Kevin John Coyne

A Conversation with Kathy Mattea

March 7, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 10

Kathy Mattea has long been a favorite for both the writers and readers of Country Universe. Earlier today, we had a chance to speak with Mattea about her current album, Coal, and covered many other

Dierks Bentley, “Sideways”

March 5, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 12

I’m about to write a sentence that I never thought I would: I wish this song had been recorded by Montgomery Gentry instead. Dierks Bentley is a solid songwriter and vocalist, but this is so

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

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

I am not ashamed.

February 28, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 46

“Pride attaches undue importance to the superiority of one’s status in the eyes of others; And shame is fear of humiliation at one’s inferior status in the estimation of others. When one sets his heart

"Say What?" Classic – Harlan Howard

February 24, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 4

Harlan Howard is in country music history. When interviewed about his #1 hit for the Judds (“Why Not Me”), he made an interesting statement about the need for repeating certain titles throughout a song: “Why

That’s on My iPod?!?

February 23, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 19

Maybe it’s just because I have so many songs on my iPod to begin with, but I’m often surprised when I put my iPod on shuffle. Songs pop up that I didn’t know I owned,