New Music Video From Vince Gill - "He Stopped Loving Her Today" (Live at the Opry)

Down Memory Lane: The Ten Most Influential Country Music Hits of the 1970s

The 1970s were a pivotal era in country music. New subgenres emerged, cultural shifts were mirrored in song lyrics, and several country hits crossed over into mainstream popularity. As we tip our cowboy hats to the past, let's count down the 12 most influential country music hits from the '70s and the iconic artists behind them.

"Coal Miner's Daughter" - Loretta Lynn (1970)

Loretta Lynn's autobiographical song painted an honest portrait of her impoverished childhood in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky. This song made Lynn the first woman to top the Billboard country charts with a song she wrote herself, highlighting her as a trailblazer in the industry.

"Take Me Home, Country Roads" - John Denver (1971)

Perhaps one of the most well-known country songs of all time, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" reached listeners far beyond the country genre. John Denver's ode to West Virginia is a timeless classic, remaining synonymous with American country music.

"Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'" - Charley Pride (1971)

As one of the few African-American country stars, Charley Pride broke racial barriers with his universally appealing song about love and happiness. This song solidified Pride's position as an important figure in country music.

"Jolene" - Dolly Parton (1973)

This iconic track is one of Parton's most enduring songs, displaying her exceptional storytelling skills. "Jolene" laid the groundwork for Parton's transcendent career, taking her from a country singer to a beloved global superstar.

"Behind Closed Doors" - Charlie Rich (1973)

Charlie Rich’s smooth vocals and the song's sensual lyrics helped "Behind Closed Doors" reach a broad audience, marking an early example of country music's crossover into the pop charts.

"The Gambler" - Kenny Rogers (1978)

Rogers' tale of a late-night encounter with a gambler is one of the genre's most unforgettable narratives. The song's universal appeal, coupled with Roger's charismatic performance, made it a crossover hit.

"Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)" - Waylon Jennings (1977)

Waylon Jennings' nostalgic song about escaping the pressures of fame to a simpler life became an anthem for the Outlaw country movement. Its message continues to resonate with audiences today.

"Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" - Willie Nelson (1975)

With its sparse production and Nelson's emotional delivery, this song marked a significant departure from the heavily orchestrated Nashville sound popular at the time. It signaled the arrival of a new country sound and Nelson's reign as a key figure in the genre.

"He Stopped Loving Her Today" - George Jones (1979)

This tragic love song, often referred to as the greatest country music song ever recorded, is the epitome of the genre's storytelling prowess. Despite its release date slightly beyond the '70s, the song and George Jones' emotive delivery significantly influenced the era.

"Rhinestone Cowboy" - Glen Campbell (1975)

Campbell's career-defining hit about a veteran performer making a comeback is a testament to his own musical journey. "Rhinestone Cowboy" was a global sensation, and Campbell's crossover appeal helped country music gain further mainstream acceptance.

The 1970s proved to be a decade of growth and change for country music. These hits, along with the artists who sang them, played an influential role in shaping the genre and leaving an indelible mark on music history. Their timeless appeal continues to engage audiences and inspire new generations of country artists. From the narrative ballads to the crossover hits, these songs perfectly encapsulate the spirit and evolution of country music in the '70s.

Opry Veteran and Legendary Session Guitarist Jimmy Capps Passes Away at 81

Musicians Hall of Fame member and Grand Ole Opry veteran Jimmy Capps has passed away at age 81 due to health complications. After getting his start with The Louvin Brothers, Jimmy went on to become one of the most sought after session players in Nashville. Some of the incredible recordings you can hear Capps on are The Oak Ridge Boys’ “Elvira,” “Sail Away,” Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man," Barbara Mandrell’s “Sleeping Single In A Double Bed,” “I was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” Ronnie Milsap’s “Smokey Mountain Rain,” and “Legend In My Time,” as well as other artists such as Janie Fricke, Lacy J. Dalton, Andy Williams, Ray Charles, Mac Davis, Moe Bandy, Joe Stampley, Johnny Paycheck, John Conlee and countless more. As a staff member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1967, Capps has remained a solid foundation in Music City and can be seen on Country’s Family Reunion and as “Sheriff” Jimmy Capps on Larry’s Country Diner. Jimmy was not only a musical prodigy, but a friend to many in the music and entertainment industry.

Fellow artists mourn the loss of their friend and share fond memories that have left them forever inspired by the timeless, Jimmy Capps.

“I’m deeply saddened by the news of the passing of my dear friend, Jimmy Capps. Jimmy was maybe the kindest and most considerate person I knew in the music business. A pro’s pro, he played an important role in many of my recordings and every Opry performance we ever played together. Rozene and I send our sympathy and heartfelt prayers to Michele and all of Jimmy’s family.” - Charley Pride

“The NEWS this morning about the passing of our dear friend Jimmy Capps has been devastating. In a time of darkness Jimmy was always a light. Like everyone else in Nashville Jimmy was a part of our music and our career and our lives!!! This will take a while to process... the Oak Ridge Boys will sure miss The Man In Back ... Until the DAY” - Joe Bonsall / Oak Ridge Boys

