Blood on the Bluegrass
Exploring the darker side of bluegrass.… Read More Blood on the Bluegrass
Category: History
Country Music’s Been Everywhere, Man
A long essay on country music’s journey to Nashville … Read More Country Music’s Been Everywhere, Man
A Short History Of Alternative Country Music
As the title says … … Read More A Short History Of Alternative Country Music
Let’s Talk Business … The Country Music Business
A historical look into country music business practices… Read More Let’s Talk Business … The Country Music Business
The Magic And Controversy Behind “Folsom Prison Blues”
One of country music’s biggest hits has an … interesting history behind it… Read More The Magic And Controversy Behind “Folsom Prison Blues”
The Johnny Cash Show – An Unfortunate Victim of the Rural Purge
Thus far, these pieces have been inspired by books I’ve read and albums I love. This piece was inspired by an old DVD I have. As I sat and re-watched my copy of “The Best of The Johnny Cash Show,” I couldn’t help but love the way it was done. The musical performances featured legends… Read More The Johnny Cash Show – An Unfortunate Victim of the Rural Purge
The Epic Scene of Country-Rock
My buddy Nathan Kanuch and I collaborated on a piece about the country-rock movement. You can read that over on his website here.
Why Were The Dixie Chicks Banned From Country Radio?
“Because of the Bush comments.” Well, yeah, but then how come country artists were allowed to have differing opinions during the Vietnam War? How come Merle Haggard could release “America First” with little reception? If anything, the banning of Dixie Chicks from the country music establishment had more to do with an unfortunate sign of… Read More Why Were The Dixie Chicks Banned From Country Radio?
Country Music In One Painting, And Thomas Hart Benton’s Final Piece
To open with a cliché, a picture paints a thousand words. In Thomas Hart Benton’s case, his final painting not only spoke a thousand words, but also captured country music’s spirit and its history. Benton was born in Neosho, Missouri in 1889, but art was not what his father had in mind for him. Benton was… Read More Country Music In One Painting, And Thomas Hart Benton’s Final Piece
A Literal Murder On Music Row: The Story Of Dave Akeman (Stringbean)
Country music has never really been a “family-friendly” genre so to say. With its themes of heartache, drinking, smoking and cheating … well heck, I don’t need to say much else. I just proved my point. But murder? That’s taking things to a whole other level, and with that, we introduce the story of Dave… Read More A Literal Murder On Music Row: The Story Of Dave Akeman (Stringbean)
