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Articles written by Lisa L. Rollins

Showing 1-100 of 126 Articles

Country Music's 2010 Grammy Nominees
From Carrie Underwood to Reba McEntire, there's no shortage of country-music contenders in this year's Grammy Awards contest, which will broadcast live in January 2010.
Taylor Swift Scores Eight Grammy Nominations
The pop-infused country artist has won almost every prize music has to offer, from an MTV Award to the coveted CMA Entertainer honor, and more Grammy wins are likely.
Author Tom Piazza Profiles Jimmy Martin
In 1997, music critic Tom Piazza was assigned by the Oxford American to profile bluegrass legend Jimmy Martin. From that assignment comes the author's "True Adventures."
Artist Overview: Country Music's Bombshel
Drawing on real life and making their childhood dreams come true, musicians Kristy Osmunson and Kelley Shepard turned duo Bombshel into a chart-climbing act in 2009.
Album Overview: Phil Vassar's 'Traveling Circus'
Hit-maker Phil Vassar, who's easily the best-known piano-playin' country star on the circuit today, is releasing his much-anticipated new studio album, Traveling Circus.
Country Music's 'Big Kenny' Discusses Solo CD
Most country fans know "Big Kenny" Alphin as one-half of the hit duo Big & Rich. But on his new solo CD, he demonstrates his musical freedom via inspired reflection.
Country Fans, Music Industry Mourn Loss
The country-music community has lost one of its treasures, with the Dec. 1 passing of Lone Star State native "Big Bill" Lister, known as "Radio's Tallest Singing Cowboy."
Country Stars Win 2009 American Music Awards
The 37th Annual American Music Awards held Nov. 22, 2009, showcased several of today's hottest country acts, including the 2009 event's big winner, Taylor Swift, 19.
Best New Christmas-themed Country Music
Guy Gilchrist illustrates the popular 'Nancy' comic series that's read daily by some 70 million worldwide. But there's an inspired country-music side of the artist, too.
Winners of 43rd Annual CMA Awards Announced
Country star Brad Paisley had the most CMA nominations in 2009, but teen queen Taylor Swift was the big winner at the close of this year's CMA Awards on Nov. 11.
Food Matters: An Interview with Mark Bittman
The sometime-TV host and author of the classic How to Cook Everything has a new book on shelves, Food Matters, and a desire for people to make healthier food choices.
An Interview with Country Music's Tommy Cash
The Cash surname is royalty in country music circles, but its legacy didn't start, nor end, with The Man in Black. Johnny's brother has long carried on the hit tradition.
Artist Overview: Country Singer David Nail
Country singer David Nail, with his debut CD for MCA Records and chart-climbing freshman single, "Red Light," is gaining new fans and airplay from country radio.
Country Icon Garth Brooks Chats on the Record
He's a pop culture icon and one of country's perennial favorites, and following an Oct. 15, 2009, news announcement, Garth Brooks was open for questions.
Garth Brooks Announces Return to Music
Saying he "already (feels) taller," modern-day music icon Garth Brooks has announced that he will return to performing after a nine-year retirement.
Country Singers Team for Co-Headlining Concerts
Country stars Martina McBride and Trace Adkins have joined forces to take their hit-country songs on the road in the 2009-2010 concert-touring season.
Steve Martin Wins His First IBMA Awards
The 20th annual IBMA event in Nashville on Oct. 1, 2009, boasted first-time winners, such as Steve Martin, as well as bluegrass favorites, including Dan Tyminski.
Researcher Designs Adaptive-Rec Youth Camp
Many physically disabled youth miss out on adaptive-recreation opportunites as part of their lifestyle, but the creators of Camp ENRGY hope their template will catch on.
A Look at Classic-Country Songs for A Rainy Day
Country singer-songwriters know there's more to hit music than tunes about cheatin' and love gone wrong, as evidenced by the format's full supply of songs for a rainy day
Texas Artist Unveils Traditional Country CD/DVD
Not unlike cowboy singers before him such as Chris LeDoux and Garth Brooks, Aaron Watson is a performer devoted to the live-show experience, and his new CD/DVD proves it.
