New Music Video From Steve Earle & Marty Stuart - "My Old Friend The Blues" (Live at the Opry)

New Music Video From Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives - "The Surfin' Cowboy"

New Music Video From Marty Robbins and Marty Stuart - "El Paso" (Live on the Opry)

New Music Video From Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives - "Graveyard"

New Music Video From Ashley Monroe and Marty Stuart - "The Touch"

New Music Video From Ashley Monroe (featuring Marty Stuart) - "The Torch"

New Music Video From Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives - "Rhapsidio Sangre de Christo in E Major"

New Music Video From Lainey Wilson & Marty Stuart - "Things A Man Oughta Know" (Live at the Opry)

New Music Video From Jake Worthington and Marty Stuart - "I'm The One"

Chapel Hart, Vince Gill, Chris Stapleton, Charlie Worsham, and Others Honor Marty Stuart

Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum celebrated the addition of the Marty Stuart Collection to the Museum’s permanent holdings. Stuart’s collection of more than 22,000 items is the largest private assemblage of country music artifacts in the world, joining the world’s largest public collection held by the Museum.

This acquisition was made possible through the generosity of Stuart, along with a lead preservation gift from the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation and major additional support from Loretta and Jeff Clarke. 

Many items from the Marty Stuart Collection will be on display as part of the Museum’s permanent exhibition, “Sing Me Back Home: Folk Roots to the Present,” which takes visitors chronologically through the history of country music. Artifacts on display rotate often and Stuart’s collection will play a key role in the exhibit’s narrative and the Museum’s educational mission. 

As part of the acquisition agreement, the Museum has entered a longstanding collaboration with Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music in his hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi, where it will exhibit items from the Marty Stuart Collection at its forthcoming museum. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will loan additional artifacts from its own permanent collection for display, as well as provide preservation, education, and administrative consultation and support to the Congress.  

Country music trio Chapel Hart performed “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” with recording artist and songwriter Charlie Worsham playing a 1970 Fender Telecaster once owned by Pops Staples, the patriarch and a member of gospel and R&B group the Staple Singers, who recorded the song. Staples played the instrument in the film “The Last Waltz,” performing “The Weight” with the Staple Singers and the Band at the final performance by the original lineup of the rock group.

Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill performed “Marty & Me,” a newly written song by Gill and Stuart, playing George Jones's 1957 Martin D-28 guitar, customized with unique, mother-of-pearl inlays and Jones’s name on the fingerboard.

Grammy-winning artist Chris Stapleton performed “Why Me,” which was recorded by Johnny Cash and previously written and recorded by Kris Kristofferson. Stapleton played Cash’s Martin D-45 acoustic guitar, which previously belonged to Hank Williams and later Johnny Cash.

Marty Stuart closed the ceremony with performances of Flatt & Scruggs’s “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down" and "Flint Hill Special" with members of the Earls of Leicester. 

The backing band for the event included members of the Earls of Leicester and consisted of Mike Bub (bass), Shawn Camp (acoustic guitar), Charlie Cushman (banjo), Jimmy Stewart (dobro), Johnny Warren (fiddle), and Jeff White (mandolin).

The Marty Stuart Collection spans over a century of country music history and includes more than 1,000 stage wear and clothing items, 100 instruments, 50 original song manuscripts, and more. Items in the collection include significant artifacts from Country Music Hall of Fame members Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Charley Pride, Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, and many others. Additionally, Stuart’s collection includes items from his own Country Music Hall of Fame career, including his expansive collection of photographs, taken by Stuart himself, which have been exhibited at museums and published in books.

New NPR Tiny Desk Concert Video - Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives

That Nashville Sound's Top Country and Americana Albums of 2023

In this extraordinary era, the landscape of music consumption and distribution is revolutionizing before our eyes. The internet, YouTube, and a myriad of digital platforms have emerged as pivotal arenas for independent artists to showcase their talents. This digital revolution has not just amplified the voices of artists from every corner of the globe, but it has also enriched the tapestry of country music, a genre that I hold dear.

