Celebrating the Best in Country and Americana: That Nashville Sound’s Top Albums of 2024

In this extraordinary era of music, the ways we discover and experience country and Americana tunes are being revolutionized. The internet, YouTube, and an array of digital platforms have become vital arenas where independent artists shine, showcasing their talents to audiences far and wide. As traditional gatekeepers like country radio maintain their hold on the airwaves, a thrilling shift is underway. Creativity and sheer talent are breaking barriers, proving that exceptional artistry will always find its way to the spotlight.

These albums stand as testaments to the evolving and ever-enriching world of country music, a genre that continues to grow and touch souls globally, thanks to the boundless opportunities provided by the digital age.

A Look Back at That Nashville Sound’s Past Winners

Before diving into this year’s exceptional picks, let’s honor the legacy of groundbreaking albums that have previously topped our list. These winners are more than collections of songs; they are narratives, experiences, and emotions that have defined the past two decades of country and Americana music.

Previous Year Winners:

2005: Gary Allan - Tough All Over (tie) & Lee Ann Womack - There’s More Where That Came From
2006: Johnny Cash - American V: A Hundred Highways
2007: Alison Krauss & Robert Plant - Raising Sand
2008: Lee Ann Womack - Call Me Crazy
2009: Eric Church - Carolina
2010: Zac Brown Band - You Get What You Give
2011: Pistol Annies - Hell on Heels
2012: Marty Stuart - Nashville Volume 1: Tear The Woodpile Down
2013: Brandy Clark - 12 Stories
2014: Don Williams - Reflections
2015: Chris Stapleton - Traveler
2016: Ryan Beaver - RX
2017: Jason Eady - Jason Eady
2018: Ashley McBryde - Girl Goin' Nowhere
2019: Erin Enderlin - Faulkner County
2020: Hailey Whitters - The Dream
2021: Mike and the Moonpies - One To Grow On
2022: Lainey Wilson - Bell Bottom Country
2023: Cody Johnson - Leather

Those That Move Us Change Us

We are profoundly grateful for the artists who dedicate their lives to making music a career, pouring their hearts and souls into every note and lyric. The artistry they express daily not only entertains us but, when done at its pinnacle, touches something deep within, moving us in ways words often can't. It’s the magic of music—resonating with our souls, sparking joy, reflection, or healing, and leaving behind a small but indelible imprint of the songwriter's spirit in our own DNA. These are the artists who, this year, have done that the best.

The Winner

Three Times A Lady - Live at 3rd and Lindsley

In a year overflowing with extraordinary country and Americana music, Three Times A Lady’s Live at 3rd and Lindsley stood out as the crown jewel of 2024. A magical tapestry of harmony and emotion, this live album encapsulates the best of what country music offers: raw talent, heartfelt storytelling, and the kind of vocal chemistry that sends chills down your spine.

Three Times A Lady is the powerhouse trio of Lauren Mascitti, Kennedy Scott, and Hannah Blaylock—three singer-songwriters whose individual talents alone could anchor any stage. Lauren Mascitti, a seasoned songwriter and performer, brings a soulful, introspective voice that anchors the group’s emotional depth. Kennedy Scott, with her sharp wit and velvet-like tone, adds a contemporary flair while staying rooted in the traditions of country music. Hannah Blaylock, formerly of Eden’s Edge, rounds out the trio with her crystalline voice that cuts through the mix with heart-stopping clarity. (Following the album release, Victoria Camp has replaced Lauren in the band- and yes, they're all still friends.)

What began as a tribute to the iconic Trio albums by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris has blossomed into something even more profound. Three Times A Lady initially joined forces out of a shared love for those legendary harmonies, crafting a setlist of inspired covers that celebrated the roots of their artistry. But as they began weaving in their original songs, it became clear they weren’t just revisiting history—they were making it. The album Live at 3rd and Lindsley captures this evolution in real time, blending reverent nods to their heroes with bold, modern takes that are distinctly their own.

Harmonies have always been a cornerstone of country music, threading through its history like a golden thread. From The Carter Family to The Judds, the blending of voices has served as both a technical marvel and an emotional anchor, creating a communal intimacy that resonates deeply with listeners. Three Times A Lady carries this tradition forward with harmonies that feel both effortless and divine. The way their voices intertwine on songs like “Those Memories Of You” and “Mary Magdalene” is a masterclass in vocal synergy. Each note, each blend, each dynamic swell seems to transcend the mechanics of music, connecting straight to the heart.

In my life, I can count on one hand the number of musical performances that have given me genuine goosebumps. One of those rare moments was witnessing Three Times A Lady perform live in Northern California. The sheer power of their harmonies left me breathless, as if time itself had paused to let their voices fill the universe. That same magic has been captured in Live at 3rd and Lindsley. It’s not just the technical brilliance of their singing but the emotion and authenticity behind every word that leaves you spellbound.

Live at 3rd and Lindsley isn’t just a great album; it’s a cultural artifact. It’s a vital reminder of why harmonies matter, why storytelling matters, and why country music has always been, at its core, about connection. The trio’s ability to take the listener on a journey—from the joy of love to the ache of loss—cements this album as one of the most important releases of the year.

The fact that Lauren Mascitti, Kennedy Scott, and Hannah Blaylock aren’t household names yet feels like a crime against artistry. Live at 3rd and Lindsley isn’t just an album; it’s an invitation to experience the power of music at its purest. These three women have delivered something that will stay with you long after the last track fades. Do yourself a favor: listen to this album. Get goosebumps for yourself. 

Best of the Rest

Blaine Bailey – ᎣᏪᏅᏒ (Home)

Blaine Bailey’s ᎣᏪᏅᏒ (Home) is a heartfelt journey that pays homage to his Cherokee heritage and personal roots. The album seamlessly blends traditional Native American melodies with modern Americana, creating a soundscape that feels both ancient and refreshingly contemporary. Tracks like "Home Again" and "Colorado Soil" transport listeners to a place of cultural pride and introspection, making this a standout release that bridges the past and present.

Willie Nelson – The Border

In The Border, Willie Nelson proves once again why he remains an icon. This reflective album explores themes of unity and division, inspired by Nelson’s observations on humanity and nature. Songs like "I Wrote This Song For You" and "Hank's Guitar" are imbued with his signature wit and wisdom, while the rich, warm instrumentation provides a comforting yet thought-provoking experience. It’s a timeless addition to his storied career.