“I have been singing professionally since I graduated from the university over 55 years ago. Jimmy Capps has been a part of my career from the beginning with The Oak Ridge Boys, starting with our gospel days and all the way through to some of our biggest hits. When you hear the guitar intro to “You're The One In A Million,” that is Jimmy Capps playing. Recently, I went to the Musicians Hall of Fame and saw a display honoring Jimmy Capps. In that display was the guitar that Jimmy played on “Elvira.” My wife, Norah Lee, has sung on the Grand Ole Opry for over 40 years. For most of those years, especially when the Opry was at the Ryman, Norah Lee has ridden with Jimmy and Michelle Capps to work. This is another gut punch for me personally, losing one of my very best friends. I ask that you remember Michelle and Jimmy's sons in your prayers. Today, there is a hole in the music industry, but Jimmy Capps’ contributions will stand the test of time. Rest in peace, Jimmy, in the arms of Jesus.” - Duane Allen / The Oak Ridge Boys

“When I first came to Nashville Jimmy Capps was already a fixture as one of the great guitar players. I worked with Jimmy many times and I got to know him and his wonderful wife Michele even better these last several years at the Opry. Jimmy was always ready with a smile, a kind word and a great guitar lick. I can’t imagine the Opry without Jimmy Capps. These crazy times are much sadder this morning.” - Crystal Gayle

“I am shocked and very saddened to hear that Jimmy Capps has passed away. He was on 90% of the songs that I’ve recorded and he can never be replaced. He was always one of the most authentic and genuine guys I’ve ever known and has accomplished so much in life. We are all so much better for knowing him. One thing that people will miss is looking over their shoulder and seeing Jimmy there. We will all miss you, Jimmy. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Michele.” - B.J. Thomas

“I will cherish the memories of working so many shows and concerts with Jimmy Capps. I will miss his smiling face. Blessings and prayers to his family.” - Janie Fricke

“I have been blessed to work with Jimmy down through the years. He was a universally loved, Godly man, a double-super cool Nashville cat and you couldn’t ask for a better friend. Sheila and I pray for Michelle and the rest of his family at this time. Rest in peace, pal.” – T. Graham Brown

“Sending our love and prayers to Michele Capps. Just heard of the passing of Nashville musician Jimmy Capps. His musicianship was heard at the Grand Ole Opry, Country’s Family Reunion, and as The Sheriff on Larry’s Country Diner. I’ve sailed many music cruises with Jimmy, and I know he was so honored to be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. He was always humble and kind, and will be missed by many. Rest In Sweet Peace Jimmy Capps.” - Rhonda Vincent

“I am heartbroken over the loss of our great friend Jimmy Capps. He was and always will be a country music icon. It was an honor and privilege to work with him and call him my friend. He was such an amazingly gifted musician, sweet spirit, tender-hearted and beautiful soul! I know Jesus has welcomed Jimmy with open arms into his Heavenly home. My prayers are with Michele & the family. Rest In Peace Jimmy. We love you.” – Deborah Allen

“What a way to wake up this morning. I just got the message that Jimmy Capps passed away last night. I lost my sister last week and this feels like I lost another family member now. I can’t believe he’s gone. Sending prayers for Michele and their family.” - Johnny Lee

“Jimmy, was so incredibly talented; his playing came from endless experiences - he always knew “what to play” and always elevated the music - just having him in the room made the music sound better. A sweet, sensitive soul who will be greatly missed.” - Michael Bonagura / Baillie & The Boys

“I loved Jimmy Capps. He was one of my mentors. I played alongside him in the studio and at the Grand Ole Opry for over four decades. Even now, when I close my eyes, I can see him walking through the Opry artist entrance, guitar case in hand. He walked slowly--with purpose. He was there to put on the best show he could. He loved the music. It was his life. He was the best rhythm guitar player I have EVER worked with. He was a perfectionist. As good as he was, he continued to practice and hone. That's what made him so damn good. You could always count on him to know what to play and where to play it. We shared stories and secrets. There were times he treated me like a brother. There were times he treated me like a son. But every time we were together, he treated me like a friend. R.I.P, James D. Thank you for being such a great teacher. I learned from the best--Timbo.” - Tim Atwood

"I'll always cherish the memories of any time that I was blessed to share the stage with Jimmy Capps. He is the epitome of a classic country music guitarist and one of the nicest people I ever met. RIP Jimmy Capps - we all love you dearly!" - Shane Owens

“My thoughts are with the family of Opry Legend/guitarist Mr Jimmy Capps. What an incredible legacy he will leave behind. One of Nashville’s most well respected guitarists. I had the honor of meeting him backstage at the Opry last year. He was soft-spoken and so humble. I will never forget asking him “How many times have you played the Opry in your career?” He looked at me and grinned and said “way too many to count ha ha!” - Treasured memory of Jimmy. God bless him.” - J.D. Shelburne

Nashville Songwriter Hall of Famer Whitey Shafer Passes Away At 84

K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge and the book We Can't Sing and We Ain't Funny: The World of Homer and Jethro is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She's ever so gracious to provide wonderful tributes to honor those to whom the music we treasure just wouldn't be the same without. Thank you, K.F.


One of the things that has made George Strait such an enduring figure in country music is his ability to find the great songs by the great songwriters. He did that with "Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind;" and, later, "All My Ex's Live in Texas."

The songwriter responsible for those songs, Sanger D. "Whitey" Shafer, died earlier this week (1/12) after an illness. His wife, Tracy, was at the funeral for her mother when Shafer passed, according to songwriting friend Corey Frizzell's Instagram post.

