a great selection of merchandise, other than guitars. You can purchase, hats, t-shirts, retro Gibson clocks, patches, stickers, etc.

Everyone I encountered was incredibly kind, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Even the security guy.
Check out my blog post: https://wix.to/Grdhn5E

12/17/2023

Wynonna Judd and Cactus Moser made a spectacular entrance in the bucket of a Kubota tractor at the Leiper's Fork Christmas Parade on December 16th. Over a thousand people showed up to watch the parade and spend a fun-filled day with family, food, and music.

12/14/2023

Following an explosive year with numerous sold-out shows across North America, multi-Platinum country rocker Brantley Gilbert gears up for the Off The Rails Tour 2024, with special guests Dylan Marlowe, Struggle Jennings, and Demun Jones. General-on-sale will be on Friday, December 15 at 10am local time, with the exception of April 11 in Clarksville, Tenn., with pre-sales beginning January 16 at 10am CT and general on sale January 19 at 10am CT. To purchase tickets and for additional information, visit BrantleyGilbert.com.

“I can’t wait to hit the road and give BG Nation a taste of how we’ve been amping things up for the Off The Rails Tour,” shares Gilbert. “I’m a big fan of all the guys joining us, so I’m really looking forward to what they’ll bring to the whole show.”

12/13/2023

Wishing Taylor Swift a Happy 34th Birthday today with a flashback to when it all began in 2006. Since then she's sold over 200 million records, she is one of the biggest-selling musicians on earth, and she's the highest-grossing female performer ever!!! The Eras Tour is the highest-grossing tour in history, earning over $1 billion, and its concert film became the highest-grossing concert film ever, with over $250 million earned worldwide. Then to make 2023 even bigger for her, she was named Time magazine's "Person of the Year". She is also known as a kind person, loves her fans, and is known for her philanthropic efforts.

12/11/2023

Award-winning singer, songwriter, entertainer, and entrepreneur Toby Keith launched a three-show run at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas last night with a triumphant return to the stage and touring.

In the first of three shows, which sold out in minutes to become one of the fastest-selling tickets in the venue's history, Keith performed a two-hour set of non-stop entertainment. One of the crowd's favorite moments came when he sat on a stool, center stage, and performed six songs that he said "should've been singles." The concert also featured some of his 32 No. 1's and 42 top 10 hits that have helped propel him to have more than 100 million BMI performances and more than 10 billion streams overall. Two more shows are scheduled for tonight, December 11, and Thursday, December 14. (Photo ©Greg Watermann)

12/09/2023

Check out my blog post: http://wix.to/h7w4UyW
Calling all country music lovers! 🤠 Don't miss the sensational fusion of acrobatics and country beats with Cirque du Soleil 🎪 Grab your tickets now at http://wix.to/Nq1wenG 💃

The rumors are true, Cirque du Soleil has donned a Stetson hat and is heading to Nashville, Tennessee!https://www.weretalkingcountry.com/post/from-acrobatics-to-honky-tonks-cirque-du-soleil-brings-the-heat-to-nashville

12/09/2023

Check out my blog post: http://wix.to/BNJh84p
🎶 Frosty the Snowman just got an awesome makeover thanks to Uncle Kracker! Check it out and let the holiday vibes begin! 🎄 http://wix.to/tI4G6dY ❄️

"Frosty the Snowman" gets a modern twist with Uncle Krackerhttps://www.weretalkingcountry.com/post/frosty-the-snowman-gets-a-modern-twist-with-uncle-kracker-s-new-release

12/08/2023

Check out my blog post http://wix.to/MDY0Qct
❤️ Help make a difference this Christmas! Support the Jenifer Strait Foundation and get a chance to attend a stadium show with George Strait at http://wix.to/UhC4zaM

George Strait celebrates 12 Days of Holiday giveawayshttps://www.weretalkingcountry.com/post/george-strait-celebrates-12-days-of-christmas

12/08/2023

Country artists Allie Colleen and Jay Allen have joined forces to deliver a haunting and captivating rendition of the Christmas classic, "O Holy Night."
Get into the holiday spirit with a haunting and captivating rendition of 'O Holy Night' by country artists Allie Colleen and Jay Allen. 🎄❄️ Check it out now! http://wix.to/ZLupQ16