Despite the traditional gatekeepers of country radio maintaining a significant influence on what songs get airtime, there's a noticeable and exciting shift. We're witnessing a new wave where talent and creativity are breaking through the barriers. Independent artists are gaining recognition and success, not through traditional channels like the radio dial, but through the sheer quality of their work, proving time and again that talent inevitably finds its way to the top.

Delving into the world of albums, Patrick McGuire's insight in ReverbNation resonates deeply with me. McGuire asserts the enduring significance of albums, arguing that they encapsulate the essence of a band or artist at a particular moment in time in a way that singles simply cannot. Take, for instance, The Beatles' iconic "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band." Imagine if its tracks were released sporadically over a year. While each song would retain its brilliance, the collective impact and the cohesive narrative of the album would be lost. Albums, whether conceptual or not, weave a story, a journey, not just through lyrics but through the very instrumentation and arrangement of tracks. This power to narrate a deeper, interconnected story is something that standalone singles can't quite replicate.

Reflecting on the recent years in country music, several albums have stood out, carving a special place in my heart. These albums, spanning from 2005 to 2022, are not just collections of songs but are stories, emotions, and experiences encapsulated in music. Each album, be it Gary Allan's "Tough All Over," Alison Krauss & Robert Plant's "Raising Sand," Chris Stapleton's "Traveler," or the recent "Bell Bottom Country" by Lainey Wilson, brings its unique narrative and vibe. They've not only captured my attention but have also managed to enchant me, making me revisit and relive their melodies and stories over and over again.

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.

And in case you're a newer-ish reader of That Nashville Sound, here's a list of all of our previous year winners below:

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 

These are the albums that struck an emotional chord and moved this listener to fall in love with their projects over and over again.

1. Cody Johnson - Leather - Blending traditional country roots with a modern twist, Johnson delivers heartfelt storytelling and robust vocals that resonate deeply. Each track showcases his unique ability to connect with the listener, making it more than just a collection of songs but an emotional journey. The instrumentation is expertly crafted, complementing Johnson's voice without overshadowing it. This album is a testament to Johnson's growth as an artist and is sure to be a hit among both new and long-time fans of country music. In "Leather," Johnson not only honors the genre's legacy but also carves his own distinct path in the country music landscape.

2. Lori McKenna - 1988 - Lori McKenna's album "1988," named after the year she married her husband Gene, is a lyrical exploration of life's intricate tapestry, echoing the profound observations of poet Mary Oliver. McKenna masterfully avoids nostalgic clichés, candidly expressing a spectrum of emotions from sorrow to joy, as she delves into the nuances of family relationships and personal growth. Her song "The Old Woman in Me" reflects on self-discovery and aspirations, while tracks like "Growing Up" and "Wonder Drug" blend emotive storytelling with vibrant, layered instrumentals. The album, featuring collaborations with talents like Hillary Lindsey, culminates in "The Tunnel," a poignant anthem that captures life's contrasting moments, encapsulating McKenna's gift for articulating life's beauty and complexity.

3. Chris Stapleton - Higher - Chris Stapleton's newest album "Higher" showcases his familiar warm, bellowing tenor over a mix of strummed acoustic guitars, bluesy riffs, and organ hits, maintaining a comfort zone of snug guitar chords and familiar lyrical themes. Producer Dave Cobb, known for working with artists like Isbell and Lori McKenna, skillfully enhances the album's acoustic elements, adding depth to tracks like "Crosswind" and the title song "Higher." While the album shines in moments where Stapleton's powerful voice and dynamic instrumentation take center stage, as in "South Dakota" and the hit single "White Horse," it occasionally feels constrained by repetitive themes and agreeable yet vague lyrics. Despite the impeccable vocal harmonies, often accompanied by his wife Morgane, "Higher" marks a point where Stapleton's reliance on well-trodden paths and truisms begins to lose its novelty, even with his exceptional vocal talent.