After serving in the Army, Sanger D. Shafer worked odd jobs and decided, finally, to move to Nashville, home of his favorite type of music. He met other songwriters, including "Doodle" Owens and Dallas Frazier, and began writing songs. The first major success was when George Jones recorded "Tell Me My Lying Eyes Are Wrong" in 1970, soon followed by Johnny Russell recording what has since become a country gospel classic, "The Baptism of Jesse Taylor."

A longtime Lefty Frizzell fan, Shafer struck up a friendship with the legendary singer. Their collaborations included two of the most enduring songs of the 70s: "That's the Way Love Goes" (originally a hit for Johnny Rodriguez), and "I Never Go Around Mirrors," one of Frizzell's final top 40 country hits.

Shafer went through a series of divorces, leading to songs such as "Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind" and "All My Ex's Live in Texas." George Strait turned both into country gold. Another one of Sanger's heartbreak songs, "I Wonder Do You Think of Me," was a posthumous hit for Keith Whitley in 1989.

In 1989 Shafer was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters' Hall of Fame. His songs continued to be covered by the greats, the up-and-comers, the local musicians, and anyone who appreciated a great song.

Whitey Shafer was 84.

Dean Dillon Producing New Sundance Head Album Release, Stained Glass & Neon

Artist: Sundance Head
Album: Stained Glass & Neon
Label: Dean Dillon's Wildcatter Records
Release date: January 25, 2018

Sundance Head's Stained Glass and Neon, will be released on Dean Dillon's Wildcatter Records on January 25, 2018. Dean Dillon is one of country music's most iconic songwriters, with over 62 songs cut by George Strait alone ("The Chair," "Ocean Front Property," etc), plus other hits like "Tennessee Whiskey" (George Jones/Chris Stapleton), "I'm Alive" & "A Lot Of Things Different", hits for Alabama, Toby Keith, Lee Ann Womack & many others. He is also producer on this album by The Voice winner and self-proclaimed "soul country" singer.

Dean Dillon on Sundance Head, “With the help of some business associates in Texas, I had the opportunity to create my own record label, Dean Dillon’s Wildcatter Records, and I knew that wanted to work with him. I’ve been in this business all my life, and with the exception of a couple of people, I’ve never heard anybody sing the way this man does. I think the most amazing thing to me is his vocal range and control. He is extremely special,” 

The 40-year-old Texan Head talked about what fans can expect from his album, "It’s not rock, it’s not country, it’s not blues. But I think once this record comes out, people will understand. It’s kind of a throwback to when songs meant something. It’s real music, and we’re not trying to compress it and put beats on it. It’s a really old-school modern country record. That’s my style, man. I’m an old cat. I don’t really identify with the country that’s currently on the radio.”

Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame Member Jerry Chesnutt Passes Away at 87

K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge and the book We Can't Sing and We Ain't Funny: The World of Homer and Jethro is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She's ever so gracious to provide wonderful tributes to honor those to whom the music we treasure just wouldn't be the same without. Thank you, K.F.

There are songwriters, then there are songwriters' songwriters. Jerry Chesnut was a songwriter's songwriter.

Chesnut, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer, died Saturday (12/15) in Nashville. Music Row reported that Chesnut's death was unexpected despite the fact that he had been suffering from a respiratory illness for some time.


Born in the eastern Kentucky town of Loyall, Jerry Donald Chesnut enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War, then settled in St. Augustine, Florida after his military service. He worked as a railroad conductor by day and a country music performer by night. Moving to Nashville in 1958, he continued a day job (vacuum cleaner salesman) while honing his craft.

And hone his craft, he did. Beginning with "A Dime At a Time," the country music world became Jerry Chesnut's oyster throughout the late 60s and early 70s. Among the highly-touted songwriters who turned to Chesnut for songs: Del Reeves (the aforementioned hit and "Looking At the World Through a Windshield"), Bill Anderson ("Don't She Look Good"), Loretta Lynn ("They Don't Make 'Em Like My Daddy"), Johnny Cash ("Oney"), and Mel Tillis ("Best Way I Know How").

Then there was that little song about a man's world falling apart while the garden maintained its beauty: "A Good Year for the Roses." George Jones made the song a #2 smash in 1970 and set the stage for others, ranging from punk icon Elvis Costello to country outlaw Johnny Paycheck, to cover the tune. "A Good Year for the Roses" is a powerful song of heartbreak ("many blooms still linger there, the lawn could stand another mowing, funny how I don't even care") and ranks right up there with "He Stopped Loving Her Today" as one of Jones' finest rip-your-heart-out sad songs.

Chesnut also penned another heartbreaking classic, Faron Young's later-era hit "It's Four in the Morning." And, just to prove he wasn't solely a heartbreak song man, Chesnut penned the rocking "T-R-O-U-B-L-E," a hit for Elvis Presley in the 70s and Travis Tritt in the 90s.

Chesnut retired from songwriting in the early 1980s but would occasionally still perform. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2004, the second induction class for the state's music hall of fame.

Jerry Chesnut was 87.