12/07/2023

Country music artist Emily Ann Roberts has joined forces with The Salvation Army, the nation’s largest private provider of social services, to help bring joy and relief to those facing the toughest challenges this holiday season and beyond.
By contributing to Emily Ann Roberts' virtual Red Kettle, individuals have the chance to make a meaningful difference to help The Salvation Army meet the increasing needs of millions of families across the country. All contributions made through the virtual Red Kettle will help The Salvation Army support the needs of individuals and families in the communities where they are donated. These funds will be used to provide Christmas gifts, food, shelter, rent, and utility assistance to millions of people struggling this holiday season and beyond.
Emily Ann’s virtual Red Kettle will remain open for donations until December 31. Supporters who contribute during this period will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of Emily Ann's one-of-a-kind hand-crocheted throw blankets she often showcases on her social media.
To donate to Emily Ann Roberts' virtual Red Kettle and participate in this heartwarming initiative, please visit HERE. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in need, not only during the holidays but all year long.
Emily Ann said, “I’m a firm believer in doing what you can with what you have. I love to crochet, and I am so happy to see this blanket truly go to good use! I pray these donations are a blessing to those who need it most, and that this blanket will bring joy and comfort to whoever wins it!”

For more info and to buy tickets to see Emily Ann on Blake Shelton's Back To The H***y Tonk Tour presented by Kubota, please visit emilyannroberts.com.

12/05/2023

Congratulations to Darius Rucker, who was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 4, 2023.
After being introduced by former Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan, Rucker shared, “This is stuff you don’t even dream about when you’re from South Carolina…all I ever wanted was to be a singer, but you never dream that this stuff is going to happen.”
“Usually, you’re going record to record or tour to tour, and when this happens, you get to sit down and think about the whole thing,” Rucker shared with Variety as he reflected ahead of receiving the Hollywood Walk of Fame honor. “You think about when the band started, in a dorm at University of South Carolina, and then all the hard work, playing for seven years before you got a record deal. You think about going to Nashville and being told it was never going to work. You think about the first No. 1 [record] you ever had.
“You think about all that stuff, and you have to believe in fate, because one step to the left or one step to the right, and I’m not here talking to you. So you just thank God everything happened the way it did.”
Praised by People for having “never left his humble roots in the rear view,” Rucker recently released his latest album Carolyn’s Boy, an homage to his late mother, a woman he celebrates as the sole reason for “who I am, how I am, what I am.”


Photo Credit: Imagery by Oscar/HCC

12/01/2023

The GIG at Belmont: An Unforgettable Music Experience
Check out my blog post, http://wix.to/btWg5ry

The Gallery of Iconic Guitars was left to Belmont University by the late Steven Kern Shaw.https://www.weretalkingcountry.com/post/the-gallery-of-iconic-guitars

11/25/2023

“Y’all come on in!”
These were the words I heard while walking up the front walkway to the home of the legendary Jeannie Seely. Words can’t fully describe what it’s like for a fan of country music to share the air with a legend such as Seely, but I am incredibly thankful for the time we were able to spend together.
Growing up in Pennsylvania, Seely knew at a very young age that she wanted to be a performer. She recalled her father making sure the car battery was charged so that they could listen to The Grand Ole Opry on the radio. “If the signal wasn’t coming in, he would drive up the hill to listen to The Grand Ole Opry”, Seely laughed.
It would be at the age of 27 that Seely would be invited to become a member of that very program. What would happen next would change the course of The Grand Ole Opry forever. Through hard work, persistence, and determination, Seely fought for female performers to be treated equally on The Opry stage. This included how they were allowed to dress, how they were introduced, and how pivotal of a role they could play on the show. It wasn’t until the early 90s that women were allowed to host the program, Seely being the first to do so.
This year marks Jeannie Seely’s 56th year as a Grand Ole Opry member. To celebrate Seely’s contributions to the Opry as well as the country music genre, Seely was presented with the Joe Talbot Award during her Opry performance on October 28th. She recalled being speechless (not a normal thing for her), and how genuinely surprised she was.
Perhaps for me, what really stood out in our conversation, is how important it is to Seely that The Opry always feels like a family. The magic of The Grand Ole Opry is how connected you feel to the artists who walk out on that stage, and Seely does her best to make sure her Opry family feels welcome and included. Her dedication to keeping that tradition alive is truly inspiring. The interview was conducted by Alannah Moore and the photos © Lisa OConnor/AFF-USA.com