4. Wilder Blue - Super Natural - Zane Williams, both as a solo artist and the frontman of The Wilder Blue, consistently emphasizes skillful songwriting, evident in tracks like the chilling "Pablo and Maria." His latest album, "Super Natural," opens with the intriguing "Bless My Bones," blending stories of a touring band with darker undertones, enhanced by Andy Rogers' exceptional banjo skills. The album, produced by Brent Cobb who also lends his vocals to the title track, features an array of guest artists including Luke Combs, adding depth to the band's honky-tonk and cowboy song styles. Highlights include "True Companion," a reflective piece on finding love amidst a hectic lifestyle, "The Line," reminiscent of 70s Southern rock, and the closing ballad "Sometimes Forever," a testament to patience and resilience, all showcasing the band's profound understanding of their craft and the unpredictable journey of life.

5. Jimmy Rankin - Harvest Highway - Jimmy Rankin's eleven-track album "Harvest Highway," a sequel to his "Moving East," continues his tribute to coastal life, recorded in his native Nova Scotia with fellow local Joel Plaskett and a stellar East Coast ensemble including JP Cormier and Ronald Hynes. The album opens with its title track, a vivid narrative of life's changing seasons and landscapes, highlighting the value of companionship with lines like, “You and me we ride together, we roll through any kind of weather.” The traditional Cape Breton tune “Peggy Gordon” eloquently explores unrequited love, blending heartfelt lyrics with a classic folk refrain, illustrating the singer's deep affection and sorrow. "Harvest Highway" is a testament to Rankin's songwriting prowess, beautifully capturing a spectrum of human emotions from love and longing to resilience, all set against the backdrop of folk music's rich tapestry.

6. Marty Stuart - Altitude - In "Altitude," his first album in over five years, Stuart takes inspiration from the Byrds' late 1960s cosmic country, creating a sound that feels both nostalgically retro and refreshingly novel. The album is a mesmerizing blend of guitar reverb, tremolo, and rich harmonies, showcasing Stuart's robust tenor filled with wit and wisdom across 13 vibrant tracks. The Fabulous Superlatives, including guitarist Kenny Vaughan, drummer Harry Stinson, and bassist Chris Scruggs, complement Stuart’s guitar prowess, adding depth to songs like the instrumental "Lost Byrd Space Train (Scene 1)" and the Beatles-esque "Sitting Alone." While Stuart occasionally slows down with contemplative tracks like "Space," the album generally maintains a lively spirit, culminating in a soulful spiritual, symbolizing the redemption found in country music's blend of Saturday night energy and Sunday morning solace.

7. Dierks Bentley - Gravel and Gold - Dierks Bentley's tenth studio album, "Gravel & Gold," is a testament to his two-decade-long status as a consistent hitmaker in the country music scene. In this self-produced, fourteen-song collection, Bentley's gravelly voice takes center stage, exploring the banjo-driven, foot-stomping country sound that is quintessentially his. The album features standout tracks like "Cowboy Boots," a duet with Ashley McBryde celebrating the symbolism of the titular footwear, and introspective songs like "Sun Sets in Colorado" and "Still," where Bentley finds solace in life's simplicity. With a mix of 90s country vibes, clever lyrics in tracks like "Beer at My Funeral," and a high-spirited collaboration with Billy Strings in "High Note," "Gravel & Gold" showcases Bentley's musical evolution, marrying traditional country elements with his unique flair and introspective storytelling.

8. Larry Fleet - Earned It - Larry Fleet, raised on the influences of legends like Merle Haggard and Marvin Gaye, has woven these inspirations into his unique sound and storytelling, evident in his discography which captures life's poignant moments. His third album, 'Earned It,' continues in the vein of expansive releases like those by Morgan Wallen and Ashley Cooke, featuring 21 tracks that eschew traditional album flow for a rich tapestry of songs. Each track in 'Earned It' is essential, painting a vivid picture of working-class life, family bonds, and perseverance, much like a curated playlist of Fleet's new music for an immersive listening experience. The album, not strictly a concept piece but thematically cohesive, offers songs about hard work and redemption, like the insightful '25-8' and the heartfelt 'Layaway,' all showcasing Fleet's rich, warm vocals and his ability to craft narratives that are both relatable and deeply emotive.