Cody Jinks – Change the Game

Cody Jinks lives up to the promise of his album’s title with Change the Game, delivering a bold and innovative take on country music. Combining traditional outlaw country elements with modern production, the album balances grit and polish seamlessly. "Deceiver's Blues" and "Take This Bottle" showcase Jinks’ versatility, proving that he’s unafraid to push boundaries while staying true to his roots.

Maggie Rose – No One Gets Out Alive

Maggie Rose’s No One Gets Out Alive is a genre-defying triumph, blending rock, soul, and country into an electrifying package. Her powerhouse vocals command attention on every track, with songs like the title track and "Another Sad Song" radiating confidence and authenticity. The album’s unapologetic energy and raw emotion make it a standout among this year’s releases.

Will Hoge – Tenderhearted Boys

Will Hoge delivers a deeply personal and poignant album with Tenderhearted Boys. Through vivid storytelling and lush arrangements, Hoge captures moments of vulnerability and resilience. Tracks like "My Daddy's Eyes" and "End Of The World" paint a picture of rural Americana that feels nostalgic yet grounded in reality, making this album a heartfelt ode to life’s simple joys.

Stephanie Lambring – Hypocrite

Stephanie Lambring’s Hypocrite is an unflinching exploration of contradictions and complexities in human relationships. Her lyrical prowess shines on tracks like "Purity Ring" and "Hospital Parking," where she dissects societal expectations with a sharp wit. Lambring’s rich, soulful voice brings an extra layer of depth to her introspective narratives.

Johnny Cash – Songwriter

A posthumous release, Songwriter compiles rare and unreleased tracks that showcase Johnny Cash’s unparalleled ability to tell stories through song. Each track feels like a rediscovered treasure, from the tender "Hello Out There" to the rollicking "Drive On." This collection reaffirms Cash’s legacy as one of the greatest songwriters in American history. Each new track feels like it belongs in the Smithsonian.

George Strait – Cowboys and Dreamers

George Strait returns to form with Cowboys and Dreamers, a record that celebrates the timeless themes of love, loss, and the open road. Strait’s smooth, iconic voice pairs perfectly with lush arrangements on tracks like "Honky Tonk Hall of Fame" and the title track. This album feels like a warm embrace for long-time fans and a reminder of why Strait remains the King of Country.

Lainey Wilson – Whirlwind

Following up her breakout success, Lainey Wilson continues to dazzle with Whirlwind. This album builds on her signature sound, blending traditional country with modern flair and was a VERY close second to my favorite album of the year. Tracks like "Whiskey Colored Crayon" and "Good Horses" showcase her ability to craft catchy, heartfelt songs that are both fun and deeply relatable.

Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty

This tribute album brings together some of country music’s finest voices to honor the legendary Tom Petty. Standout performances include Dolly Parton's haunting rendition of "Southern Accents" and The Cadillac Three’s soulful take on "Free Fallin’." Petty Country is a heartfelt homage that breathes new life into Petty’s classics while staying true to his spirit.

Hannah Blaylock – The Fall and Rise

Hannah Blaylock delivers a masterful album with The Fall and Rise, an album that is as raw as it is captivating. Her vocal performance is hauntingly emotive, weaving together tales of love, heartbreak, and redemption. The intricate instrumentation, featuring a blend of acoustic strings and ethereal harmonies, serves as the perfect backdrop to her storytelling. From the introspective "Burned The Forest" to the brilliant "Man From Memphis," Blaylock captures the beauty and pain of life in a way that resonates universally.

Connie Smith – Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches

Connie Smith delivers a profound exploration of life’s trials and triumphs with Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches. Her seasoned vocals lend authenticity to tracks like the reflective "World of Forgotton People" and the hopeful "The Wayward Wind." This album is a testament to Smith’s enduring legacy as a storyteller and her ability to connect deeply with her audience.

Scotty McCreery – Rise and Fall

With Rise and Fall, Scotty McCreery reaches new heights, blending heartfelt ballads and anthemic tracks. Songs like "No Country For Old Men" showcase his rich baritone, while "Porch" captures rural living without pandering. McCreery’s growth as an artist is evident, making this album a standout in his discography.

Alex Key – Outdated

Alex Key delivers a nostalgic yet fresh sound with Outdated, an album that pays homage to traditional country while addressing modern themes. Tracks like "Once Upon A Time" and "Waylon, Willie & Mama" are brimming with sincerity, and Key’s warm, earnest voice makes the album feel like a conversation with an old friend.

Mavericks – Moon and Stars

The Mavericks shine brightly on Moon and Stars, a genre-blending album that fuses country, Latin, and rock influences. Songs like "And We Dance" and "Turn Yourself Around" are vibrant, dynamic, and irresistibly fun, showcasing the band’s unmatched versatility and energy.

Red Shahan – Loose Funky Texas Junky

Red Shahan’s Loose Funky Texas Junky is a gritty, spirited record that captures the essence of Texas outlaw country. Tracks like "Evangeline" and "Big Wide Open" are unapologetically raw, filled with swagger and a touch of irreverence. It’s an album that feels like a wild, dusty ride through the Lone Star State.

Josh Turner – This Country Music Thing

Josh Turner’s unmistakable baritone anchors This Country Music Thing, an album that feels both timeless and fresh. Tracks like "Down in Georgia" and "Unsung Hero" celebrate the heart and soul of country music, with Turner’s voice effortlessly evoking nostalgia while keeping things contemporary.

Post Malone – F-1 Trillion

Undeniably pop, but with some great ear-worm songs, Post Malone ventures into country-inspired territory with F-1 Trillion, blending his signature style with twangy guitar riffs and storytelling lyrics. Songs like "Devil I've Been" and "What Don't Belong To Me" showcase a surprising versatility, making this album a fascinating and successful genre crossover.

Julie Williams – Tennessee Moon EP

Julie Williams shines on Tennessee Moon EP, a collection of songs that beautifully capture her soulful voice and lyrical charm. From the heartfelt title track to the uplifting "southern curls," Williams’ debut is a promising start to what will undoubtedly be a bright career.