Truly Historic Box Set At The Louisiana Hayride Tonight Features Previously Unheard Recordings From Hank Sr, Elvis, Cash & More

Album: At The Louisiana Hayride Tonight
Label: Bear Family Records
Release date: October 20, 2017

In the annals of country music history, only one show rivals the importance of The Grand Ole Opry. For more than two decades, the Louisiana Hayride radio show was a Saturday night staple for music lovers, broadcast by Shreveport, Louisiana’s KWKH-AM from 1948-
1960. While the Opry favored established Nashville stars, Hayride offered headliners and newcomers alike an opportunity to perform. It was this policy that led Hayride to say “yes” to a young singer from Tupelo, Mississippi after the Opry said “no.” That singer, Elvis Presley, debuted on the show in October 1954 and later made his first TV appearance on the television version in March 1955.

Now an amazing and truly historic collection of 20 CD's and a 200+ page book featuring more than 25 hours of music will be forthcoming on October 20. This unprecedented collection includes rare performances from stars like Presley, Johnny Cash, June Carter, Kitty Wells, George Jones, and Webb Pierce, as well as a previously unknown Hank Williams recording that you can listen to HERE.

The compilation has been constructed in chronological sequence. Throughout the 20 discs songs are interspersed with the Louisiana Hayride theme tune (“…we’re gonna have a wonderful time…”), and with show announcements, intros, ads, comedy routines, and even mistakes, giving listeners a real sense of what it was like to hear the show on the radio, or to have plunked down your 60¢ (or 30¢ for children) for a ticket to watch it live in Shreveport’s Municipal Auditorium. One of these stage announcements, in fact, is the old-time emcee Horace Logan making the now-famous proclamation that “Elvis has left the building.”

Eighteen of the set’s CDs cover the classic weekly Louisiana Hayride broadcasts that took place from April 3, 1948 until August 27, 1960. The other two CDs collect material from some post-1960 shows, along with commercial recordings made in the KWKH radio studios, promotional discs, and transcribed shows from KWKH’s early days. Among the studio-recorded commercial tracks are hits by Slim Whitman, the Browns, Mitchell Torok, Jim Reeves, Mac Wiseman, and Carolyn Bradshaw. Additionally, there are 11 “as live” studio-recorded transcriptions that feature selections from Kitty Wells, Johnnie and Jack, Hank Williams, and Curley Williams. 

That Nashville Sound Sunday Newsbytes - New Music Videos & Upcoming Releases

We're playing catch-up this weekend with lots and lots of new music videos and a handful of new album introductions. TNS would love to hear from you- what's your favorite off of the list below?

- Bill Withers, Tim O'Brien, Kathy Mattea, Charlie McCoy, Connie Smith and many others from the bluegrass genre have contributed to a new project celebrating one of the Grand Ole Opry's all time favorites: Rhinestone Hillbilly: A Tribute to Little Jimmy Dickens.

- Rockabilly singer Sonny Burgess, who recorded for Sun Records, passed away at the age of 88.

- Billy Ray Cyrus‘ upcoming album Set The Record Straight, which releases November 10, will be packed with collaborations with Joe Perry, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Bryan Adams, Glenn Hughes, Jencarlos Canela, and Ronnie Milsap, as well as with Cyrus’ daughter Miley Cyrus.

- That Nashville Sound favorite Aubrie Sellers released a new music video for "Paper Doll."

- Bluegrass Hall of Fame member Pete Kuykendall has died in Virginia at age 79.

- Kip Moore has released a new music video for his song "Bittersweet Company."

- Bluegrass artist Rebekah Long has enlisted the production and writing help of Donna Ulisse on her new album Run Away that will be coming out on September 8.

- The Texas Gentelmen released a new music video for their song "Bondurant Women."

- Radney Foster's upcoming September 15 release, For You To See The Stars, is a project comprised of two parts - a book of short fiction and an album of the songs that inspired them.

- Doug Supernaw has re-recorded his biggest charted songs and will release a new Greatest Hits package on September 22.

- A new project will be forthcoming from the famed Jennings family with Shooter Jennings' Live at Billy Bob's TX- to be released on November 10.

- November 10 will also be the release date for Taylor Swift's next pop album, Reputation. Her first single off of the project is "Look What You Made Me Do."

- Carly Pearce will be releasing an album on Big Machine Records on October 13 under the same name of her big surprise chart hit, Every Little Thing.  

Interview Flashback - Terri Clark Makes Her Long Road Home

I have been blessed to write contributions/reviews/interviews/opinion pieces for several country music and roots-oriented websites and publications over the years including Saving Country Music, Nashville Scene, Country California, Country Weekly, American Noise, The 9513 and Engine 145. As a regular contributor to the last two in that list, I did close to a 100 interviews with different artists- and since both of those great sites have come down, I will reprint some of those interviews here to give them a home in perpetuity. This interview was originally published in February 2010 on The 9513.

In the business of country music, few active artists boast as deep of a resume as Terri Clark. Her nineteen singles that have hit the Billboard Hot Country charts, two number ones, multiple platinum records, a Grand Ole Opry membership and numerous top tens are only rivaled by an even greater level of success in her native Canada- measured in part by eight Canadian Country Music Association Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year awards. Clark’s songs like “Easy On The Eyes”, “Girls Lie Too”, “Poor Poor Pitiful Me”, and “I Wanna Do It All” have left an indelible mark on the country landscape.

But three years ago, a major event in Clark’s life shifted priorities 180 degrees. At the time, Clark was recently signed to Sony/BMG and preparing what would have been the next evolution of a big country radio star’s career. With a discovery of cancer in her mother, however, that road of fame led back home. The person closest to Terri, the one who had taken her to Nashville and changed her life so that her daughter could live out her dreams on stage was in a fight for life.

