Author: Brennen Kelly

Hailing from the Chicagoland area, Brennen graduated from Valparaiso University with a BA in Communication and a minor in Cinema and Media Studies. After covering Arts & Entertainment at his university's newspaper, he began writing for Country Chord in March of 2023. Known for his love of independent country and authentic songwriters, Brennen has a long-history of championing the likes of Zach Bryan, Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers and many others.

Back in January, legends such as George Strait, Vince Gill, Ronnie Dunn and Sammy Kershaw performed at the Songs and Stories of Dean Dillon tribute concert along with the likes of current stars, Zach Top, Riley Green and ERNEST. Dillon has a mile-long list of hit songs including Strait’s “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “Marina Del Ray” and “Ocean Front Property” and most notably “Tennessee Whiskey.” The Tennesee native has also cut songs with the likes of Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Alabama, Brooks & Dunn and even Hank Williams Jr. and Waylon Jennings. Between Zach Top absolutely crushing a cover of Whitley’s “Miami, My Amy,” Strait…

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Riding the highs of an extremely busy month that included the release of their sixth studio album, The Price of Admission, their involvement in the history-making Boys From Oklahoma concert series with Cross Canadian Ragweed and headlining Red Rocks Amphitheater back-to-back nights this past weekend, Turnpike Troubadours are keeping the momentum going into the fall with a brand new tour. Minutes ago, Turnpike took to Instagram to announce that they are adding 16 brand new shows to their newly-titled, Wild America Tour 2025 which begin in late August. The Wild America tour will begin in Chicago on August 28th before…

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Fresh off their first-ever ACM Nomination for Best New Duo/Group along with their late-night television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Treaty Oak Revival has announced that their long-awaited acoustic album is finished and officially releasing on Friday, May 23rd. In case you missed it, Treaty Oak took to Twitter back in February to ask fans if they’d like a six-song acoustic EP featuring tracks from both No Vacancy and Have A Nice Day. Unsurprisingly, fans have been clamoring for its release due to the major traction the Texas band has gained in the alt. country scene over the past year.…

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The 60th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards aired last night live from Frisco, Texas, and pretty much went exactly how you would have expected. With Chris Stapleton winning his fifth Male Vocalist of the Year Award, Lainey Wilson winning her third straight Female Vocalist nod and Old Dominion bringing home their eighth (yes, you read that right) straight trophy for Group of the Year, the winners themselves were fairly predictable. Of course, there were a few changeups thrown in throughout the night. Notably, Brooks & Dunn dethroned Dan + Shay’s two-year run and brought home Duo of the Year…

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With just eight days remaining until his mammoth 37-song album, I’m The Problem, comes out, it looks like Morgan Wallen decided to forgo an appearance at the ACM Awards tonight and spend a little time with one of the greatest athletes of all time. Just minutes ago, Wallen took to his Instagram story to post a photo tossing a football around with none other than seven-time Super Bowl Champion, Tom Brady, at a golf course in Northern Ireland. To many, Brady is the undisputed GOAT of the NFL. With an aforementioned seven Super Bowl titles under his belt, five Super…

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On the eve of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, an exclusive gala was held to honor the achievements of none other than 25x award-winning duo, Brooks & Dunn. Hosted by Bobby Bones, the night featured the likes of Eric Church, Lainey Wilson, Zach Top, Megan Moroney, Cody Johnson and Keith Urban performing songs from the legendary duo throughout the night at the Omni PGA Frisco. After the gala kicked off with a dinner, a silent auction which benefited the Academy’s mental health-focused charity partner, ACM Lifting Lives, and a highlight reel of memorable moments to honor the show’s…

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