Updates

John Prine will be remembered as a man who wrote incredible songs — but also, as a man who loved hot dogs, kept Christmas trees up year-round and never left home without … condiments? The folk icon is known for his way with words, but also for his quirks. Prine was a friend to younger acts and,

A future folk legend was born in Maywood, Ill., on Oct. 10, 1946: John Prine, who died on April 7, at the age of 73, from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Although he didn’t find much chart success, the singer leaves behind a legion of fans and artists influenced by his incredible, unique talents as a songwriter

Twenty-eight years ago today, on Oct. 9, 1992, Alan Jackson released his third studio album, A Lot About Livin’ (and a Little ‘Bout Love). Jackson released five singles from A Lot About Livin’ …, and all five of them landed in the Top 5; two of the songs, “She’s Got the Rhythm (and I Got the Blues)” and

Luke Bryan and Brad Paisley are among the artists who will appear at the 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Nov. 7. HBO announced the country stars on Thursday (Oct. 8) as part of an all-star lineup of guests for the 2020 Rock Hall induction. Other guests include Sean “Diddy” Combs,

“We Didn’t Have Much,” Justin Moore‘s first release from his not-yet-announced next album, speaks to a popular country music theme that just might be surging in popularity right now: happiness in simplicity. The often-traditional singer released on Friday (Oct. 9) one of two current country singles with lyrics that look back with nostalgia on simpler times (the

Dierks Bentley‘s creative talent was prominently shaped by legendary rockers Van Halen, which made the recent death of the band’s guitarist, Eddie Van Halen, even harder for the country singer. But in a year as overall tragic and surreal as 2020, Bentley’s mourning of the influential shredder comes with an added weight. It’s the same

Saturday Night Live creator and showrunner Lorne Michaels is speaking out about dropping Morgan Wallen from the show’s lineup after the singer violated coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols, saying we’re “living in a different time.” Wallen turned to social media on Wednesday (Oct. 7) to announce that his appearance on SNL, which was scheduled for Saturday (Oct.

Kenny Rogers scored the defining hit of his career when he released “The Gambler” in 1978, but he was not the first artist to record the song. Another well-known star cut it before him, and another legend recorded it at the same time he did, while yet another all-time icon passed on the song entirely … after

As Brothers Osborne have risen from a newly signed sibling duo from Deale, Md., to three-time CMA Vocal Duo of the Year winners and Grammy Awards nominees, they’ve done so with both their artistic and moral integrity intact. There’s been little to no consequential compromising for brothers John and TJ Osborne, who have earned their industry praise while releasing

Vince Gill paid musical tribute to the late Mac Davis during his recent set at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday (Oct. 3). The country legend sang a haunting version of Davis’ “In the Ghetto” that had the in-person audience spellbound. Gill hit the hallowed stage as part of a lineup that included Dierks Bentley,

There are many things that country artists are good at — writing and playing country music, for example. And plenty of the genre’s stars have earned success with some of their other pursuits as well: Rory Feek wrote a book (spurred by his popular blog), Dolly Parton gave NBC amazing ratings with her made-for-TV movies, and many

Singer-songwriter Ray Pennington, who was best-known for writing the Waylon Jennings hit “I’m a Ramblin’ Man,” has died. According to multiple media reports, Pennington was killed on Wednesday (Oct. 7) in a fire at his home in Tennessee. He was 86 years old. Nashville’s Tennessean newspaper reports that a fire broke out at Pennington’s home

Tim McGraw, as with many other country artists, is unable to safely tour due to COVID-19. So, he has had more time to spend with his family. During a (virtual) appearance on Live With Kelly and Ryan, the superstar talks about how he has used some of that free time to take take road trips with family over the

Parker McCollum has raised the curtain on details for his next EP, Hollywood Gold, which is due out on Oct. 16. The project includes six tracks, five of which the singer co-wrote, and features his breakout debut single, “Pretty Heart.” The EP’s title might leave some fans puzzled, as McCollum’s rugged backwoods persona seems more in line with

Keith Urban brings the emotion in “Better Than I Am,” the penultimate song on his 2020 album The Speed of Now Part 1. The country star has been sitting on the track for a while, he revealed to The Boot, waiting for the right project on which to release it. Urban co-wrote “Better Than I Am”

Kane Brown will co-host the 2020 CMT Music Awards, the television network announced on Thursday (Oct. 8). The country star is one of four celebrities scheduled to anchor this year’s awards show on Oct. 21. In addition to Brown, Modern Family star Sarah Hyland has been announced as a 2020 CMT Music Awards co-host. Both are

Carly Pearce has filed for divorce from Michael Ray, but don’t expect her to go spilling the details of their relationship in the press. In a new interview, the country singer remains circumspect about the split, saying, ”Things happen, and I think it’s just something that has to stay between the two of us.” Pearce and

Scotty McCreery is an American Idol success story with throngs of dedicated fans. And while these enthusiastic fans like to think they know a whole a lot about the “In Between” singer, chances are, they still have more to learn. Did you know that McCreery’s first name was almost something completely different? His parents were on

It’s not easy to compile a list of Brandy Clark‘s Top 5 songs. Not only are there too many worthy candidates to choose from on Clark’s albums as an artist herself, there are also the songs she’s written for others to consider as well. Put both groups together, and Clark has a hefty catalog. There

Yola‘s debut Austin City Limits performance premieres on Saturday (Oct. 10), but The Boot’s readers can get a sneak peek ahead of time. Her set included a soaring, sparkling cover of Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” which she originally released in December. Press play above to watch Yola’s performance. Before she begins the song, she