“When the most important person in your whole life… when the doctors tell you they’re going to be taken away, it pulls you up short,” said Clark. “You don’t think about expiration dates with the people you love, but that’s the reality. And that kind of thing makes you get very real very very fast.”

And in a stunning turn of events, Clark asked for and was granted a release from one of the most powerful studio labels in the business. She went home, tended to her mother until she was healthy again and in the process, changed her musical priorities. There was a new conviction that every song and every album that was going to be put out hereafter was going to be on her terms and filled perhaps not with radio smashes, but with music that has meaning and deep emotion for her.

What resulted was an album that is appropriately titled The Long Road Home released late in 2009. The 9513 had a chance to sit down with the lovely Ms. Clark and talk about the new album, the Canadian country music scene and even a little snow in Nashville.

Ken Morton, Jr.- This exceptionally cold Nashville winter has to be downright balmy compared to your childhood Quebec winters, doesn’t it?

Terri Clark- (laughter) Absolutely. What is a way of life for us for half a year literally sends everybody into a complete state of emergency down here. Schools are shutting down. Kids are tobogganing down the middle of the street. It’s interesting to see the reaction to the cold and weather. Pipes will freeze down here because things just aren’t insulated the same way. People don’t have snow tires so it’s more of a hazard driving. They’re just not prepared for it. But, yeah, I’m pretty used to it. It reminds me of home, actually.

KMJ- You have a brand new album titled The Long Road Home and I thought that the title was appropriate considering your journey the last two or three years. Tell me about the journey.

TC- I chose The Long Road Home as the album title because it has a metaphorical meaning as well as the fact that I’m concentrating a little more on Canada with my airplay and touring. It doesn’t by any means that I’m abandoning the U.S., because I’m doing a lot of touring there as well. But I’ve been all the way around the world since I came to Nashville when I was eighteen. And I feel like I’ve sort of come full circle- coming back to my community and that side. So figuratively, The Long Road Home represents that to me. But it also represents that journey within me- a lot of the self-realizations and things that have become non-negotiable within myself within the last couple of years. It’s still a long journey and I’m still learning every single day working on myself. It’s been an eye-opening last couple year. Home is really inside your self. You just have to find your own way there. That’s the best thing. And it’s all reflective in my music as well.

KMJ- Speaking of the music, how would you describe the album from the artist’s perspective?

TC- I would say the album, musically, is more organic in sound. But it’s still a big band. It’s lush sounding with a full sound. I used more organic instruments. I don’t have a lot of screaming guitars, there’s a lot of mandolin. Instead of lush strings, we have more chamber strings. There’s some quartet sounds, a lot of acoustic guitar. I didn’t want it to sound like a big ole commercial record. I wanted it to sound sonically pleasant to listen to but different from what I’ve done in the past. I didn’t want to stray too far from what I’ve done in the past, but wanted it different enough to sound different.

KMJ- Was your goal of being more organic than all your previous albums was attained?

TC- I think compared to everything but Fearless, yes. And on my next record, I’m going to strip it down even more. I’m going to focus even more on the acoustic elements of the instruments. I just love that sound. The stuff I listen to at home is triple A and folk rock and more acoustic music. Less is more as I get older. I find less is more in every fashion both in music and in life. I feel the album musically is organic but not so organic as to feel not full. It’s still got horsepower where it needs to have it.

KMJ- I saw on your website that you’re already back in the studio doing some additional recording, I understand.

TC- I went in to rerecord a couple songs including one I recorded about eleven years ago called “Empty.” We did an acoustic version of that song for copyright reasons so I could pitch them to film and TV. It’s a song that I’ve always gotten a great response to all these years and I always felt like that was one that got away. We thought it could be showcased in television or film like so many different people told me it ought to be. We went in a rerecorded it and another because legally speaking, the record label I was working for owned that master. But after so long, we can go in and redo it and now the new version belongs to me. So now we’ll try to go out and get that song someplace somewhere.

KMJ- There is one full-fledged duet on the new album and a certain recognizable Country Music Hall of Famer backing you on another song. Talk to me about those songs.

TC- Johnny Reid, who is the golden boy in Canada right now- he’s doing really well there right now, did a duet with me on a song called “You Tell Me.” It’s a song that a lot of people face in relationships- when they don’t know whether to stay or go. It’s about the conversation between those people and whether they are at a turning point in their relationship. It’s very adult and very grown up. He did such a great job. He’s got such an R&B sounding voice and the two of us sounding so different really worked. And Vince Gill sang on “The One You Love.” It’s more of a guest vocal than a full-fledged duet, but Vince Gill can blend with anybody. He’s just got such great vocals.

KMJ- You mentioned Johnny Reid. You’ve been one of the few artists that has found full-fledged success on both sides of the border. Why do you think there isn’t more crossover on both sides?

TC- I think the key to that is having an American record deal. If you are on a Canadian label, it’s going to be hard to have radio airplay in the United States. I moved to Nashville when I was 18 or 19 and pursued it the other way. I knew if I could get an American record deal, it would bleed over into Canada. But a lot of Canadian artists work at just getting that Canadian record deal and unfortunately, it doesn’t work both ways over the border. Traditionally, you can cover all of North America with a U.S. record deal- actually you can cover the world that way. But in Canada, it’s more of a domestic type of success that you can have. I think that played a big role in my own success.