9. Luke Combs - Gettin' Old - Luke Combs' latest album, "Gettin' Old," reflects a matured perspective compared to his previous work, "Growin' Up." While maintaining his focus on familiar country themes, Combs brings a fresh, reflective depth to his storytelling, influenced by his experiences of fatherhood and fame. The album, spanning 18 tracks, seamlessly blends mainstream appeal with introspective narratives about family, love, and legacy. Standout songs like "Take You With Me" and "See Me Now" highlight Combs' evolution as a songwriter, delivering emotionally rich tales from a father's viewpoint. "You Found Yours," in particular, encapsulates the album's essence, blending themes of family, memories, and the future into a powerful, heart-tugging anthem. "Gettin' Old" is a well-rounded offering, showcasing Combs' ability to appeal to fans seeking deep emotional connection as well as those looking for catchy, toe-tapping tunes, further solidifying his esteemed position in the country music scene.

10. Ashley McBryde - The Devil I Know - Ashley McBryde's latest album, "The Devil I Know," masterfully blends the hard rock edge of "Never Will" with the rootsy heartland rock of her debut "Girl Goin’ Nowhere," showcasing her consistent, high-quality songwriting and vocal prowess. The album kicks off with the energetic rock anthem 'Made for This,' capturing the exhilarating, yet challenging essence of life on the road. Tracks like 'Coldest Beer in Town' and 'Light on in the Kitchen' display McBryde's ability to balance her tough exterior with softer, introspective country tunes, the latter being a tender piece filled with sage advice. The album, featuring dynamic songs like the cathartic 'Women Ain’t Whiskey' and the introspective 'Learning to Lie,' concludes with '6th October,' a country gem that encourages embracing our scars and living rhythmically. "The Devil I Know" is a harmonious fusion of McBryde's musical styles, confirming her talent in both rock and country genres, and solidifying her status as a must-listen-to performer.

11. Tyler Childers - Rustin' In The Rain - "Rustin' in the Rain," the latest album from Childers, is a pure embodiment of country music, embracing its roots with pride and a touch of grit. The title track kicks off with a lively guitar riff that could easily fit into a 1990s Country Music Television lineup, while songs like “Percheron Mules” celebrate the raw, hardworking ethos of the genre. Childers' voice, gravelly yet tender, perfectly captures the essence of country storytelling, whether in the mournful “Phone Calls and Emails” or the bluegrass energy of “Percheron Mules” with the Travelin’ McCourys. The album also features covers that connect to Childers' musical lineage, including a soulful rendition of Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” and concludes with a nostalgic reimagining of S.G. Goodman’s “Space and Time,” showcasing his ability to bridge traditional country with a modern sensibility.

12. Darrell Scott - Old Cane Back Rocker - In "Old Cane Back Rocker," Darrell Scott artfully combines the talents of seasoned vocalists, instrumentalists, and songwriters to craft an album that resonates with the warmth of home and the complexities of Southern life. The opening track "Kentucky Morning" sets the tone with its nod to roots and preference for simple living, encapsulated in the image of an old cane back rocker. The album weaves narratives like "Charlie and Ruby," imbued with Scott's rich, unpretentious vocals, and ventures into the energetic "Cumberland Plateau," balancing the pull of home with the urge to wander. Scott's skillful reinterpretations of classics like "Southern Cross" and his own "It’s a Great Day to Be Alive" are complemented by bluegrass tracks like "Banjo in the Holler," creating an album that oscillates between somber reflections and light-hearted tunes, making it a perfect companion for contemplative moments or journeys back to familiar places.

