Entertainment Weekly has posted the music segment of their annual EW 100 Must List, showcasing the artists and entertainers that they are digging the most this year. Two country-related artists made the cut: songwriting powerhouse Hillary Lindsey and Hall of Fame member Porter Wagoner.
Here’s why they picked Hillary…
WHY HER She’s one of Nashville’s hottest behind-the-scenes commodities, co-writing Carrie Underwood’s monster hits ”Jesus Take the Wheel” and ”Wasted,” plus some of the better recent album cuts from Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, and Bon Jovi.
…and why they picked Porter.
WHY HIM Dolly Parton’s original mentor and duet partner just celebrated his 50th year as a Grand Ole Opry regular. And thanks to his latest CD, Wagonmaster, he’s found a new fan base: indie rockers.
Hillary Lindsey may be best known for the Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride hits, but I have a special affection for some of her lesser-known cuts: “Three Mississippi” (Terri Clark), “Backseat of a Greyhound Bus” (Sara Evans) and “Where I Belong” (Rachel Proctor).
As for Porter, my notoriously slow pace of reviewing albums has delayed an official write-up, but I’m a huge fan of Wagonmaster, another great example of a country music legend getting their groove back by returning to what made them great, rather than trying to fit in with the current scene. Now if somebody would just get Jeannie C. Riley back in the studio, I’d be a happy man.
So glad to see Hillary make the EW list! She is so talented and comes from a great place, Washington, GA. I also like some of lesser known hits such as “stronger” by Faith Hill. She also sounds great live. if you’ve never heard her you should try! Way to go Hillary!
As for Jeannie C Riley, I’d be happy if they would just get her MGM and MCA output out on CD – it’s far better stuff than most of her Plantation output