KMJ- You’re doing this more on your terms this time around rather than doing it on a big record label. What has that meant on this particular album?

TC- It means I have to wear more hats. (Laughter) No pun intended. I’ve got to oversee a little more. But I’ve got great business management. I’ve got a great operation and people that handle the paperwork on stuff that would normally steal away the creative energy when I’d be focused on that part of it. I had to kind of abandon some of my childhood expectations and dreams by going this route. More than likely, I’m not going to get any American radio airplay in any big way. There won’t be mainstream radio airplay any more. You need that major label budget and push to really get that airplay, unless something really strange happens. Things like being nominated for things like CMA awards are probably over. I’ve had to take some time and wrap my head around the realities of that. Those probably won’t happen any more. But that’s okay with me. When one door closes another one opens. I’ve got all the creative freedom in the world and I can do whatever I want, cut whatever songs I want to in whatever way I want to. And I can still do really well with my fan base and get satellite radio airplay and GAC play for videos and get played in Canada all day long. So I really have the best of both worlds. And I’ve got major label distribution with Capitol Nashville and BMI Canada.

KMJ- You alluded to this whole change of focus coming after your mom’s illness. How is she doing these days?

TC- She’s doing really well right now. It’s an up and down rollercoaster ride, but she’s doing well right now. She shouldn’t even be here any more according to doctors, so that’s all good. When you’re faced with something like that, it makes you regroup and reprioritize things in your life. I have a real gift of music in being able to deliver whatever message I choose to deliver. And I can help people that way. There’s a difference you can make if you choose to.

KMJ- I’ve got two more questions for you. On your website, I saw a quote that caught my eye. You said, “People aren’t getting anything from country music the way I think people should, the way I did.” I was hoping you could expound on that a little bit.

TC- I shouldn’t say anything. What I should have said people aren’t getting the same type of thing out all the artists that I listened to like The Judds, Reba, George Jones, Haggard, classic country, Loretta, and Patsy. It was a real adult format with real adult issues. It was about tragedy. And it was about facing things like death and suicide and drinking. That is what country music meant to me- more of a lifestyle kind of music. It’s just shifted. And it doesn’t mean that it’s different in a bad way, it’s just different. What I got out of it was the learning of life by listening to it. Real life. I find that the subject matter and the material and the things that are decorating it now are a little different. It’s definitely taken on a more of a pop format feel.

KMJ- You covered it a bit with that last question, but what is country music to Terri Clark?

TC- Country music is about real life. It’s about real loss. It’s about demons. It’s about angels. It’s about life. It is a lifestyle type of music- what we face every day in life. Some of it’s good and some of it’s not. But we have to look at it all to get a true picture of it. And that’s what country music has been to me. And it’s about the people who came before me, the people that started out. It’s about the Opry members that I run into every night. They’re the ones that paved the way so a lot of it is about the history of the music to me too.

New Music Video From Tony Jackson - "The Grand Tour" (George Jones Cover)

This retired US Marine has just released a new tribute to the great George Jones with his own take on the iconic hit, "The Grand Tour." The video was filmed at the historic Glen Leven Mansion in Nashville, TN and the setting of the old civil war era house fits the theme of the song perfectly.

Late 80's Concert Performance Gets Live Album Treatment For The Late George Jones

Artist: George Jones
Album: Live at Church Creek Station '88
Label: Javelin
Release date: Dec. 2, 2016

Three years after his passing, it turns out that we haven't heard the last of George Jones yet. A new live album of a 1988 concert performance will be hitting our ears in early December titled Live at Church Creek Station '88.

Church Street Station - one of the longest running country TV shows ever - aired on the Nashville Network in the 80s and featured classic performances by many iconic country stars. During his 80s comeback, country legend George Jones graced fans at Church Street Station with an appearance that had been recorded and new remastered into an album. It includes "He Stopped Loving Her Today," "She's My Rock" and more.


 

Front Porch Covers By Jamie Lin Wilson - Lyle Lovett, George Jones & Jessi Colter

New Live Performance Music Video From Mo Pitney- George Jones' "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes?"

New George Jones Compilation Project Complete Starday & Mercury Singles 1954-62 Forthcoming in October

Artist: George Jones
Album: Complete Starday & Mercury Singles 1954-62
Label: Acrobat
Release date: Oct 16, 2015

George Jones was one of the biggest and most successful country artists of all time, racking up over 100 country hits during a career that lasted six decades, including nine number ones. Much of his early work can only be found on vinyl until this upcoming release.

This October, this 81-track 3-CD collection will comprise the A and B sides of all his singles from his debut on Starday in 1954, through his career with Columbia up to 1962, and then his first releases on United Artists during 1962. It naturally includes the 28 country chart hits which he enjoyed during that time, among which are his landmark No. 1s with "White Lightning," "Tender Years" and "She Thinks I Still Care." It provides a comprehensive overview of the crucial initial years of his career, and is a fine showcase for the distinctive style which transcended the changing tastes within country music over the years to ensure that he became one of the genre's iconic figures.