Miranda Lambert – Postcards from Texas

With Postcards from Texas, Miranda Lambert offers a love letter to her home state, blending nostalgia and pride with her signature edge. Tracks like "I Hate Love Songs" and "Wildfire" are both deeply personal and universally relatable, cementing Lambert’s place as one of country’s most compelling voices.

Johnny Blue Skies – Passage Du Desir

Johnny Blue Skies creates a lush, cinematic experience with Passage Du Desir, blending atmospheric instrumentation with evocative lyrics. Songs like "Swamp of Sadness" and "One For The Road" transport listeners to dreamlike landscapes, making this album a truly immersive journey.

Dwight Yoakam – Brighter Days

Dwight Yoakam’s Brighter Days is a masterful return to form, filled with twangy guitars, honky-tonk rhythms, and heartfelt lyrics. Tracks like "Wide Open Heart" and "Brighter Days" radiate hope and optimism, making this album a refreshing addition to his storied catalog.

Shawna Thompson – Lean on Neon

Thompson Square's Shawna Thompson’s Lean on Neon is a bold and electrifying record that blends traditional country with a modern edge. Songs like the title track and "Burn It Down" showcase Thompson’s dynamic range and fearless artistry, making this a standout debut.

Lindi Ortega – From the Ether

Lindi Ortega’s From the Ether is a haunting, otherworldly album that blurs the lines between country, folk, and gothic Americana. Tracks like "The Ghost of You" and "The Door" are ethereal and enchanting, showcasing Ortega’s unique ability to craft songs that linger in the soul.

Willie Nelson – Last Leaf on the Tree

Willie Nelson reflects on life, love, and legacy with Last Leaf on the Tree, an introspective and heartfelt album. Songs like "Last Leaf" and "Broken Arrow" are poignant and tender, offering a moving glimpse into the mind of a living legend. It's another historic branch to the anchor tree of country music. 

Jamey Johnson – Midnight Gasoline

Man... it's been far too long to have new music from this music maker. And on this new album, he reminds us why. Jamey Johnson brings his signature grit and soul to Midnight Gasoline, an album packed with raw emotion and stellar storytelling. Tracks like "What You Answer To" and "Saturday Night In New Orleans" are evocative and powerful, making this record a must-listen for fans of authentic, no-frills country music.

Mandy Barnett Invited Into Grand Ole Opry Membership By Connie Smith

After 500 appearances on the Grand Ole Opry stage, Mandy Barnett was invited to become a member of the historic membership tonight by Connie Smith, who just might have been as choked up about it as Mandy was... 

BREAKING: @mandybarnett has been invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry by @RealConnieSmith! pic.twitter.com/oxABjD2aMI

— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) September 29, 2021

Barnett has been singing since she was a child, performing at churches, local venues, as well as Dollywood. In her musical career, she has released eight albums and charted three singles on the Billboard country charts. Her highest-charting country single is "Now That's All Right With Me", which reached No. 43 in 1996. Barnett has also held the titular role in the musical Always… Patsy Cline, a musical based on the life of Patsy Cline, which opened in 1994 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. She has performed the role in nearly 500 performances over a 20-year period. In addition, she has been a regular on the Grand Ole Opry, appearing nearly 500 times since her debut in 1994. Barnett continues to tour, performing with bands and symphonies around the world, including the Nashville Symphony and Detroit Symphony Orchestra. On August 13, 2019, Barnett made her cabaret debut at Feinstein's/54 Below in New York City. Barnett, along with Garth Brooks, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill and others performed at the 2019 Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum Concert and Induction Ceremony; among the inductees were producer Owen Bradley, Steve Wariner and Alabama. On September 28, 2020 The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development honored Barnett with the unveiling of a “Tennessee Music Pathways” marker at the historic downtown square in her Tennessee hometown of Crossville.  Barnett released her eighth studio album on May 7, 2021 titled "Every Star Above", paying tribute to Billie Holiday's "Lady in Satin." It was the final album orchestrated by Sammy Nestico prior to his death. The album reached number one on the iTunes Jazz Charts one day after its release, and it was named one of the best albums of 2021 by Variety magazine.

Country Music Hall of Famer Connie Smith To Release Marty Stuart-Produced Album In August

Artist: Connie Smith

Album: The Cry of the Heart

Label: Fat Possum

Release date: August 20, 2021

This week, country legend Connie Smith announced her highly anticipated 54th album The Cry of the Heart, out August 20th (Fat Possum). On the release, the Country Music Hall of Fame legend is at her absolute finest according to the press release, affirming Merle Haggard’s declaration about Smith when he said, “If you’re talking about a country singer, there ain’t nobody better.” 

The first offering is “Look Out Heart,” written by Marty Stuart and longtime Fabulous Superlative drummer Harry Stinson. Listen HERE.

Pain and heartbreak have permeated Smith’s timeless country sound and they pulse through The Cry of the Heart, Smith’s first album in a decade and her third collaboration with her husband Stuart (who also produces the effort). Smith asks, "How many teardrops have I cried over you” on album opener “A Million and One,” reintroducing listeners to her radiant, textured voice. 

Smith and Stuart contributed two original tracks written together as well, the soaring “Here Comes My Baby Back Again” and the sad “Spare Me No Truth Tonight.” Other songs on The Cry of the Heart include “I Don’t Believe Me Anymore” the 72nd song Smith has recorded written by Hall of Fame songwriter Dallas Frazier, and Merle Haggard’s “Jesus Takes a Hold,” which is a reflection of Smith’s boundless faith in the midst of troubled times. Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Carl Jackson pens "To Pieces" and "I'm Not Over You," the latter composed with classic country singer Melba Montgomery.

Smith has been consistently fanning the country music flames since her first hit single in 1964, “Once A Day” and has carried the torch ever since. In March of 2021 the Library of Congress announced that “Once a Day” was one of the 2020 selections for its National Recording Registry.  “People ask me, ‘What is country music,’” says Smith. “I say, ‘To me, country music is the cry of the heart.' We all have these experiences in our hearts and I’m trying to identify and communicate with people so they know they’re not alone.”