Country & Christian Singers Focus of 2009 Awards
Formerly known as the Christian Country Music Awards, the annual ICM Awards show will feature stars such as Randy Houser, Jason Crabb and Craig Morgan at its 2009 event.
Country Singer's Music Memorabilia Has New Home
The music memorabilia of traditional-country's Charlie Walker has been donated by his widow to the Center for Popular Music at Middle Tennessee State University.
2009 CMA Awards Announce Broadcast Finalists
The 2009 Country Music Association Awards, aside from celebrating the genre's top entertainers and musicians, will also honor the country-radio industry's broadcasters.
A Look at the 2009 CMA Awards Artist Categories
Several reigning CMA titleholders resurfaced on the 2009 final ballot, from established country stars to newer artists with crossover appeal at radio and on the charts.
An Overview of 2009 CMA Awards' Top Nominees
The CMA announced its finalists for the 43rd CMA Awards to be held Nov. 11, 2009. A handful of country singers, from Keith Urban to Taylor Swift, scored the most nods.
2009 CMA Finalists Revealed on Live TV Sept. 9
The final contenders in the 2009 Country Music Assocation Awards will be announced on live television and radio, with the aid of country stars, including Chuck Wicks.
Country Star Honors Late Mentor Chet Atkins
Grammy Award-winning country singer-guitarist Steve Wariner has created a tribute CD in honor of his late friend and mentor, Chet Atkins.
Country Songwriter Cindy Walker Donates Catalog
For Texas-born musician and wordsmith Cindy Walker, her country songs were more than lyrics and music notes on paper-they were her "babies," and she ensured their fate.
New Country Music: Country-Rocker Anthony Smith
After penning songs for country stars such as Rascal Flatts, Gretchen Wilso and George Strait, singer-songwriter Anthony Smith's elated to have his own new single.
Country-Star Duo Brooks & Dunn Disbanding
With millions of album sales and sold-out concerts worldwide, Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks have decided to disband the genre's best-selling duo in history.
Country Music Hall of Fame: The Class of 2009
The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum names Charlie McCoy, multi-instrumentalist/singer Barbara Mandrell and guitarist-recording artist Roy Clark as 2009 inductees.
Track by Track: 'Play Time' by Brady Seals
Most country fans likely know Brady Seals as a founding member, former keyboardist and co-lead singer of Little Texas. Today, he's on his own with an irreverent solo CD.
Jack Ingram Shares 'Big Dreams & High Hopes'
Texas singer-songwriter Jack Ingram, after years on the live circuit, became an overnight success within country music. Now, he's gearing to release his latest CD.
Opry Stars Unite In Song to Aid Mel McDaniel
Grand Ole Opry member Mel McDaniel suffered a heart attack in June before being put in a medically induced coma in July. Fellow country stars hope to help with a benefit.
Artist Update: Singer-Songwriter Brady Seals
Singer-songwriter Brady Seals found fame fast as a founding member of country super-group Little Texas. These days, he's promoting a new solo album with adult themes.
Album Overview: 'My Suitcase Is Always Packed'
With an undeniable and honest affinity for classic Louisiana music, The Red Stick Ramblers unveil the act's most wide-ranging, genre-combining CD to date.
Artist Update: Country Music's Eric Durrance
Country music's Eric Durrance closed 2008 on a career high as the opening act for headliner Jason Aldean only to find his home destroyed. From the ashes, he's found hope.
Artist Overview: Singer Vern Gosdin, 1934-2009
Nashville-based country singer-songwriter Vern Gosdin, known as "The Voice" in country music, has passed away at age 74.
Country Songwriters Celebrate First No 1. Single
Music City-based songwriters Bridgette Tatum and Danny Myrick have garnered their first top-country hit, thanks to country singer Jason Aldean's energetic interpretation.
