March 2009 – Page 6 – Country Universe

ACM Announces Album of the Year Nominees

March 5, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 28

This year’s nominees for ACM Album of the Year have been announced. The nominees are: Jamey Johnson, That Lonesome Song Montgomery Gentry, Back When I Knew it All George Strait, Troubadour Taylor Swift, Fearless Carrie

Say What? – Merle Haggard

March 5, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 9

Today’s Say What? comes courtesy of country music legend Merle Haggard, who recalled a salty conversation with a label executive in the 1980s. The memory was prompted by Emmylou Harris performing “Kern River”, a Haggard

Play Something Country

March 4, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 15

Later this month, I’ll be seeing Kathy Mattea in concert. I’m pretty sure that I’ve seen her live more often than anybody else – at least six times, going back to the Summer of 1994.

Random Question about Kellie Pickler

March 3, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 27

Entertainment Weekly included a song from Kellie Pickler among its selections for the Ultimate American Idol playlist. The title of the song – “Rocks Instead of Rice” – caught my attention. Take a listen: httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5habfvPIwcQ

Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun: The Dailey & Vincent Interview

March 2, 2009 Guest Contributor 2

If anything, Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent are double trouble. In a good way, of course. The pair recently swept the SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards, a near-replica of their performance at last fall’s International Bluegrass

My Start in Country Music

March 2, 2009 Guest Contributor 11

The following article is by guest contributor and Country Universe commenter, Craig R. My Start in Country Music By Craig Ross My memories only started collecting at age four. That year, 1969, my uncle was

Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists: George Strait

March 1, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 32

Write this down: George Strait will be recorded in the annals of country music history as the greatest singles artist of all-time. He already ranks third among all artists in terms of chart success, trailing