1. “A Million and One”

2. “Look Out Heart”

3. “Spare Me No Truth”

4. “To Pieces”

5. “All the Time”

6. “I Just Don’t Believe Me Anymore”

7. “Three Sides”

8. “I’m Not Over You”

9. “Here Comes My Baby Back Again”

10. “Heart, We Did All That We Could”

11. “Jesus, Take a Hold”

Connie Smith's Lost Tapes To Be Released May 19

On May 19, Country Rewind Records will be releasing a new previously unreleased collection of songs from the Country Music Hall of Famer, Connie Smith. Titled Lost Tapes, this project highlights one of country's purest vocalists at the height of her popularity. Her husband and producer on this project, Marty Stuart, explains the project:

On December 8, 1972, Connie Smith arrived at Music City Recorders for a Navy Hoedown recording appointment. The studio owner and master engineer listed for the sessions was Elvis Presley's original guitarist, former Sun Records engineer and A&R legend, Scotty Moore. The assistant engineer was Al Gore (no relation to the Vice President). Sadly, the tracking sheets listing the musical personnel for Connie Smith's December session have been lost.

The steel guitarist is unquestionably Pete Drake. The fiddle players is no doubt, Johnny Gimble. Their signature styles confirm their presence. Pianist Marvin Hughes was the session leader for many of the Armed Forces shows produced in Nashville. It is speculated that the electric guitarist is the incomparable Grady Martin, the bassist Barry Chance and the drummer, session ace Kenneth Buttrey. There is no speculation however, as to the power and majesty of Connie Smith's performance. Connie was eight years into a string of hits for RCA Victor and her initial wave of popularity was at its zenith. Then, as now, the range o heartfelt emotion she invests into every syllable of every word of a song sets her apart and casts her into an awed realm all her own.

In the course of one hour's time, Miss Smith delivered sixteen textbook performances for the ages. Her vocal power on this session is absolutely stunning.

Of the sixteen titles recorded at the December 8th session, thirteen have been selected here by merit of total performance. The original two track masters are long since lost. Their last known whereabouts was a Music Row studio in Nashville, circa 1990, when producer Snuffy Miller transferred the analog reels into a digital format utilizing the Sony PCM 1630 system. At the time of transferal, Miller embellished some of the tracks with synthesized strings.

The Navy Hoedown sessions were later purchased by Hindsight Records CEO, Mr. Thomas Gramuglia for release on his Country Rewind label's anthology of rare and unreleased country music recordings.

At the request of Mr. Gramuglia, on August 25 and 26, 2014, Connie Smith, along with engineer Mick Conley, Marty Stuart, Paul Martin, Harry Stinson, Terry Wilson, Christian Davis and Kris Wilkinson's Superlative Strings gathered at Apostle Paul's Clubhouse Recording Studio in Henderson, Tennessee and retouched history as lightly as possible. Painstaking measures were taken to embellish these songs in a pure and authentic light. The original 1972 performances were approached with the same care that goes into a frame by frame restoration of a classic film. The intention being to offer critics, scholars and fans alike a twenty-first century out of time experience that lovingly mirrors a golden age that was indeed a perfect time in country music.

Track Listing:
1. Just One Time
2. I Never Once Stopped Loving You
3. Louisiana Man
4. Cincinnati, Ohio
5. Just For What I Am
6. Once a Day
7. If It Ain't Love (Let's Leave It Alone)
8. Long Black Limousine
9. The Race Is On
10. Amazing Grace
11. How Great Thou Art
 

TNS Video History- 2012 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony

This past week, Garth Brooks, Connie Smith and Hargus "Pig" Robbins were awarded country music's highest honor. Two country singers who started off with record-breaking success, only to set aside their careers to raise families, and a blind piano player who became a studio luminary even though he couldn't read charts, were welcomed into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the annual Medallion Ceremony on October 21, 2012.

Ronnie Dunn, Crystal Gayle, Merle Haggard, Charlie McCoy, Ronnie Milsap, Quebe Sisters Band, Bob Seger, George Strait, James Taylor, Gene Watson, and The Whites were among all-star cast paying tribute.

TNS Video History- Connie Smith- "How Great Thou Art"

TNS Video History- Connie Smith- "Once a Day"

Country Music Veteran Charlie Lamb Passes Away

Webb Pierce and Charlie Lamb

Sarah Skates penned this obit for "The Mayor of Music Row", Charlie Lamb, for Music Row:

Nashville music industry stalwart Charlie Lamb died early this morning. He was 90 and had been battling pneumonia. Lamb was a celebrated journalist who also worked as a manager and later as an entertainer.

Born June 21, 1921, his colorful career path began in hometown Knoxville, Tennessee, where he worked as a carnival barker, as well as at the Knoxville Journal and radio stations WKGN and WROL.

In 1951 Lamb moved to Nashville to write for Cash Box magazine. He went on to found his own local trade publication, Music Reporter, which shuttered in 1964. A year later, the liner notes he penned for Father & Son—Hank Williams Sr. & Jr. earned a Grammy nomination. Today his writing is celebrated with a journalism award named in his honor, which is presented annually at the International Country Music Conference.

“When somebody like Charlie Lamb passes, it’s like a library burning down,” said longtime friend and fellow historian Robert Oermann. “He was a wonderful source of historical anecdotes and one of the most charming conversationalists I’ve ever met. Charlie was also one of the last of the great Music Row ‘characters’—they don’t make execs nearly as colorful nowadays. He was also a million laughs, and I’m going to miss our lunches together a whole lot.”

According to the Encyclopedia of Country Music, his varied journey included management of Ed Bruce and Connie Smith, and promoting the music of Kitty Wells and Elvis Presley. He also appeared on television shows including Candid Camera, and in films including Ernest Goes To Jail.

Lamb was an active supporter of Nashville’s music trade organizations. He was a member of the original boards of the Gospel Music Association, and the Country Music Association, and was a lifetime member of the latter. He also served as the first president of the Nashville chapter of NARAS.

Garth Brooks, Hargus "Pig" Robbins and Connie Smith Are Next Inductees for the Country Music Hall of Fame



Connie Smith



The 2012 class of the Country Music Hall of Fame is a terrific one- the voting class got this right on the money this year.

First inducted: Hargus "Pig" Robbins, a very famous session keyboard and piano player. Having played on records for artists such as George Jones, Bob Dylan, Ween, Alan Jackson, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, and Conway Twitty, Robbins is a prominent session instrumentalist in Nashville. He is also blind, having lost his sight at age four due to an accident involving his father's knife.

