Country Universe

Discussion: Same Title, Different Song

September 1, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 0

A Billboard Chart Beat reader noted a current trend on the pop charts: Hi Fred, Thanks for an always informative and entertaining Chart Beat column! On the entertaining side, I made an observation this week

Merle Haggard, “Okie from Muskogee”

September 1, 2008 Guest Contributor 14

Okie from Muskogee Merle Haggard 1969 Written by Roy Edward Burris and Merle Haggard “Okie from Muskogee” is an ode to simple American living, a joke at the expense of the common man or a political protest geared

Vince Gill, The Way Back Home

September 1, 2008 Leeann Ward 4

Vince Gill The Way Back Home 1987 Vince Gill’s third and last album for RCA is his best for the label. It even contained a few moderate hits. With this album, the production becomes more

Classic Country Singles: Tammy Wynette, “Stand By Your Man”

August 31, 2008 Guest Contributor 21

Stand By Your Man Tammy Wynette 1968 Written by Billy Sherrill and Tammy Wynette It was a seminal moment in a career filled with them, but the recording of “Stand by Your Man“ has contributed

Concert Review: Patty Griffin, Belly Up Tavern – August 28, 2008

August 31, 2008 Guest Contributor 0

Patty Griffin Belly Up Tavern Solana Beach, California August 28, 2008 At some point, every dedicated fan should have the opportunity to watch their favorite artist(s)—no matter how big or famous—perform from five feet away.

Johnny Cash, At Folsom Prison

August 31, 2008 Guest Contributor 14

Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison 1968 A large part of Johnny Cash’s musical identity was established, of all places, in prison. Although the singer himself stayed on the right side of the law (for the

Classic Country Singles: Kathy Mattea, “Where’ve You Been”

August 31, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 26

“Where’ve You Been” Kathy Mattea 1990 Written by Don Henry and Jon Vezner Everybody loved the song, but nobody wanted to cut it. A slow and simple tale of an aging couple that ends with

Reba McEntire, For My Broken Heart

August 31, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 0

Reba McEntire For My Broken Heart 1991 Recorded in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash that killed her tour manager and most of her band, For My Broken Heart is Reba McEntire’s masterpiece, a

Mary Chapin Carpenter, Stones in the Road

August 31, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 12

Mary Chapin Carpenter Stones in the Road I believe the essence of God is reflected in the very best art. By that standard, Stones in the Road has been my gospel, the defining record that

Zona Jones, “You Should’ve Seen Her This Morning”

August 31, 2008 Guest Contributor 2

Raised on a ranch and the son of a rodeo cowboy, Zona Jones is hardcore country. And after his first album, Harleys & Horses, spawned the single “Two Hearts” which gained fame (of all places)