Country Universe

Discussion: Favorite Drinking Songs?

March 17, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 27

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! As someone who is half-Irish, it’s something of a national holiday for me. Unfortunately, I’m full-“working adult”, so the closest I’ll come to the sauce today is by listening to my

News: Carrie Underwood will join Grand Ole Opry

March 16, 2008 Leeann Ward 18

Last night, Carrie Underwood was surprised to be invited to join the Grand Ole Opry. The invitation was extended by Randy Travis, in a touching exchange, after she finished singing his song, “I Told You

100 Greatest Women, #96: Allison Moorer

March 15, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 13

100 Greatest Women #96 Allison Moorer One of the definitive female artists of Americana music. Allison Moorer was the second musical artist to emerge from her family, with an older sister who goes by the

100 Greatest Women, #97: Barbara Fairchild

March 15, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 2

100 Greatest Women #97 Barbara Fairchild Much like Jeannie Kendall was locked into cheating songs as soon as “Heaven’s Just a Sin Away” topped the charts, country and gospel star Barbara Fairchild found herself trapped

Carrie Underwood, “Last Name”

March 15, 2008 Leeann Ward 27

The glaringly obvious comparison to Alan Jackson’s “I Don’t Even Know Your Name” cannot be overlooked here. Likewise, the comparison to Carrie’s own “Before He Cheats” is also rather evident. Moreover, this song doesn’t do

Willie Nelson, “You Don’t Think I’m Funny Anymore”

March 15, 2008 Leeann Ward 2

Willie Nelson’s voice is as thrilling as ever these days. It is unique and unpolished, but it is dripping with charisma. “You Don’t Think I’m Funny Anymore” finds his voice still strong and vibrant, in

Randy Travis, “Faith In You”

March 14, 2008 Leeann Ward 19

As a point of interest, “Faith In You” is being offered as a free download on randytravis.com as a show of appreciation to his dedicated fans over the years. For the record, I am one

Garth Brooks, “Midnight Sun”

March 14, 2008 Leeann Ward 4

Garth Brooks might have been wise to follow his own advice to his wife, Trisha Yearwood. He is credited for encouraging Trisha to step it up a notch for her latest studio effort, which is

Discussion: Hey, I’ve heard that before!

March 14, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 19

The 9513 notes in its review of the new Carrie Underwood single, “Last Name”: The song is similar in theme to Alan Jackson’s “I Don’t Even Know Your Name,” but this time, the roles are

100 Greatest Women, #98: Jeannie Kendall

March 12, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 8

100 Greatest Women #98 Jeannie Kendall (The Kendalls) A father-daughter duo from St. Louis, Missouri, The Kendalls had an impressive twenty-year chart run, which featured many big hits and two indisputably country classics. Singing lead