Worth Reading – Country Universe

Worth Reading: Craig Jenkins, “Country Music’s Middle Road” (Vulture, April 2026)

April 9, 2026 Jonathan Keefe 23

A couple of thoughts here after reflecting on this essential piece from the invaluable Craig Jenkins.

Worth Reading: Jonathan Keefe On Speak Now and Zack Kephart’s Favorite Singles of the Nineties

July 13, 2023 Kevin John Coyne 1

Two great pieces of writing from beyond the Country Universe.

Worth Reading: Nashville Scene Country Music Almanac 2022

January 20, 2022 Kevin John Coyne 0

Please check out this spectacular collection of writing compiled by Nashville Scene.

Worth Reading: Marissa R. Moss, “Kane Brown, Mickey Guyton and Brothers Osborne on Country’s More Inclusive Future”

July 2, 2021 Kevin John Coyne 2

Marissa Moss again proves her bona fides as one of the finest country music journalists that we have.

Worth Reading: A Modern Country Music History, Part Six: A Change Upon This Golden Hour (2016-2019)

July 1, 2021 Kevin John Coyne 0

An essential series concludes over at The Musical Divide.

Worth Reading: A Modern Country Music History, Part Five: Returning Home (2014-2016)

June 11, 2021 Kevin John Coyne 1

This section perfectly captures why many mainstream country music fans found themselves leaving radio acts behind and fully embracing independent artists.

Worth Reading: A Modern Country Music History, Part Four: Bros and Broncos (2012-2014)

June 7, 2021 Kevin John Coyne 2

Zack Kephart navigates the rocky waters of 2012-2014 in his ongoing chronicle of Modern Country Music.

Worth Reading: A Modern Country Music History, Part Three: We Were Both Young When I First Saw You (2005-2012)

May 30, 2021 Kevin John Coyne 0

Country Universe writer and founder of The Musical Divide Zack Kephart continues his deep dive into the history of Modern Country Music.

Worth Reading: A Modern Country Music History, Part Two: They Don’t Have Cash and They Don’t Sound Haggard (1996-2005)

May 25, 2021 Kevin John Coyne 3

It was the best of times…until it wasn’t.

Worth Reading: A Modern Country Music History, Part One: From Bars to Barcodes (1989-1996)

May 18, 2021 Kevin John Coyne 7

You won’t read anything better about country music this year.