For more of the interview and photos go to www.weretalkingcountry.com

We are talking about everything country

11/25/2023

The ultimate review of Rustler Hat Co: Quality, Style and Value

11/24/2023

GRAMMY® Award-winning and Country Music Hall of Fame members, The Oak Ridge Boys were honored by The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development with the unveiling of the “Tennessee Music Pathways” marker in Oak Ridge, Tennessee on Monday, November 20. William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban were in attendance representing The Oak Ridge Boys along with Tennessee Representative John Reagan, Oak Ridge Mayor, Warren Gooch, and family members of former Oak Ridge Boys’ Wally Fowler and Lon “Deacon” Freeman, both original members of The Oak Ridge Quartet. Oak Ridge Mayor, Warren Gooch also presented The Oak Ridge Boys with a key to the city and a proclamation honoring their contributions to the city.
“It was a very special day,” shares William Lee Golden. “Being part of this remarkable group is something I never take for granted. Our journey has been uniquely blessed and one that very few have had the opportunity to achieve. I am thankful to Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, and Richard Sterban for their contributions to The Oak Ridge Boys, along with our band and co-workers. A special thank you to Gus Arrendale and Springer Mountain Farms for helping make this day possible!”
“I can’t think of anywhere I would rather have been than at the Grove Theater in Oak Ridge with the kind folks at The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development who worked so hard to design this marker,” expresses Richard Sterban. “The Oak Ridge Boys as a group goes back 80 years to the original members, Wally Fowler, Lon “Deacon” Freeman, Curly Kinsey, and Johnny New, and we have never forgotten them or their contributions. It has been a privilege to build on that.” ©Jeremy Westby / 2911 Media

11/20/2023

On Saturday, UT fans were surprised when UT graduate Peyton Manning escorted East Tennessee’s beloved icon Dolly Parton onto the field during the University of Tennessee vs. the Georgia Bulldogs game at Neyland Stadium.
Dolly dressed in the Tennessee Vols orange and white then performed “Rocky Top” backed up by the University of Tennessee Choir and the Pride of the Southland Band. The crowd was so loud you couldn't hear Dolly singing. Sadly the Tennessee Vols lost to the Georgia Bulldogs. Photos © Curtis Hilbun/AFF-USA.com

11/18/2023

Wishing Brother Osborne's T.J. Osborne a very happy 39th birthday. The duo started their career in 2013 and struggled to find commerial success until finally in 2016 they hit it big. Since then they've had one success after another.
On February 3, 2021, T.J. came out as gay, making him the first openly gay country artist with a major country music label. Brother Osborne's song "Younger Me" was inspired by T.J.'s attempts to come out earlier. He's been in a relationship with his partner Abi Ventura since 2020.

11/18/2023

Fox Nation hosted their Fifth Annual Patriot Awards at the Grand Ole Opry last tonight, and the ceremony was hosted by Middle Tennessee resident and Fox & Friends host Pete Hegseth. The show recognizes and honors everyday heroes, not just television heroes and aired on FOX Nation last night and will air on Fox News on November 23rd at 7pm.
Country music artist and U.S. Army Veteran Craig Morgan performed on the show. Here's what Pete had to say about him. “What a perfect guy, an Opry member, country star, did 17 years in the Army…got out and became a star, and ultimately he’s like, ‘You know what? I want to finish my 20 years…so I’m gonna re-enlist.’ The guy loves the country, and he serves the country, and he sings about that, and he supports that. And those types of stories are a perfect layer on top of the whole event.” Singing legend Pat Boone, 'Duck Family Treasure' cast Jase Robertson, Missy Robertson, Jessica Robertson, Jep Robertson and Murry Crowe and Fox talents such as Ainsley Earhardt, Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters, Dana Perino, Tomi Lahren, Steve Doocy, Brian Kilmeade and Carley Shimkus were all on hand to honor the heroes.
A portion of the proceeds from the awards will go to benefit Answer the Call, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance and support to the families of New York City police and firefighters killed in the line of duty.

