News – Page 7 – Country Universe

In Memoriam: Dan Seals

March 26, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 10

Successful country singer Dan Seals has passed away at the age of 61. Seals had a long run at the top of the country charts after a pop career as one half of England Dan and John Ford Coley. After the duo scored a huge hit with “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” Seals returned to his country roots.

Although he had a string of country hits, he is most remembered for his two award-winning chart-toppers. In 1986, he won two CMA awards: Single of the Year for “Bop”, and Vocal Duo of the Year for “Meet Me in Montana”, his collaboration with Marie Osmond.

Seals is survived by his wife and his four children. Share your memories and tributes to his music in the commments.

Idol Opry Night: Live Blog

March 17, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 122

Country Universe continues its annual tradition of live-blogging country night on American Idol. LIVE BLOG 9:55 Kind of boring night overall. I liked Anoop the most. Not too much stood out for me. 9:52 When

Chris Willman Joins The Huffington Post

March 13, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 8

One of country music’s finest journalist has a new outlet for his talents. Chris Willman has written for Entertainment Weekly for many years and he also wrote the essential book Rednecks and Bluenecks, which explored

Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood head to American Idol

March 12, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 35

Next Tuesday will be “Grand Ole Opry” week on American Idol, and they’re bringing out the big guns. The guest mentor will be country music legend Randy Travis, who will also perform on the show.

LeAnn Rimes Takes “What I Cannot Change” to No. 1

February 21, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 19

You read that right. This week, the highly praised and Grammy-nominated LeAnn Rimes single “What I Cannot Change” finally reached #1 – on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play chart. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reQpz4JtjQw While the song’s admirers most

Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift among Music’s Biggest Moneymakers

February 12, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 10

Only three country acts are among the past year’s top moneymakers in music: If anyone had any doubt that touring is where the money is in the music business, a quick look at the top

ACM Album of the Year Criteria Amended

February 12, 2009 Guest Contributor 9

A Peter Cooper article in today’s edition of the Tennessean: The album of the year nominees are … as yet unannounced. That’s because the Academy re-thought its prerequisite that album contenders sell at least 300,000

44th Annual ACM Awards Nominations Announcement

February 11, 2009 Guest Contributor 18

The Academy of Country Music announced nominees for their 44th annual awards ceremony this morning at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler, Leann Rimes and Jessica Simpson were on hand to present

Lambert, Cash Prep New Releases

February 10, 2009 Guest Contributor 4

Two of country music’s most critically-acclaimed artists are scheduled to release new discs later this year. While the gold-certified Crazy-Ex Girlfriend continues a formidable chart run, Miranda Lambert is finishing her third album in Nashville, tentatively set for

Academy of Country Music Nominations Due February 11

February 4, 2009 Guest Contributor 15

The nominations for this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards will be announced on Wednesday, February 11, and Country Universe will have a preview next week. As announced yesterday, the blond brigade of Julianne Hough,