Robbins learned to play piano at age seven, while attending the Nashville School for the Blind. He played his first session in 1957, with his first major recording being George Jones's "White Lightning". Since then, he has gone on to play piano and keyboards for several country music artists.

Between 1963 and 1979, Robbins also recorded eight studio albums: one on Time Records, three on Chart Records, and four on Elektra Records, as well as an independent live album. He was also awarded Musician of the Year by the Country Music Association in 1976 and 2000.

The second inductee: the lovely Miss Connie Smith. Connie Smith still possesses one of the most powerful, agile and recognizable voices in country music. Her exposure to audiences via recordings has been very much an on-and-off affair, but she has maintained a presence through her regular appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, of which she has been a member since 1971.

Constance June Meador was born Aug. 14, 1941, in Elkhart, Ind. One of 14 children in a poor family that moved often, she grew up in West Virginia and Ohio. She married young and was starting a family when, in 1963, she won a talent contest in Ohio that brought her to the attention of singer-songwriter Bill Anderson. Impressed by what he heard, Anderson persuaded her to come to Nashville, where RCA Records signed her the following year.

With Bob Ferguson acting as her producer, Smith cut several songs in the first RCA sessions, among them Anderson's tear-stained "Once a Day." Released as Smith's first single, "Once a Day" entered the Billboard charts on Sept. 26, 1964, and went on to seize the No. 1 spot. And there it remained for eight consecutive weeks. It would be the only chart-topper of Smith's career, but she had a string of singles that came close, including such Top 5 and Top 10 fare as "Then and Only Then," "If I Talk to Him," "Nobody but a Fool (Would Love You)," "Ain't Had No Lovin'," "The Hurtin's All Over," "Cincinnati, Ohio," "Just One Time," "If It Ain't Love (Let's Leave It Alone)" and "Ain't Love a Good Thing."

Smith was a fixture on the country charts through the 1970s (she switched from RCA to Columbia in 1973). Starting in the late 1960s, as career and family pressures mounted, she became increasingly obsessed with religion, insisting in her contract with Columbia that she be allowed to record one gospel album a year. During the 1980s, she concentrated primarily on raising her children.

However, she returned briefly to the charts (at No. 71) in 1985 on Epic Records with the single "A Far Cry From You," written by the promising young songwriter Steve Earle. She attempted another comeback in 1998 with the Warner Bros. album Connie Smith, but it attracted little notice.

In 1996, RCA released The Essential Connie Smith, a 20-cut CD that contains most of her biggest hits, plus the crowd-inciting "How Great Thou Art." She married country star Marty Stuart, her fourth husband, on July 8, 1997.

Garth Brooks

And last but not least, Garth Brooks will be third honored with induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame this year. Certified by the RIAA as the #1 selling solo artist in US history, Garth Brooks has sold in excess of 128 million albums.  He is the only solo artist in RIAA history to have 6 albums top the 10 million mark. His most recent release The Ultimate Hits has been certified 5 x platinum. This year Garth became the first artist to put out a simultaneous  edition of his latest collection for a charitable cause. November 6, 2007 saw the launch of the pink edition of The Ultimate hits available only at the Susan G Komen website. His body of work – including the groundbreaking No Fences, Ropin’ The Wind, The Hits, and Double Live – propelled country music as a genre to the front pages of newspapers worldwide and the covers of magazines, to the point where Forbes declared on its cover, “Country Conquers Rock” and featured Garth in a major music piece. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Garth Brooks is the top-selling solo artist of the 20th century.

CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 to recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to the format. Inductees are chosen by CMA’s Hall of Fame Panels of Electors, which consist of anonymous voters appointed by the CMA Board of Directors. As of 2011, there are currently 115 members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Inductees are celebrated and officially inducted at a special ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and presented with bronze medallions.

The Country Music Association's mission is to heighten the awareness of Country Music and support its on-going growth by recognizing excellence in the genre, serving as a repository for critical and timely information and communication, while providing a forum for industry leadership dialogue toward its goals.

Country Music Hall of Fame Class of 2012 To Be Announced Tomorrow- Who Should Get In?

Tomorrow is the day. Tomorrow is the announcement of what three artists will be the next inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame's Class of 2012. 


Reba McEntire, Bobby Braddock, and Jean Shepard were announced as the latest members to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame- the class of 2011.

Those three are extremely deserving and very worthy candidates. But there are others that should be in as well- and not posthumously.


While I have absolutely no say in the matter, I would like rerun a column that I wrote this past June- a list of the music acts I believe to the most deserving to be inducted into The Country Music Hall-Of-Fame.


10. John Denver- Might as well start with the most controversial first. In 1975, previous Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Charlie Rich set fire to Denver’s winning envelope rather than announce the win. Some considered it a statement against country pop and the Music Row-controlled Nashville Sound. But looking closer, he was one of the top album sellers in the 70’s, won several country music awards, 2 Grammys, and his hits “Take Me Home”, “Rocky Mountain High” and “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” are sing-along standards.


9.Jerry Reed- The CMHOF has a history of inviting comedians and actors (Minnie Pearl) and Jerry Reed belongs in. Jerry Reed, was an country music singer, country guitarist, session musician, songwriter and actor who appeared in over a dozen filmsAs a singer, he may be best known for Amos Moses, and When You're Hot, You're Hot, for which he received a Grammy in 1972 and East Bound and Down, the theme song to the film Smokey and the Bandit in which he portrayed the "Snowman", Cledus Snow.


8. (tie) Charlie Daniels- The man who made southern country/rock a new genre, he should be in for his fiddling ability alone. “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” is quite possibly the most recognizable country song ever recorded- he’s been a music hero for close to 40 years.


8. (tie) The Judds- As one of the most successful acts in country music history, Wynonna and Naomi Judd won five Grammy Awards for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and eight Country Music Association awards. The duo also charted twenty-five singles on the country music charts between 1983 and 2000, fourteen of which went to Number One and six more of which made Top Ten on the same chart.


7. Randy Travis- Travis has recorded more than a dozen important studio albums and single-handedly started the neo-traditionalist movement in the 80’s. He charted more than thirty singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, of which sixteen have reached Number One.