Commercial Country Radio Takes Economic Hit
Country music fans in some large U.S. cities have witnessed the demise of their local country stations. But options exist for such fans, including online country radio.
2009 Academy of Country Music Award Winners
The 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards were held April 5, 2009, in Las Vegas. Fans voted Carrie Underwood as the 2009 Entertainer of the Year, the top ACM prize.
Artist Overview: Texas Musician Sarah Jarosz
Acoustic multi-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter Sarah Jarosz scored a record deal before graduating high school. Now, she's ready to unleash her first CD and tour.
Artist Profile: Texas Country's Ricky Lynn Gregg
Hit-maker Ricky Lynn Gregg has a rare knack for being able to masterfully perform nearly any genre, from rock to country and gospel, thanks to his Texas upbringing.
Carter Twins Launch Debut Country Concert Tour
Country newcomers the Carter Twins, with CMT and country veterans behind them, have sold 12,000 units of their debut single online in under six weeks.
Tommy Cash Releases New Country Music CD
Tommy Cash, younger brother to the legendary "Man in Black," has released a fitting tribute to his late sibling that includes duets with some of country's best.
Rural Music Roots: Spencer Moore's Recordings
Early rural music wasn't of interest to record companies until they realized it was commercially viable. But recordings by these musicians provide valued oral histories.
An Overview of the 44th ACM Award Nominees
The Academy of Country Music recently announced the nominees for its 44th annual awards presentation, which will air live from Las Vegas on April 5, 2009.
Real-life Inspires Country's Best Love Songs
Annually, Valentine's Day puts added focus on the greatest love songs of all time. But for country fans and singers, music inspired by real-life love is always in style.
Country Music's 2009 Grammy Award Winners
Country music's favorite Texas cowboy, George Strait, won his first Grammy after three decades of hits, while other country music favorites landed Grammys of their own.
Artist Profile: Old-Time Country's Spencer Moore
The old-time country music of pioneering artist Spencer Moore, who turned 90 on Feb. 7, 2009, might have gone unpreserved, if not for New York's Tompkins Square Records.
Country Singers Launch New Fashion Lines
Make room, celebrities-turned-fashionistas Kanye West, Mischa Barton and Justin Timberlake. Country stars Taylor Swift and Toby Keith are launching fashion lines, too.
Preserving Traditional Country Music History
The Country Music Hall of Fame has launched a fundraiser to help the museum afford four historic country-music instruments that are among its priceless acquisitions.
Album Review: 'Goin' All Out' by Dan Evans
Since shedding 136 pounds as America watched on "The Biggest Loser" TV show, singer-songwriter Dan Evans has released a debut album, with a contemporary-country sound.
Hit Country-Bluegrass Songwriter John Hartford
John Hartford was many things in life, from steamboat captain, fiddle and banjo player, to hit songwriter, Grammy-winning artist, author, folklorist and father.
Neo-Folk Music in A Fast-Paced World: The Duhks
Deciding how to classify the music of Canada's The Duhks is challenging, thanks to its players' ability to seamlessly mix bluegrass, folk, roots country and world music.
A Lion Named Sam Encourages Self-Confidence
A make-believe lion springs from his original home within a folk song to the printed page, finding new fans and stirring children's imaginations along the way.
New AFN Channel Plays Country Videos All Day
For country fans tired of the same top-20 videos or too little music-video programming, cable-TV network AFN offers more artist variety, 24 hours a day.
Comparing Barack Obama to Franklin D. Roosevelt
America's 32nd president, Franklin Roosevelt, tackled the Great Depression with his New Deal approach. Will Barack Obama, the president-elect, become the new FDR?
Country Singer Jamey Johnson's 'In Color' Hit
Tunesmith Jamey Johnson knows what it's like to write a top-10 song. But thanks to the Grammy-nominated "In Color," he knows what it's like to record one, too.
New Country Music's Jamey Johnson
Jamey Johnson's inked a string of hit-country songs, from "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" to "Give It Away." But these days, he's got this own hit CD and a trio of Grammy nods.