Track listing:

Disc: 1
1. No Money In This Deal
2. You'Re In My Heart
3. Play It Cool, Man
4. Wrong About You
5. Let Him Know
6. You All Goodnight
7. Heartbroken Me
8. Hold Everything
9. What'S Wrong With You
10. Why Baby Why
11. Season Of My Heart
12. What Am I Worth
13. Still Hurtin'
14. I'M Ragged But I'M Right
15. Your Heart
16. You Gotta Be My Baby
17. It'S Ok
18. Boat Of Life
19. Taggin' Along
20. Just One More
21. Gonna Come Get You
22. Yearning
23. Don'T Stop The Music
24. Uh, Uh, No
25. Too Much Water
26. All I Want To Do
27. Flame In My Heart
28. No No Never

Disc: 2
1. Tall, Tall Trees
2. Hearts In My Dream
3. Take The Devil Out Of Me
4. A Cup Of Loneliness
5. New Baby For Christmas
6. Maybe Next Christmas
7. Color Of The Blues
8. Eskimo Pie
9. I'M With The Wrong One
10. Nothing Can Stop Me
11. Wandering Soul
12. Jesus Wants Me
13. Treasure Of Love
14. If I Don'T Love You (Grits Ain'T Groceries)
15. White Lightning
16. Long Time To Forget
17. Who Shot Sam
18. Into My Arms Again
19. My Lord Has Called Me
20. If You Want To Wear A Crown
21. Money To Burn
22. Big Harlan Taylor
23. Accidently On Purpose
24. Sparkling Brown Eyes
25. Have Mercy On Me
26. If You Believe
27. Family Bible

Disc: 3
1. Your Old Standby
2. Out Of Control
3. Just Little Boy Blue
4. The Window Up Above
5. Candy Hearts
6. Tender Years
7. Battle Of Love
8. Aching, Breaking Heart
9. When My Heart Hurts No More
10. You'Re Still On My Mind
11. Cold, Cold Heart
12. I Want To Be Where You'Re Gonna Be
13. When Two Worlds Collide
14. She Thinks I Still Care
15. Sometimes You Just Can'T Win
16. Beacon In The Night
17. He Made Me Free
18. Geronimo
19. Open Pit Mine
20. He Is So Good To Me
21. Magic Valley
22. A Girl I Used To Know
23. Big Fool Of The Year
24. Not What I Had In Mind
25. I Saw Me
26. Lonely Christmas
27. My Mom And Santa Claus

TNS Video History- George Jones- "She Thinks I Still Care"

New Music Video From Shooter Jennings- "Don't Wait Up (I'm Playing Possum)"

Get More: Shooter Jennings, Don't Wait Up (I'm Playing Possum), Music, More Music Videos

The Curtain Falls On Many Country Music Voices in 2013

George Jones (1931- 2013)

K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge and the book We Can't Sing and We Ain't Funny: The World of Homer and Jethro is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She lists some of the musicians and singers we lost along the way in country music this year. She's ever so gracious to provide a wonderful tribute each year to honor those to whom the music we treasure just wouldn't be the same without. Thank you, K.F.

Here are the performers who sang their final notes in 2013:

Charlie Acuff (November 22, natural causes, age 94):  east Tennessee fiddler and radio star who, unlike his famous second cousin Roy Acuff, stayed in his home region and entertained for decades.

Keith Adkinson (June 18, unknown cause, age 69):  Nashville music attorney who successfully proved that Jett Williams was indeed the daughter of Hank Williams.  He was also Jett's husband.

Leon Ashley (October 20, illness, age 77):  a history-making singer:  he wrote, published and released a song on his own, and it went to #1.  The song was the classic "Laura (What's He Got I Ain't Got)."

Homer Bailes (December 3, natural causes, age 91):  the final surviving member of the legendary Bailes Brothers band, inductees in the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame and the first act from West Virginia to become members of the Grand Ole Opry.

Bob Beckham (November 11, unknown cause, age 86):  singer with the 1959 hit "Just As Much As Ever" who later became a publisher and mentor of acts such as Kris Kristofferson and Ray Stevens.

Don Bowman (June 5, complications from a stroke, age 75):  the comedian behind "Wildwood Weed" (the 1974 Jim Stafford hit) and "Chit Akins, Make Me a Star" also wrote serious songs with Waylon Jennings ("Just to Satisfy You") and served as the original host of radio's American Country Countdown.

Charles Carr (July 1, brief illness, age 79):  the man who, as an 18-year-old college freshman, drove Hank Williams from Montgomery to Knoxville, then into history when the legendary singer died during the night in the back seat of the car.

Cowboy Jack Clement (August 8, liver cancer, age 82):  one of the 2013 Country Hall of Fame inductees, Cowboy Jack's career spanned seven decades as a singer, songwriter, producer, publisher, studio owner....and just being Cowboy Jack.

Tony Douglas (January 22, lymphoma, age 82):  singer best known for his 1963 hit "His and Hers."

Chet Flippo (June 19, long illness, age 69):  a journalist's journalist, Flippo penned the first extensive biography of Hank Williams (Your Cheatin' Heart in 1981) and served for years as the country music writer for Billboard and CMT.

Jim Foglesong (July 9, natural causes, age 90):  Hall of Fame music executive who helped launch the careers of the likes of Don Williams, George Strait and Garth Brooks.

Tompall Glaser (August 13, long illness, age 75):  a performer who enjoyed a long career with his brothers (as Tompall & the Glaser Brothers) and was one-fourth of the quartet (with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter) on the landmark Wanted!  The Outlaws, country's first platinum album, in 1976.