6. Dallas Frazier- Frazier is the songwriter’s songwriter.His tunes were recorded by George Jones (who recorded an entire album of Frazier's songs in 1968), Engelbert Humperdinck, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jack Greene, Connie Smith (who also recorded an entire album of Frazier's songs in 1972), Willie Nelson, Brenda Lee, Carola, Charley Pride, Merle Haggard, Gene Watson, Elvis Presley, Moe Bandy, Roy Head, Rodney Crowell, Dan McCafferty, and Ronnie Hawkins. Many of the songs became hits into the 1980s; examples include the Oak Ridge Boys cover of "Elvira" and Emmylou Harris's version of "Beneath Still Waters". Anne Murray with Glen Campbell, George Strait, Randy Travis, and Patty Loveless have all also recorded Frazier tunes.


5. (tie) Oak Ridge Boys- While their history dates back much further, they had a run of twelve years from 1977 to 1989 where they were THE band until they gave way to Alabama. Can anyone NOT sing all the words to their biggest hit Elvira?


5. (tie) Connie Smith- Still possessing one of Nashville’s most beautiful voices to this day, Smith’s recording of “Once A Day” became the first debut single in country music history by a female artist to reach number one, a record that Smith maintained for the next 25 years. She was a fixture on country radio in the second half of the 60’s and most of the 70’s.


4. Hank Williams Jr.- He is another long overdue selection. He had two careers, each of them probably worthy of induction. His early standards Eleven Roses are just as HOF-worthy as his later standards like Family Tradition. Put him in with a plaque right next to his father.


3. Garth Brooks- He’s the youngest of the bunch but has done more single-handedly to raise the popularity of country music more than any other artist since Johnny Cash. And that’s pretty good company. With more albums sold than any other artist EVER, he’s a no-brainer.


2. Ronnie Milsap- One of the top recording artists of the 1970’s and 1980’s, Ronnie Milsap is credited with forty number-one songs on the country charts, third only to George Strait and Conway Twitty. 40. Amazing career.

1. Kenny Rogers- I’ve already made my case here at That Nashville Sound. They’ve waited too long already for The Gambler.


Consideration should also given to Jim Ed Brown and The Browns,  the Wilburn Brothers, Paul Overstreet, Alison Krauss & Union Station (someday), Crystal Gayle, Rose Maddox, Tanya Tucker, Anne Murray, Alan Jackson and Brooks and Dunn. Hopefully, all will eventually be elected.

The Top Tens- The All-Time Best Music Acts Deserving To Be NEXT Inductees In The Country Music Hall-Of-Fame

Earlier this year, it was announced that Reba McEntire, Bobby Braddock, and Jean Shepard were announced as the newest members to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame- the class of 2011.

Shepard had been a strong candidate for the past several years, but just couldn’t seem to get the votes to get her in. She had 44 charted hits between 1953 and 1978 and has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 50 years. Her first hit, "A Dear John Letter", a 1953 duet with Ferlin Husky, was the first post-World War II record by a woman country artist to sell more than a million copies.


For Reba McEntire, her box set that came out a couple years back prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that she’s worthy- 50 hit singles that are some of this generation’s top songs. Some of her best known songs include “You Lie,” “Rumor Has It,” “Fancy,” “Is There Life Out There,” “The Night the Lights Went Out In Georgia,” “Take It Back,” “The Heart Won’t Lie” (a duet with Vince Gill), and “Does He Love You” (a duet with Linda Davis, which a CMA as well a Grammy Award).


Braddock is known for classics like “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” to more modern hits like “I Wanna Talk About Me” and the recent “People Are Crazy.”


All are extremely deserving and very worthy candidates. But there are others that should be in as well- and not posthumously.


While I have absolutely no say in the matter, I would like to present this month’s top ten list- The All-Time Best Music Acts Deserving To Be In The Country Music Hall-Of-Fame.


10. John Denver- Might as well start with the most controversial first. In 1975, previous Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Charlie Rich set fire to Denver’s winning envelope rather than announce the win. Some considered it a statement against country pop and the Music Row-controlled Nashville Sound. But looking closer, he was one of the top album sellers in the 70’s, won several country music awards, 2 Grammys, and his hits “Take Me Home”, “Rocky Mountain High” and “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” are sing-along standards.


9.Jerry Reed- The CMHOF has a history of inviting comedians and actors (Minnie Pearl) and Jerry Reed belongs in. Jerry Reed, was an country music singer, country guitarist, session musician, songwriter and actor who appeared in over a dozen filmsAs a singer, he may be best known for Amos Moses, and When You're Hot, You're Hot, for which he received a Grammy in 1972 and East Bound and Down, the theme song to the film Smokey and the Bandit in which he portrayed the "Snowman", Cledus Snow.


8. (tie) Charlie Daniels- The man who made southern country/rock a new genre, he should be in for his fiddling ability alone. “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” is quite possibly the most recognizable country song ever recorded- he’s been a music hero for close to 40 years.


8. (tie) The Judds- As one of the most successful acts in country music history, Wynonna and Naomi Judd won five Grammy Awards for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and eight Country Music Association awards. The duo also charted twenty-five singles on the country music charts between 1983 and 2000, fourteen of which went to Number One and six more of which made Top Ten on the same chart.


7. Randy Travis- Travis has recorded more than a dozen important studio albums and single-handedly started the neo-traditionalist movement in the 80’s. He charted more than thirty singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, of which sixteen have reached Number One.


6. Dallas Frazier- Frazier is the songwriter’s songwriter.His tunes were recorded by George Jones (who recorded an entire album of Frazier's songs in 1968), Engelbert Humperdinck, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jack Greene, Connie Smith (who also recorded an entire album of Frazier's songs in 1972), Willie Nelson, Brenda Lee, Carola, Charley Pride, Merle Haggard, Gene Watson, Elvis Presley, Moe Bandy, Roy Head, Rodney Crowell, Dan McCafferty, and Ronnie Hawkins. Many of the songs became hits into the 1980s; examples include the Oak Ridge Boys cover of "Elvira" and Emmylou Harris's version of "Beneath Still Waters". Anne Murray with Glen Campbell, George Strait, Randy Travis, and Patty Loveless have all also recorded Frazier tunes.


