Guest Contributor

Discussion: Are Country Stars Born or Made?

January 22, 2009 Guest Contributor 16

In a 1996 issue of Tennis Magazine, one of the publication’s chief editors wrote an article titled, “Are Champions Born or Made?.” He separates tennis stars from past and present eras in terms of their

Patty Loveless, Only What I Feel

January 18, 2009 Guest Contributor 1

Just months after career-threatening throat surgery, Patty Loveless returned to the studio with husband-producer, Emory Gordy, Jr., to record her debut for Epic Records. Only What I Feel juggles commercial demands with her own artistic desires

Discussion: A Song With A Story

January 16, 2009 Guest Contributor 19

One of country music’s strengths has always been its songwriting. Its ability to connect to its audience with the truth. That’s what initially drew me to country music. The music was more than just instruments

Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists: Trisha Yearwood

January 15, 2009 Guest Contributor 37

The following is a guest contribution from Country Universe reader Cory DeStein. Throughout my life I have attempted to share my taste in music with those around me. More often than not friends and family

Discussion: American Idol, Crazy Eights

January 15, 2009 Guest Contributor 51

On Tuesday, January 13, 2008, the eighth season of American Idol commenced. As the highest-rated show on television, American Idol‘s produced an immeasurable impact on the entertainment industry, with film stars (Jennifer Hudson), pop superstars

News: <em>Nashville Scene</em> Honors Year's Best Country Music

January 14, 2009 Guest Contributor 24

The ninth annual

Recommend a Track: Deana Carter, “Sunny Day”

January 11, 2009 Guest Contributor 7

On the drive home from a particularly trying workday last week, I was twisting the radio dial in search of one last song before I arrived at my house. It was a dark and stormy

Discussion: Countryfied?

January 9, 2009 Guest Contributor 29

Although the question and ensuing discussion regarding whether a certain artist “is country enough” has generally gotten old, discussing “what is country music” has not…nor should it ever. In order for the genre to thrive,

Discussion: Whistle While You Work

January 8, 2009 Guest Contributor 13

Tonight’s topic was last included at Country Universe on Labor Day Weekend, but, considering that much of our lives are spent chasing the almighty dollar, I figured it was one worth revisiting. Songs about the

Single Review: Tim McGraw, “Nothin’ to Die For”

January 5, 2009 Guest Contributor 0

Country music history is littered with stormy relationships. Hank and Audrey. George and Tammy. Tim McGraw and Curb Records. With the seventh (!) single from his 2007 album, Let It Go, Curb is milking the