country music

Music Spotlight: Grace Humphries

Oct 14, 2026 at 11:59 am

Many of the new artists I interview are current Belmont University students or alumni. However, very few can say that they were on John Legend's team on Season 29 of NBC's T.... Read More

Levi Foster Releases Sophomore Album ‘Appalachian Funk Tree’

Oct 09, 2026 at 10:39 am

Last year, when I featured Levi Foster and his debut album We Made Fire in my Music Spotlight column, I was drawn to him because he was different. Not only does his music pa.... Read More

Music Spotlight: American Blonde

Oct 02, 2026 at 06:30 am

When I was sent a link to American Blonde's title track, "Delta Home," from their forthcoming EP, I was blown away. These young blonde southern rockers were unlike anything.... Read More

Celebrating Hispanic Culture in Country Music

Sep 24, 2026 at 01:53 pm

One thing I have learned from conducting hundreds of interviews is how much Hispanic and Latino culture has impacted country music. Hispanic culture helped shape the fou.... Read More

Jeannie Seely’s Beloved ‘Pennsyltucky’ Home Becomes Haven for Songwriters

Sep 11, 2026 at 09:13 am

One year after the passing of Grand Ole Opry icon Jeannie Seely, her beloved Cumberland River home continues her legacy in a deeply personal way—by opening its.... Read More

Kelly Lang Releases New Album, 'Jealous Green Eyes'

Aug 20, 2026 at 03:25 pm

Country/pop singer Kelly Lang has released a new album, Jealous Green Eyes, featuring 11 self-penned or co-written songs that leave no stone unturned, exploring life, love,.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Braden Hull

Jul 24, 2026 at 07:13 am

Braden Hull is a rising singer/songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee, who hails from Lexington, North Carolina. I first met him at CRS 2026, where he immediately impressed me w.... Read More

Country Superstar Thomas Rhett Receives Star on Music City Walk of Fame

Jul 10, 2026 at 04:11 pm

Diamond-certified superstar Thomas Rhett, whose career has produced 25 Number One hits over the past decade, was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame on Wednesday, July 8.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Spencer Hatcher

Jul 09, 2026 at 04:05 pm

Out of the 43 artists I interviewed at CRS this year, one who clearly stood out to me was Spencer Hatcher. Because he has a bluegrass background, a traditional country sound.... Read More

Music Spotlight: DEK of Hearts

Jul 02, 2026 at 05:19 pm

When I went to see one of my artists' Opry debuts in May, another group was also having their Opry debut: DEK of Hearts. The trio, who met while attending Trevecca Nazarene.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Carrie Brockwell

Jun 11, 2026 at 09:18 am by Bethany Bowman

When Carrie Brockwell started compiling her collection of songs for her new album, That's Real, which blends country music storytelling with Yacht Rock influences, she had n.... Read More

Travis Bolt Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

Jun 02, 2026 at 12:08 pm by Bethany Bowman

Music Spotlight artist Travis Bolt recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut on May 29th, the week before CMA Fest. This follows his recent TV debut, where he performed "Blues.... Read More

Ashley Anne Releases Generational Heartbreak EP

May 18, 2026 at 03:00 pm by Bethany Bowman

Following up with my Music Spotlight artists is one of my favorite things to do. It is fascinating to see what has transpired since the last interview. Because Ashley An.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Braxton Keith

May 15, 2026 at 08:20 am by Bethany Bowman

Braxton Keith is from Midland, Texas, and his music proudly reflects that fact. He did not grow up in a musical family, but his great-aunt gave him her piano, which he learn.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Austin Snell

May 01, 2026 at 09:00 am by Bethany Bowman

When I learned that country riser Austin Snell had nearly half a billion streams in his short career, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. It turns out he is one o.... Read More