5. (tie) Oak Ridge Boys- While their history dates back much further, they had a run of twelve years from 1977 to 1989 where they were THE band until they gave way to Alabama. Can anyone NOT sing all the words to their biggest hit Elvira?


5. (tie) Connie Smith- Still possessing one of Nashville’s most beautiful voices to this day, Smith’s recording of “Once A Day” became the first debut single in country music history by a female artist to reach number one, a record that Smith maintained for the next 25 years. She was a fixture on country radio in the second half of the 60’s and most of the 70’s.


4. Hank Williams Jr.- He is another long overdue selection. He had two careers, each of them probably worthy of induction. His early standards Eleven Roses are just as HOF-worthy as his later standards like Family Tradition. Put him in with a plaque right next to his father.


3. Garth Brooks- He’s the youngest of the bunch but has done more single-handedly to raise the popularity of country music more than any other artist since Johnny Cash. And that’s pretty good company. With more albums sold than any other artist EVER, he’s a no-brainer.


2. Ronnie Milsap- One of the top recording artists of the 1970’s and 1980’s, Ronnie Milsap is credited with forty number-one songs on the country charts, third only to George Strait and Conway Twitty. 40. Amazing career.

1. Kenny Rogers- I’ve already made my case here. They’ve waited too long already for The Gambler.


Consideration should also given to Jim Ed Brown and The Browns,  the Wilburn Brothers, Paul Overstreet, Alison Krauss & Union Station (someday), Crystal Gayle, Anne Murray, Alan Jackson and Brooks and Dunn. Hopefully, all will eventually be elected.

New Album Long Line Of Heartaches Forthcoming From Connie Smith

New recordings by the country music legend Connie Smith, long acclaimed as one of the greatest singers in the history of the genre have been as rare as the voice and knowing singing she brings to them. Long Line of Heartaches, set for release on August 23rd, her first full album of new material since 1996 (and only her second since 1978) is an event in the making. That’s not just for the rarity, or because her legions of fans have so long awaited this news, but because in its range of undiluted traditional country moods, themes, rhythms and sound, this new Sugar Hill release is simply, unmistakably a new Connie Smith masterpiece, offering the pleasures of the very best that saw release during her remarkable run of recordings during the 1960s and‘70s.

“And that,” she says. “is exactly what I wanted to accomplish. I’ve had people ask me what this album was going to be like, since it’s been a long time since they’ve heard me on record, but my musical tastes have remained the same. I wanted this to be traditional country, and it is.”

“One of the reasons that I wanted to do this recording, and it’s a personal reason, is that I have such a deep love for traditional country music. We can talk about the music slipping away, or we can do something about it. The only way I know to do something about it is to keep singing what I’ve always loved.”

The album’s dozen new tracks, potent songs of heartache, joy, and spirit recorded at Nashville’s celebrated RCA Victor Studio B, where Connie recorded most of her chart-topping hits in her first years as a recording artist, include five new traditional country songs co-written by Connie and husband Marty Stuart, the project’s producer. Memorable songs come from long favored Smith sources such as icons Harlan Howard, Foster & Rice, Kostas, Johnny Russell and Smith’s longtime collaborator Dallas Frazier. Frazier’s song “A Heart Like You” becomes the 69th Frazier composition that Smith has recorded – breaking his 30 years of songwriting silence, an event within itself.

A Consideration For 2011 Country Music Hall Of Fame Nominees

By now the first ballots for the 2011 Hall of Fame selection have been sent out to the three hundred or so anonymous voters who get the privilege of selecting who goes in. As these people are unknown except to a select few in the Country Music Association (which is understandable, it prevents vote buying by undeserving acts), this is a general appeal to those people. Consider this one of those "for your consideration" ads that fill the trade papers at nomination/voting time for the Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar awards.

I will be the first to admit that there are a number of people who may or may not be a worthy candidate for induction. I am also a realist: just because I like someone does not mean they are automatically Hall of Fame quality. We must never water down the criteria for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame lest it become a parody (much the way the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame currently is, with this year's nominations of one-hit wonders and rap acts while excluding legitimately "famous" [it is a hall of fame, after all] acts from the nomination process). Also, I would hate to see the voters act as though they have some birthright to the induction vote (the way people in the Baseball Writers Association seem to feel about their duty to the Baseball Hall of Fame: some of them return blank ballots every year because they arrogantly claim nobody deserves a unanimous vote, and others claim that one steroid user will never get their vote while saying they'd vote for another steroid user in a heartbeat). The people who are potential inductees, the country music industry in general, and all of the fans who not only like the artists but who walk through those doors in Nashville and lay down $20 (or $33 to go to Studio B as well) to view the plaques deserve educated, informed voters who take their responsibility seriously and will not just mark a ballot because someone died (sadly, Patsy Montana was inducted that way: she died after the ballots were mailed in 1996) or because someone is the retiring president of the CMA (I lost count as to how many people were inducted this way).

With that, I humbly present "for your consideration" the following acts for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011:

Veterans Category:

Wilburn Brothers. I know they were not well-liked in Nashville, for various reasons; however, both Teddy and Doyle are gone now, so bury the hatchet and those ill feelings and induct them! Do they belong? They had one of the most successful syndicated country music shows in existence in the 60s and early 70s (which still airs on RFD-TV) and a career that spanned four decades. They also launched the career of a gal from Butcher Holler, Kentucky.

Elton Britt. If we can induct (rightfully, in my opinion) Vernon Dalhart for having the first million-seller in country music history and Patsy Montana for being the first woman to sell a million, then Elton Britt can also be inducted for having the distinction of being the first recipient of a gold record awarded to a country song ("There's a Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere," 1942). Britt's career, however, was much more than that: a superb yodeler and movie actor (he appeared in western films in the 40s) who continued to chart until shortly before his death in 1972.

Al Dexter. Al Dexter is the reason Billboard magazine created a "hillbilly and western" chart in 1944. The phenomenal success of "Pistol Packin' Mama" throughout the last part of 1943 bumped pop acts out of their position on the charts. The Hall of Fame, as mentioned earlier, has acknowledged the historic firsts in country music. This man's popularity in the 1940s gave us another historic first: a chart to track the popularity of country music.

