Author: Brady Gray

Running it back. After an extremely successful first year that featured top artists Eric Church, Tyler Childers, Lainey Wilson & Jelly Roll as headliners, Country Calling Fest announced they are returning to Ocean City, Maryland with another lineup just as loaded as last year. Expanding to three days this go around, 2025 headliners include Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan and Luke Combs. Other acts include Treaty Oak Revival, Koe Wetzel, Jon Pardi, Tucker Wetmore, Zach Top, Flatland Cavalry, Gary Allan, Avery Anna, Chase Rice, Jordan Davis and more. Country Calling will take place at Ocean City Inlet from…

Country music singer/songwriter and Middle Tennessee State University alum, Michael Hardy (better known by his stage name of just HARDY), had the privilege of his returning to his old school a few months back to give the commencement address to over 2,000 graduating students. On top of speaking to the first class of 2024, the country/rock singer finally received his diploma in person, 11 years later after not attending his own graduation. During his speech, HARDY detailed his first encounter with a then-nobody, Morgan Wallen: “About 8 years ago, my publisher called me and he asked if I wanted to write with this artist –…

This one hurts. As we gear up to learn who the 2025 Country Music Hall of Fame class will be tomorrow, I wanted to to take a look back at the 2024 inductees, more specifically: Toby Keith. Serving alongside John Anderson (Veterans Era Artist) and James Burton (Recording and/or Touring Musician), Toby was entered last year as the Modern Era Artist just months after his tragic passing on February 5th. While the HOF election rule that states you can’t vote in anyone within a year of their death, we learned Toby was chosen before he passed away when the voting closed on February 2nd.…

I could watch this again and again. Neither Chris Stapleton nor Sturgill Simpson are strangers to making appearances on Saturday Night Live. Back in 2016, Chris made his SNL debut with performances of “Parachute” and “Nobody To Blame.” Since then, the country star has made two additional appearances, including his most recent back in April when he served as the musical guest alongside host, Ryan Gosling. But my favorite appearance from Chris on the comedy sketch late-night show thus far is when he surprised the viewers by bringing out fellow Kentucky native, Sturgill Simpson, for performances of “Hard Livin'” and…

Country music is once again being represented in Chicago this year. Just moments ago, Lollapalooza (typically known for alternative punk rock, heavy metal, hip hop, and electronic dance music), officially announced the lineup for their 2024 festival and it includes some of country’s hottest rising acts. Headliners for the diverse, four-day event include Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, A$AP ROCKY, Korn, Gracie Abrams, Tyler, The Creator, and a first time country headliner in Luke Combs. Other country acts featured in this year’s bill include Wyatt Flores, Sierra Ferrell, Ole 60, Graham Barham, Colby Acuff, Willow Avalon and Max McNown. View this…

Need this on streaming platforms already. Back before Cody Johnson was backed by mainstream country radio and had a Grammy win under his belt, the former rodeo bull rider was massively popular in the Texas music scene. He released six independent albums before signing his first record deal with Warner Music Nashville back in 2018 and now has two #1’s on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. While his lengthy discography clearly speaks for itself, CoJo is also known for his tremendous takes on songs that aren’t his. Just refer to his cover of “Travelin’ Soldier” by Dixie Chicks (which currently has…