Country Universe

Self-Promotion: What Works?

February 6, 2009 Guest Contributor 10

My favorite country music-related headline of the week: “Toby Keith Takes On Fashion with TK Steelman Clothing Line.” In case you missed the latest in a long line of increasingly bizarre marketing attempts by country

The 51st Annual Grammy Awards: Keeping It Country (Staff Favorites)

February 6, 2009 Guest Contributor 6

The second article in our Grammy Awards series, our personal favorites in the country categories at this year’s ceremony. Best Country Album Jamey Johnson, That Lonesome Song Patty Loveless, Sleepless Nights (Blake, Leeann) George Strait,

The 51st Annual Grammy Awards: Keeping It Country (Staff Predictions)

February 6, 2009 Guest Contributor 5

In a nod towards diversity, the General Field nominees for the 51st annual Grammy Awards include a shepherd’s pie of musical genres, with Brit soul ingenues (Adele, Duffy) against American pop trios (Jonas Bros., Lady A), Brit pop

Discussion: Book Nook

February 5, 2009 Guest Contributor 9

The book industry, despite notable successes in 2008, is experiencing the same tumult as other niches in the economic world. Even the comic-book kingdom has suffered, with numerous indie stores signing off after poor sales. New technology tricks

Independent Suggestions

February 4, 2009 Leeann Ward 14

In one of last summer’s discussion threads, Matt B., from Roughstock, mentioned a great place to buy music. As a compulsive music buyer, I was easily compelled to check it out. For those who aren’t

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,

Country Music Hall of Fame Names Three New Members

February 4, 2009 Guest Contributor 9

Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrell and legendary session musician Charlie McCoy are the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame, as announced this morning in a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame

Bargain Hunter: Dierks Bentley, Dixie Chicks, Creedence Clearwater Revival

February 3, 2009 Dan Milliken 1

In an effort to help Country Universe readers build solid music libraries without denting their wallets too badly, we’ll periodically post run-downs of country-related bargains we spot at Amazon’s MP3 store. As with our single

Wynonna, Sing – Chapter 1

February 3, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 3

Wynonna Sing – Chapter 1 Wynonna’s music has incorporated so many elements of soul and blues over the years that it’s easy to forget that she got her start singing pure country harmonies with her

Six Pack: Hall of Fame Candidates

February 3, 2009 Guest Contributor 12

On Wednesday, February 4, the Country Music Hall of Fame will announce its newest members. The genre’s highest honor, induction into the Hall of Fame is bestowed upon the absolute best of country music. In 1996