13. Jason Eady - Mississippi - Jason Eady, typically known around this site as a Guy Clark-level songwriter, takes a refreshing detour in his latest album, embracing the Mississippi blues that shaped his early musical years. This blues-influenced venture features a lively mix of jangly guitars, simmering organs, and electric grooves, all contributing to a more upbeat and playful tone. Despite this new direction, Eady's signature warmth and reflective lyricism about growing older are still present, now tinged with a wily, James McMurtry-esque edge. The album, with standout tracks like the catchy title song and the humorous "Once Upon A Time in New Orleans," is a skillful and fun homage to his blues roots, further enriched by the backing vocals of his wife, Courtney Patton, adding a touch of charm to this fusion of classic blues, gospel, and R&B influences.

New Music Video From Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives - "Country Star"

New Music Video From Marty Stuart - "Country Star" (Live at the Opry)

New Music Video From Marty Stuart - "Rough Around The Edges" (Live at the Opry)

That Nashville Sound's Top Country & Americana Songs of 2021

2021 has been another fabulous year of country music. Traditional country, bluegrass, modern country and Americana are all represented well in this modern day and age and this list proves that out- we’ve cast a wide net over that definition of roots-oriented music.  

Later this month, we'll unveil our top albums of 2021, but today, we tackle our favorite songs. Few are radio singles. But you probably knew that already if you read this site.

Here are the rules by which this list was selected. It had to be released off an album that was released in 2021, is an independent release not on any other project, or is an already-released single off a to-be-released album. If the album came out in 2020 or before, it couldn’t be included- even if it wasn't released as a single until 2021. 

Looking back, there's some amazing songs that moved us more than all the others:

2020 - Mickey Guyton - "What Are You Gonna Tell Her?" 

2019 - Erin Enderlin - "Broken"
2018 – Ashley McBryde – “Girl Goin’ Nowhere”
2017 – Sunny Sweeney – “Bottle By My Bed”
2016 - Jack Ingram - "The Sailor and the Sea"
2015-  Chris Stapleton - "Tennessee Whiskey"
2014 - Emily West - "Made for the Radio"
2013 - Kacey Musgraves - "Follow Your Arrow"
2012 - Waylon Jennings - "I Do Believe"
2011 - Ronnie Dunn - "Cost of Livin'"
2010 - Joe Diffie - "Route 5 Box 109"
2009 - Dean Brody - "Cattleman's Gun"
2008 - Jamey Johnson - "In Color"
2007 - Miranda Lambert - "Gunpowder and Lead"
2006 – Johnny Cash – “God’s Gonna Cut You Down”

And without further ado, we count down the songs that moved us the most in 2021. 

1. Jason Eady - "French Summer Sun" - Co-written with fellow Texan (and That Nashville Sound favorite) Drew Kennedy, this song proves that the songwriting spirit of the likes of Guy Clark, John Prine and Woody Guthrie continue to live on in those they inspire. The song's heavy topic is the weight of the cost of war and all that follows the loss of a soldier. It shares dual stories of the same soldier, one who died on the beaches of Normandy and one that survived. He outlines the life (and the branches that break off from those branches of the survivor) and compares it against the story that ends and is cut down on that beach in the French summer sun. It's a cinematic masterpiece in five minutes and is pure genius. Eady is a frequent name at this site and this is just another demonstration of his lyrical brilliance. 

2. Addison Johnson - "Cumberland River '58" - This song is another great story about an up-and-comer musician who mistakenly sleeps with the wife of one of the "Fat Cats" and is cut down in his prime. The haunting pedal steel in this song accompanies the track and the analogy of today's "disposability" of artists to the major labels cannot be overstated despite the fact that this fictional story occurred sixty years ago. 

3. Elvie Shane - "My Boy" - Our first major radio hit on our list comes from a brand new artist who took a heartfelt slow-tempo song with heart through the clutter of drinking and backwoods uptempo songs all the way to number one. That alone is remarkable. It's a tribute to a stepson from a stepfather and a statement that blood alone doesn't tie family binds. It's got great heart and Shane delivers it with passionate conviction. One look to the comments on the video comments on YouTube shows just how much this song has meant to blended families of all ages. 

