Stephen L. Betts
Pistol Annies ‘Annie Up’ for Second Album
Pistol Annies, the critically-acclaimed trio of Angaleena Presley, Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe, will release their sophomore album, Annie Up, on May 7. It's the follow-up to the No. 1 album, Hell on Heels, which they unleashed in August 2011...
Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis, ‘Cheater’s Game’ Fueled by Love, ‘Star Trek’ and the Fonz (Exclusive Interview)
Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis have been independent solo artists, each making their own way in the musical world since the 1990s. Bruce's first solo self-titled effort arrived in 1996, and Kelly released her debut, Well Traveled Love, in 1990...
Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood Top ‘American Idol’ 100 Hits List
Two of the best-selling "American Idol" champs, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood dominate a special Billboard magazine survey of the 100 hit singles the TV competition's finalists scored in its first 11 seasons. Of the 100 tunes ranked, 31 country hits that reached the Hot 100 made the list, the top-selling of which is Carrie's sassy smash, "Before He Cheats," which comes in
The Band Perry ‘Done’ Video Promises Life-Sized Chess Battle
The Band Perry celebrated their latest No. 1 single, "Better Dig Two" at a special event in Nashville this week, and the sibling trio also revealed a few details about their upcoming single and video, "Done." The second release from the group's sophomore album, Pioneer, has already captured the attention of fans via social media, but the for the tune involves capture of another
Blake Shelton, ‘The Voice’ Season 4 Is ‘Target on My Back’
When "The Voice" returns on March 25, all eyes will be on the four judges, especially the pair who will be new to viewers, as Shakira and Usher replace Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera, both of whom bowed out of the fourth season. Blake Shelton acknowledges that things are different now that he and Adam Levine are the two remaining this time around...
Mindy McCready Memorial Service: Singer Remembered for Her Talents and Struggles
Mindy McCready was remembered for her wit, her faith in God and for her considerable singing talent at a memorial service Wednesday (March 6) in Nashville. Family, friends and members of the music industry attended the service held at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, to recall the life and career of the troubled star who died at her own hand last month at 37 years old...
Keith Urban Tour With Little Big Town Offers Chance to Collaborate
Keith Urban may be listed as the headliner on his upcoming summer tour, but no one is more excited about one of the tour's opening acts, Little Big Town, than Keith himself.
"I've always loved them," says Keith of the band. "I love the record they made, and I just felt like if they wanted to come out, it'd be a great time to collaborate together...
Dawn Sears Cancer Diagnosis: Time Jumpers Member Undergoing Treatment
Dawn Sears, a member of the Grammy-nominated band the Time Jumpers, has been diagnosed with Stage 3B lung cancer. Sears, who is also a longtime member of Vince Gill's touring band, and an in-demand background vocalist is currently undergoing treatment in Nashville...
Ashley Monroe, ‘Like a Rose’ Album Is Thorns-and-All Approach to Country Music (Exclusive Interview)
One of the perks of being a music journalist is the opportunity to hear a new album sometimes months before it is ever available to the general public. While the best possible result of that perk is being able to rave about the music when you have the chance to sit down with the artist to talk about (let alone telling absolutely everyone you know -- or don't know -- how great you think an album is
Trace Adkins’ ‘Love Will … ‘ Album Set for Spring Release
Trace Adkins' 11th studio album, Love Will... is due for release this spring on the Show Dog-Universal Music label, coinciding with the singer's return as a contestant on NBC's "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice." The new disc will feature several unexpected (and as-yet-unannounced) guests collaborating with the country superstar...