11/17/2023

Enter to Parton Like A Rockstar sweepstakes

Enter the Parton Like A Rockstar sweepstakeshttps://www.weretalkingcountry.com/post/parton-like-a-rockstar

11/16/2023

Get ready for another new incarnation of Kristian Bush.

Over his storied and prolific career, Bush founded Grammy-winning country duo Sugarland, critically acclaimed folk rock duo Billy Pilgrim and the all-star improvisational rock band Dark Water. He successfully launched himself as a solo artist, penned various musicals, television theme songs and more. And while slowing down isn't in the cards for him this holiday season, Bush's next project is crafted to be the calm in the yuletide storm this Christmas.

"Twinkle and Tinsel," Bush's lo-fi Christmas chill EP, will be available Nov. 24. The collection's first song, "Candy Cane," will arrive Friday. Bush crafted "Twinkle and Tinsel" with his brother Brandon Bush and their frequent collaborator Benji Shanks, as part of their lo-fi chill project Cabin Chill that is available on all streaming services.

"This is the intersection of where our obsession with Christmas music and our obsession with lo-fi is connected," Bush said. "They've come crashing into each other, and Cabin Chill is putting out our first Christmas release."

Bush describes Cabin Chill as mostly lo-fi instrumental music that was created to be somewhat hypnotic and help listeners relax. The brothers and frequent collaborator Benji Shanks became intrigued with the concept during the pandemic. The musicians wondered what would happen if they combined the standard lo-fi hip hop with organic instruments, which they would play.

"We started giggling at who in the world would listen to this," Bush said. "Then we thought, 'Well, we would.' And then we thought, 'This is kind of like lo-fi chill music for dudes who own Big Green Eggs."

"Twinkle and Tinsel" is Cabin Chill's fourth collection, and Bush laughs that it took the men this long to discover they don't know much about the world of lo-fi other than what appeals to them.

"We're just making what we like," Bush said. "The fun thing about this moment is that it's from our Atlanta studio, the same place that birthed Megan Moroney, Sugarland, Billy Pilgrim and all things Dark Water. There's a certain amount of joy that comes from just simply being creative without there being an expectation. The more times you do it, the more times you feel good. I've learned to stop asking someone to order it off a menu and just start making things, and the world will catch up."

11/15/2023

Tonight exclusively on CMT is the all-new, CMT SMASHING GLASS: A Celebration of the Groundbreaking Women of Music, airing at 9p/8c. The genre-defying musical salute to the incomparable women who smashed stereotypes, broke records and defiantly blazed trails for future generations of female artists.
This year, CMT will honor the exceptional careers of prolific icons Patti LaBelle and Tanya Tucker, two barrier-breaking legends who challenged the status quo and paved the foundation for their fellow women in music. Fusing once-in-a-lifetime performances with documentary storytelling, each icon will be honored with a pair of tributes by artists they’ve inspired before both taking the stage for their own unforgettable performance.
“We’re beyond excited to bring this electrifying and empowering new franchise to life by honoring iconic women who’ve fearlessly ‘smashed glass ceilings’ and kicked in doors, holding them wide open for past, present and future generations. Both Patti and Tanya deserve to be celebrated for continuing to set the industry gold standard with boundary-breaking crossover success, bold, uncompromising lives and careers, and creating timeless music and impact that remains as powerful and relevant as ever.”
CMT SMASHING GLASS will additionally honor and pay respect to the late women of music with memorial tribute medleys to a trio of female juggernauts: Aretha Franklin, Sinead O’Connor and Tina Turner.