Chuck Goff (February 27, car wreck, age 54):  bassist and bandleader for singer Toby Keith.

Jack Greene (March 14, Alzheimer's disease, age 83):  from the "singing drummer" of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours he rose to fame with the massive hits "Statue of a Fool" and "There Goes My Everything," the latter of which became the CMA's first "song of the year" award winner.

Sidney "Hardrock" Gunter (March 15, pneumonia, age 88):  Alabama-based pre-rockabilly singer who wrote the Red Foley smash hit "Birmingham Bounce."

Sherman Halsey (October 29, unknown cause, age 56):  son of Nashville managing legend Jim Halsey and video producer/director for several country artists including Dwight Yoakam, Brooks & Dunn and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Sammy Johns (January 4, unknown cause, age 66):  singer/songwriter who wrote songs such as Conway Twitty's "Desperado Love" and John Conlee's "Common Man," he also had a massive pop (and minor country) hit with "Chevy Van."

George Jones (April 26, hypoxic respiratory failure, age 81):  in the dictionary, next to the term "country music," it says, "See George Jones."

Claude King (March 7,  natural causes, age 90):  an original member of the Louisiana Hayride who shot to international success with his 1962 smash "Wolverton Mountain."

Nelson Larkin (November 18, unknown causes, age 70):  producer of Earl Thomas Conley's string of hits as well as a songwriter and publisher.

Johnny MacRae (July 3, heart disease, age 84):  songwriter who penned such hits as "Whiskey, If You Were a Woman" and "I'd Be Better Off in a Pine Box."

Lorene Mann (May 24, stroke, age 76):  a founding member of the Nashville Songwriters Association, the singer/songwriter wrote "Don't Go Near the Indians" (one of Rex Allen's biggest hits) and "Left to Right" (a hit for Kitty Wells), as well as recorded duets with Justin Tubb and Archie Campbell.

Mindy McCready (February 17, suicide [gunshot], age 37):  troubled modern country singer who took her own life a month after her boyfriend David Wilson killed himself.

Wayne Mills (November 25, shot to death, age 44):  a honky tonk singer who had performed dates with Jamey Johnson, he was nearing completion of a new album when he was shot by a Nashville bar owner during an argument.

Patti Page (January 1, long illness, age 85):  although primarily a pop vocalist, Pee Wee King & Redd Stewart's song "Tennessee Waltz" became her biggest hit and her signature tune -- along with one of the state songs of Tennessee.

Frank Page (January 10, pneumonia, age 87):  a DJ Hall of Fame member who spent decades on Shreveport's KWKH station, including working as an announcer on the Louisiana Hayride.

Jody Payne (August 10, heart disease, age 77):  guitarist for Willie Nelson's band.

Ray Price (December 16, pancreatic cancer, age 87):  a country singer's country singer, his career spanned eight decades and spawned countless hits including the Grammy-winning "For the Good Times."

Marvin Rainwater (September 17, heart failure, age 88):  singer with a string of hits in the 1950's, most famously, "Gonna Find Me a Bluebird."

Ramblin' Tommy Scott (September 30, injuries from an August 10 car wreck, age 96):  performer who worked with Charlie Monroe's Kentucky Partners, appeared frequently on the Grand Ole Opry in the 1940's and early 50's, and toured under the billing of "the Last Real Medicine Show."

Jim Shumate (September 30, natural causes, age 91):  Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys fiddler from 1943 until 1945.  He recommended Earl Scruggs to Monroe and later played on early Flatt & Scruggs sessions.

Johnny Sibert (December 21, long illness, age 80):  Steel Guitar Hall of Fame member who put the signature sound behind Carl Smith.

Cal Smith (October 10, unknown cause, age 81):  one of two former Texas Troubadours to die this year (with Jack Greene), Smith, like Greene, left Tubb and embarked on a CMA Award-winning career, highlighted by "Country Bumpkin," "The Lord Knows I'm Drinking," and "It's Time to Pay the Fiddler."

Gordon Stoker (March 27, long illness, age 88):  the tenor singer in the Hall of Fame vocal group the Jordanaires.

Rex Trailer (January 9, pneumonia, age 84):  a country music performer in the 50s who worked with Bill Haley, he later became well-known for his regional TV series Rex Trailer's Boomtown.

Tom Tall (ne Tommie Lee Guthrie) (June 14, unknown cause, age 75):  country and rockabilly singer best known for singing "Are You Mine" with Ginny Wright in the 1950's.

Slim Whitman (June 19, heart failure, age 90):  the southpaw guitar-playing yodeler who saved the world in Mars Attacks!, Whitman amassed nearly a dozen top ten hits and three gold singles in a career that spanned eight decades.

John Wilkinson (January 11, cancer, age 67):  guitarist for Elvis Presley's touring TCB band.

Farewell, and thank you for the music.

 

Hear It Here- Mallary Hope Covering George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today"

Mallary Hope has a brand new single out this week called "Black Widow" that's terrific. We'll highlight it hopefully later this week on the site. In looking for a recording to share with all of our That Nashville Sound readers, we came across this little nugget released a couple months back. Enjoy.

New Music Video From Randy Travis- "Tonight, I'm Playin' Possum"

Get More: Tonight I'm Playin' Possum, Randy Travis, Randy Travis Videos

New Live Music Video From Kellie Pickler- A Cover Of George Jones' "White Lightning"