Cowboy Copas. Eddie Stubbs says it every time he plays a Copas record: "This man did so much more in country music than just die in a plane crash with Patsy Cline." In fact, he was the superstar on that ill-fated plane in 1963: Patsy had just had a few hits and Hawkshaw Hawkins' career was mostly as a good but "regional" or "minor" success.

The Browns. Along with Jean Shepard, they are (thanks to Ferlin Husky's induction this year) the final "superstar" act of the 1950s and early 1960s who need to be inducted . They were so much more than "The Three Bells," although the success of that song in country and pop in an era of Elvis is in and of itself criteria enough for induction.

Archie Campbell. There is no more deserving comedian who is not in than the mayor of Bull's Gap, Tennessee. His popularity in Knoxville in the 1930s and 40s was such that he was thrown a parade when he was discharged from the Navy. After that, he went on to success as a recording star of both comedic ("Rindercella" and other spoonerisms) and straight ("Trouble in the Amen Corner") material, a noted songwriter, and one of the writers and stars of Hee Haw from its inception until his death.

Modern Category:

Connie Smith. Connie Smith still owns the record for the biggest #1 debut single ("Once a Day," 1964, which stayed at #1 for over a month). Her string of hits is long and continues today with her work with her husband, Marty Stuart.

Reba McEntire. I'm not a fan of her music for the most part, but to deny the success this woman has enjoyed in country music (and taking it to a larger audience courtesy of her successful television show) is to appear downright idiotic.

Ray Stevens. Until "The Streak" came along in 1974, country music had only seen one million-selling comedy record (Homer and Jethro's "How Much is That Hound Dog in the Window" in 1953). Stevens is now known primarily as a comedian; however, he netted two Grammy awards for "serious" material (including "Everything is Beautiful" in 1970). He is also well-known outside the confines of country music for his material.

Non-Performer:

The third category alternates every year between musician (Charlie McCoy was the last inductee in that area), songwriter (Bill Sherrill this year), and non-performer. Sadly, most of the time the "non-performer" is a CMA executive or someone in the Nashville industry, as if to say that country music never existed outside of Nashville (when, in reality, Nashville was a latecomer to the country music bandwagon). I would love to see someone other than "the usual suspects" nominated/inducted this year:

Syd Nathan. Nathan owned King Records, the Cincinnati-based record company that bears the distinction of being the first (and until Heart of Texas Records, the only) exclusively country music record label when it launched in 1943. If that isn't worthy of induction, NOTHING is. After all, "hillbilly music" was still dismissed as unimportant during the 1940s (to the point where the lack of stores carrying country records prompted Ernest Tubb to start his own record store in 1947), and Nathan took a huge gamble -- one that paid off handsomely with acts such as future Hall of Famers Grandpa Jones, Merle Travis, the Delmore Brothers, Homer & Jethro, and Bill Carlisle.

Bill C. Malone. Dr. Malone literally wrote the book on country music when his doctoral thesis was published in 1968 as Country Music USA. It is the reference book for scholars, writers, journalists, and anyone who wants to know the history of country music. I am a fan, admittedly; but there is a good reason for that: without Malone's ground-breaking work, there would be no books on country music today.

Lowell Blanchard. Blanchard was the program director at WNOX in Knoxville. Under his supervision, the station became the cradle of the Hall of Fame, featuring acts from Roy Acuff in the 1930s to Don Gibson in the 1950s.

Horace Logan. Don't recognize the name? You will recognize the talent he introduced to the world: Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Johnnie & Jack, Kitty Wells, Faron Young, and Jim Reeves. Logan was the founder of the Louisiana Hayride, one of the most important "barn dance" shows in America.

Nothing would make me happier than to see some of these names on the induction list when it is released in February.

Written by K.F. Raizor, an independent scholar and free-lance writer since 1989. His work has appeared in "Lefthander" magazine and "Hard Country Beat", where he had a column from 1994 until the magazine ceased publication in 1998. His current project is a biography of Country Music Hall of Famers Homer and Jethro. You can read his blog at Raizor's Edge.

Kathy Mattea & Connie Smith Among Seven Inducted Into West Virginia Music Hall of Fame

Two class artists of country music, Connie Smith and Kathy Mattea, have been named as part of the next class of the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. The hall's fourth class, which was announced Tuesday, won't be formally inducted until next year. The inductees were announced Tuesday and the formal ceremony will take place in October of next year at the State Culture Center.

"Its important for West Virginian's to know the diversity of the artists that have come from the state. We've found it's important to the artists too," Michael Lipton, President of the W.Va. Music Hall of Fame said.

Kathy Mattea of Cross Lanes- Perhaps the most respected and revered musician to come from West Virginia, Mattea also is known for giving generously back to her home state. In the mid- to late 1980s, she was a successful hit maker who brought elements of folk, bluegrass, gospel, and singer/songwriter intimacy to her music. Her 1989 album, "Willow in the Wind," became her first gold record and included No. 1 hits "Burnin' Old Memories" and "Come From the Heart." In addition, her song "Where've You Been," which Mattea co-wrote with her husband, Jon Vezner, won a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal.

Connie Smith, born in Elkhart, Ind., grew up in Hinton. Dolly Parton has said, "There's really only three female singers in the world: Streisand, Ronstadt and Connie Smith. The rest of us are only pretending." A country singer and longtime Grand Ole Opry member, Smith may be best known for her 1964 hit song "Once a Day." The song was written especially for her by country star Bill Anderson and spent eight weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's Country music charts - the longest of any female country music artist in history. Smith joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1966 and her string of hits continued until late 1968. She continues to perform with the opry and remains a country icon.

Cool Country Halloween Pumpkins At The Opry

The Grand Ole Opry Pumpkin Patch is growing! In celebration of Opry Month as well as the upcoming Halloween holiday, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville has created a unique display of pumpkins with famous country artists on them. Fans can view the display in the Opry House Lobby while visiting shows and special events throughout October.

The Pumpkin Patch features eleven pumpkins hand-carved by artist Brad Miller of Mechanicsville, VA. Depicted in the Pumpkin Patch are Opry members Little Jimmy Dickens, Vince Gill, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Charlie Daniels, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart and Trace Atkins. Aren't they cool?