Photos By ©Curtis Hilbun/AFF-USA.com

11/14/2023

CMA Country Christmas to air December 14th with performances by Amy Grant, Trisha Yearwood, Ashley McBryde, Lainey Wilson and many more

CMA Country Christmas with Amy Grant, Trisha Yearwood, Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Lainey Wilson and morehttps://www.weretalkingcountry.com/post/cma-country-christmas-airs-on-december-14th

11/14/2023

Knoxville, Tennessee college football fans will see Dolly Parton this weekend at Neyland Stadium to cheer on the Volunteers as they take on the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 3:30 p.m. Rumor is she'll be performing "Rocky Top" and enjoying the game, I'm sure in her orange and white attire. GO VOLS!!!

11/13/2023

Known for his high-energy songs and live performances, Red Van Records singer-songwriter Levi Hummon announces his headlining Another Shot Tour. The 15-city tour will kick off in Nashville, TN on Dec 13 at the legendary Exit/In, which has hosted some of the biggest names in rock, country, and alternative music for more than 50 years.

“I can’t wait to get back on the road. I have built a really special team over the last year and lots of new fans across socials,” said Hummon. “I’m so excited to play some of the new music we’ve been working on and the brand new version of 'Paying For It.'”

When the tour wraps in Knoxville, TN on Feb 3, Hummon and his Another Shot Tour will have played some of the most storied and intimate music rooms across the country, like the Hi-Fi in Indianapolis, IN; Manchester Music Hall, in Lexington, KY; and Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta to name a few.

Last week, Hummon released a studio version of “Paying For It” with Walker Hayes, his debut song for Red Van Records. Originally recorded and released in 2021, Hummon has been playing the song since that time while on the road, and it has become a fan favorite and viral hit. Since its release last week,
the song has been featured on numerous playlists as well as Entertainment Tonight and CMT.

11/13/2023

The Dukes of Hazzard stars Catherine Bach, John Schneider, Tom Wopat, Byron Cherry, Jeff Altman, and Rick Hurst reunited this weekend at the 2023 Gallatin Comic Con in Gallatin, TN.
The Gallatin Civic Center was filled with young and older fans excited to meet the original Bo, Luke, and Daisy Duke in person. The cast spent their weekend signing hundreds of autographs, greeting and posing for photos with the famous orange 1969 Dodge Charger 'The General Lee' and their fans.

11/12/2023

Jessie James Decker looking fabulous in purple at the 2023 Baby2Baby Gala in Los Angeles. Funds raised for Baby2Baby, a national non-profit organization that supports children living in poverty. The annual gala enables Baby2Baby to continue to serve on the frontlines and innovate in response to national emergencies affecting the families that the organization serves.

11/12/2023

Kenny Chesney "Sun Goes Down" 2024 Tour Dates

Kenny Chesney knows how to throw the summer into high gear. Having spent last spring and early summer with his taking-it-to-the-roots I Go Back 2023 Tour of those arenas and markets where he rose to major headlining status, the only country artist to be on Billboard’s Top 10 Touring Artists of the Last 25 Years for the past 14 years is bringing old friends and new to 18 full-scale stadiums with a few more major surprises to come.

Joining Chesney are Zac Brown Band, Megan Moroney, and Uncle Kracker.

“I wanted a name that suggested – obviously – when all the good stuff starts to happen. The one thing I’ve learned about No Shoes Nation and these stadium shows is they start the good times early and they just keep it going,” Chesney says of his 2024 tour name. “But we all know, when the sun goes down, that’s when people really get loose and enjoy themselves.

“That was the thing about Uncle Kracker and my song. It captured a vibe and a moment so perfectly. No matter how much fun you’re having all day long, ‘everything gets hotter when the sun goes down...’ I know from years of experience that’s true.

“So, I can’t wait to get back out there, stadium-sized ’cause there’s nothing like 60,000 members of No Shoes Nation singing these songs. It’s gonna be awesome.”

Kicking off April 20, 2024 at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, the tour will run through August 23 at Foxborough, Mass.’s Gillette Stadium for what has become a tradition: closing out the tour in a venue Chesney has played to well over a million people.
Tickets for these major stadium shows will go on sale next Friday, Nov. 17.

11/11/2023

“The 57th Annual CMA Awards” took center stage from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena this week, highlighting Country Music’s global appeal while paying homage to the genre’s legends and celebrating its brightest new voices. Here we're taking a look at the fashion the men wore on the red carpet arrivals. Who's your favorite? Lynch