Dolly Parton – Page 15 – Country Universe

Say What? – Vince Gill

June 6, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 2

In a long, fascinating interview with the Houston Press, Vince Gill was asked about the recent controversy involving female artists and country radio. Here’s what he had to say: “That’s one of the greatest tragedies

Daily Top Five: Least Essential Albums

May 27, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 25

We’ve all got ’em. What are the five albums from artist you love that you try to pretend didn’t happen? (Or at least just don’t copy over to your iPod) Here’s my list: Sugarland, The

Daily Double Top Five: Best Duets and Harmony Vocals

April 28, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 13

Once again, technical difficulties derailed yesterday’s Daily Top Five. So we’re doubling down today. Ever notice how the Vocal Event categories at country award shows honor harmony vocals as much as they do real, full-fledged

Six Pack: Classic Country Songs for International Women’s Day

March 8, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 22

Today is International Women’s Day. Historically speaking, country music has never enjoyed a reputation for being socially progressive. For the general public, the definitive statement the genre made was “Stand By Your Man.” That Tammy

Album Review: Rhiannon Giddens, Tomorrow is My Turn

February 17, 2015 Jonathan Keefe 9

Rhiannon Giddens Tomorrow is My Turn Although Rhiannon Giddens has been a fixture on the Americana circuit as the frontwoman for the terrific Carolina Chocolate Drops, it’s on her solo debut, Tomorrow Is My Turn,

The Best Albums of 2014

December 31, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 9

2014 was a banner year for country music albums. In addition to the predictably solid entries from the Americana, folk, and bluegrass scenes, some excellent albums also surfaced from the unlikeliest of sources: mainstream, radio-friendly

The Twenty Best Albums of 1994

December 26, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 5

As 2014 comes to a close, the Country Universe staff has been collectively impressed by the number of quality albums that were released this year. How many of those albums, however, will we still be

The Best Singles of 1994, Part 1: #40-#31

November 28, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 7

Our Best of 1994 Singles List kicks off today with the bottom quarter of our top forty. The list was compiled by weighing each individual writer’s choices, with preference given to songs that appeared on

CMA Awards 2014: Staff Predictions and Picks

November 2, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 29

Despite the Grammys and even the ACM’s demonstrating more consistent taste over the past few years, the CMA’s remain the most significant industry awards that honor country music. This year’s slate of nominees gives the

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