Hollywood's Jack Black Explores Country Music
Thanks to his father-in-law, Hollywood actor/rocker Jack Black has discovered the musical grass can be greener, as it were, on the bluegrass side.
Billy Currington's 'Little Bit of Everything' CD
True to its title, "Little Bit of Everything" offers country fans a hodgepodge of musical flavors, yet overall, resounds as a polished pop-country offering.
Grammy Awards Honor Country Singer Brenda Lee
She's sold more than 90 million records and charted more hits than any other female artist of her day, and in 2009, she'll get the Grammy Awards' highest honor.
Hit-Country Music: The Statler Brothers
They began in 1955 as teens, performing as a gospel quartet in their Staunton, Va., hometown, and went on to become the most-awarded group in country history.
Country Music'sTaylor Swift Breaks Chart Records
Country star Taylor Swift, who's the first solo female artist to score five top-10 hits from a debut CD, is officially the best-selling country artist of 2008.
Troubled Country Music Star Attempts Suicide
She's put 12 songs on Billboard's country charts. But in more recent years. scandal has plagued Mindy McCready, who attempted suicide Dec. 17, 2008.
Will Tim McGraw Campaign for Governor?
From the top of the country charts to the top of state-level politics is where country singer/sometime-actor Tim McGraw may be throwing his cowboy hat.
Book Review: Statler Brothers' Random Memories
In the autobiographical "Random Memories," Statler Brothers Harold and Don Reid share private struggles and personal stories from their decades-long career.
George Jones: 2008 Kennedy Center Honoree
He was a no-show for the "Nashville Loves George Jones Night" concert in 1980, but the country superstar was front and center for 2008's Kennedy Center Honors.
Popular 'Rock Band' Video Game Going Country
For some devoted rock fans-turned-gamers, it was just a nasty rumor. But thanks to country music's perpetual fan base and popularity, "Rock Band'" is diversifying.
51st Grammy Awards: 2009 Country Music Nominees
Platinum-selling country newcomer Taylor Swift was co-host for the recent 51st annual Grammy nominations ceremony in L.A., which included some of country music's best.
Country Singers Making Beautiful Music Together
It takes a pretty "big dork" to catch and keep "Dancing with the Stars"/country singer Julianne Hough, but country's Chuck Wicks, apparently, is the dork for the job.
Blake Shelton: Country's Newest 'Sexiest' Man
Country singer Keith Urban is likely used to being called "sexy" by mainstream media. But for Blake Shelton, the designation is nothing short of a "new superpower."
New Social Networking Site Targets Country Fans
Move over, Facebook, MySpace and BeBo. Make room for My Country Space, a free-access site created specifically for the genre's dedicated fans and industry members.
Traditional Country Music: The Louvin Brothers
They were Elvis Presley's favorite gospel duet and inspired scores, from Johnny Cash to Emmylou Harris. But their close harmonies made them one of country's greatest duos
How to Prevent Mice Infestation: A Nontoxic Way
As temperatures drop, mice feel the cold, too, and seek warmer quarters, including inside homes. But there are kid-friendly, nontoxic ways to stop such infestations.
Kitty Wells: Queen of Country Music Gets Exhibit
In 1952, she became country music's first bona-fide female star with her once-controversial debut single, and today, she has her very own career-commemorating exhibit.
Country Music's Eric Durrance Scores with Debut
With production support from Teddy Gentry, co-founder of country super-group Alabama, new artist Eric Durrance has leapt onto the CMT video scene and U.S. country charts.
Vince Vance Christmas Song an All-Time Favorite
Written some 20 years ago by members of Vince Vance and the Valiants, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has become a most-requested holiday classic.
Senior Community Caters to Country Musicians
Hollywood created one for its motion-picture veterans. And now, country music, in a move "to take care of its own," is creating a specialized retirement community, too.
Country's Toby Keith Boycotts CMA Awards, Again
The Country Music Association's annual awards show, considered the most prestigous event of its kind, is a place hitmaker Toby Keith will never, ever be again, he says.
