Country Universe

2014 CMA Nominations

September 6, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 49

This year’s CMA nominees are the best in years, with multiple nominations for Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, and Brandy Clark. Country radio may still be shunning women, but their embrace by CMA voters suggests that

Single Review: Garth Brooks, “People Loving People”

September 5, 2014 Leeann Ward 22

“People Loving People” Garth Brooks Written by Michael Busbee, Lee Thomas Miller & Chris Wallin There is no nuanced way to say it. Garth Brooks’ long anticipated comeback single is really bad with a little

100 Greatest Men: #1. Merle Haggard

August 15, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 14

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List The Poet of the Common Man. Merle Haggard emerged from the Bakersfield music scene in the mid-sixties, and over the course of time, became the greatest man in the

100 Greatest Men: #2. George Jones

August 15, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 2

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List Quite possibly country music’s most distinctive vocalist, George Jones wrapped his distinguished vocals around great songs for more than five decades. Jones was born and raised in Texas, and

100 Greatest Men: #3. Willie Nelson

August 15, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 1

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List He started out as an unconventional songwriter trying to be a conventional artist. But when Willie Nelson let his hair down, he became a country legend for the ages.

100 Greatest Men: #4. Johnny Cash

August 15, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 9

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List Known affectionately as the Man in Black, Johnny Cash is a figure who has towered over popular music, casting a long shadow over the history of both country and

100 Greatest Men: #5. Hank Williams

August 15, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 1

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List So epic was his life story, and so tragic its ending, that it’s easy to forget a simple truth: Hank Williams was one of the strongest vocalists and songwriters

100 Greatest Men: #6. Jimmie Rodgers

August 14, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 2

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List All of country music history is connected by its tradition, with the artists of one generation tracing their sound back to the generations that came before. For male country

100 Greatest Men: #7. Buck Owens

August 14, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 2

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List For many Americans, he was the guitar-slinging comedian that co-hosted Hee Haw. But before he signed up for that popular show, he had already amassed a body of work

100 Greatest Men: #8. Lefty Frizzell

August 14, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 1

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List Lefty Frizzell just may be the most influential vocalist in country music history. His signature honky-tonk style has been the foundational template for several generations of traditional country vocalists,