4. Lainey Wilson - "Things A Man Oughta Know" - The song itself is all about a woman teaching a few lessons to a man, breaking gender stereotypes in a way that is both enticing and important. “Things A Man Oughta Know” reflects this honesty and self-conviction. “I can hang a picture same as I can take it down/ And how to keep it hidden when a heart gets broke/ Yeah I know a few things a man oughta know,” she croons on the track. Written with Jonathan Singleton and Jason Nix, “Things A Man Oughta Know” had the collaborators discussing the characteristics their parents taught them to look for in themselves and others. “It’s really a song about having good character and a song about treating people the way that you want to be treated — something that we all should know,” she explains. “It’s about standing up for what’s right. I would like for people to hear that through my music too.”

5. Megan Conner - "Me, 10 Years Ago" - I heard Megan (songwriter on tracks cut by Rascal Flatts, Chris Young, Danny Gokey and more) perform this track for the first time at my Golf & Guitars Music Festival and it floored me. Part retrospective, part sentimental, it tells the story of a woman who has had some successes and some challenges penning a message to herself ten years prior and giving herself advice on what's important and what's not. Conner's "Bonnie Tyler" powerhouse vocals deliver it with emotional feeling and the highly personal lyrics are introspective and in some cases, revealing. She's hopeful of releasing it as a single early in 2022 so keep an eye out for this brilliantly written song. 

6. Marc Broussard - "Sad Songs" - This Louisiana-native usually borrows from zydeco and soulful themes and productions in his song, but this one slows things down with the blues- with an assist from a little guitar and keys. Broussard's voice is the greatest instrument here and his delivery on this (and nearly every other song he sings) delivers a room-capturing attention that only voices like the Chris Stapleton and Jamey Johnson's can do. 

7. Cody Jinks - "I Don't Trust My Memories Any More" - This is incredible classic country along the lines of the best of Waylon, Haggard, Randy Travis and others. Damn this sing cuts deep. "No I Don’t Trust My Memories Anymore/They ain’t the friends I thought they were before/They used to be so fond /Now my faith in them is gone/No I Don’t Trust My Memories Anymore." The pedal steel in the background is just haunting and it's a great reminder that we've got a champion like Jinks to carry the traditional country torch going forward in a major way. 

8. Morgan Wallen - "Sand In My Boots" - Much has been made of Wallen's discretions this year and the reaction of the media and country music. But if you peel back the controversy, what you get is a (mostly) terrific mainstream country album filled with some strong radio-friendly songs on his Dangerous album. The standout on that project is this longing song about a Tennessee boy who lost his heart to a girl at a beach and now's back home longing for her. It's a simple hook but delivered with a lush production and heartfelt delivery with great lyrics. 

9. Marty Stuart - "I've Been Around" - More than a decade after his passing, Johnny Cash's voice was heard again as Stuart took lyrics that Cash had written and released them to this incredible tribute in song. Stuart nails Cash's lyrics with a country thump, with Stuart imitating Cash’s signature vocal. It's classic Cash at his Man In Black best. Stuart says that he created the song’s melody in the style he figured Cash would have used and he nailed it perfectly. This track deserves to be on this list for it's historic relevancy alone. 

10. Mae Estes - "Hell You Raised" - Estes channels the best of Miranda Lambert's fire and brimstone style and delivers this bad girl anthem with a great groove and spirit. She channels Wynonna and Dixie Chicks attitude and sings the gritty uptempo lyrics with conviction. She makes it damn-near impossible not to move along. Co-written with TNS favorite writer Chris Roberts and Brandon James. 

New Music Video From Marty Stuart - "Six White Horses"

New Music Video From Marty Stuart - "Matches"

New Music Video From Marty Stuart - "Fault Lines"

New Music Video From Marty Stuart - "Skip A Rope"