Country Star Couple Preserves Music History
Thanks to the generosity of country singers Marty Stuart and Connie Smith, the Country Music Hall of Fame is now home to even more priceless treasures.
Review: CMT on Tour '08 Rocks Middle Tennessee
From Tom Petty and AC/DC to Guns N' Roses, country music's Jason Aldean and newcomers Lady Antebellum sprinkled their respective hit-country sets with rockin' fun.
Country Music Association Announces 2008 Winners
Country fans, country stars, rock stars and movie stars mingled during the Country Music Association's 42nd annual awards show on Nov. 12, 2008, in Nashville.
Hank Williams Sr. Daughter Gives Rare Interview
The half-sister of Hank Williams Jr. and daughter of Audrey and Hank Williams Sr. will give a rare interview about her famous country-music family on Dec. 13, 2008.
Reba McEntire Leaves MCA Records After 25 Years
Reba McEntire, one of the most successful female recording artists of all time, has left her longtime label home, MCA Records, after 20-plus years.
Traditional Country's Joey + Rory Find Success
Traditional country music-makers Joey and Rory have gone from CMT's Can You Duet TV show to country's Top 40 with their "Cheater, Cheater" single.
Unlikely Pairing: Def Leppard and Taylor Swift
Award-winning country newcomer Taylor Swift harmonizes with British rock band Def Leppard for a genre-merging live concert that airs on CMT in November.
How to Use Nature for Daily Hair and Skin Care
Used for hundreds of years to aid in health restoration and body maintenance, herbs are a safe, side affect-free addition to one's daily self-care routine.
Dolly & Porter: A Creative, Complex Country Duo
Dolly Parton's enduring love for former duet-partner Porter Wagoner inspired her career's signature song. But her aggravation with his stubbornness motivated her, too.
Country Music Pioneer Pop Stoneman: An Overview
For decades, Ernest Van Stoneman was called the unsung hero of country music. But with his 2008 addition to the genre's highest honor roll, his legend status is sealed.
Country's Heidi Newfield: Life After Trick Pony
Country singer Heidi Newfield, the energetic, vocally powerful voice of hitmakers Trick Pony, is now a solo artist with a hit single, "Johnny & June" all her own.
Dan Evans' New CD Debuts in Country's Top 10
Dan Evans may be best known as a favorite contestant on the "The Biggest Loser" TV show, but thanks to a new album, that's all about to change.
Country Music Newcomers Play Free Pre-CMA Show
Automaker Chevrolet, official sponsor of the 2008 Country Music Association Awards, will present a free Nov. 11 concert at downtown Nashville's Sommet Center Plaza.
Little Jimmy Dickens Marks 60 Years on the Opry
Country music's Little Jimmy Dickens celebrated his 60th anniversary with Nashville's Grand Ole Opry on Nov. 1, 2008, with a special Signature show and guest stars.
Country Music Hall of Fame: The Class of 2008
Country singer-songwriters Emmylou Harris, the Statler Brothers, Tom T. Hall and the late Ernest "Pop" Stoneman make up the Country Music Hall of Fame's Class of 2008.
Country Music Hall of Fame Inducts Pop Stoneman
Forty years after his death and 96 years after the release of his million-selling classic, Ernest Van "Pop" Stoneman has joined the Country Music Hall of Fame's rolls.
Review: If We Ever Make It Home by Wade Bowen
After performing 250 live shows each year in the dance halls and honky-tonks of his native Texas, Wade Bowen has learned a thing or two about pleasing country-music fans.
Tim McGraw Upset by Greatest Hits 3 CD
It's not often that an artist is disappointed in having a greatest-hits album released, but country music's Tim McGraw has found himself in just such a position.
RIP Magazine Strives to Inspire At-Risk Youth
For Evelyn Rodriguez, publisher of a magazine created especially for at-risk youth, the printed word and visual arts can combine to create a powerful tool for change.
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