Guest Contributor

Bobby Braddock

September 19, 2008 Guest Contributor 0

As one of Nashville’s premier songwriters, Bobby Braddock has spoken the language of many a country music fan, a talent that has surpassed a number of his peers for its sheer depth of creativity and

Americana Music Association Awards & Honors

September 19, 2008 Guest Contributor 0

The Americana Music Association handed out its yearly awards and honors Thursday night at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. The evening, which is a part of a four-day festival and conference, was hosted by

Review: Wade Bowen, “You Had Me at My Best”

September 18, 2008 Guest Contributor 1

As a preview of his album If We Ever Make It Home, Wade Bowen gives us “You Had Me at My Best,” a message of sadness in the face of a faded love. The man

Classic Country Singles: Johnny Cash, “A Boy Named Sue”

September 18, 2008 Guest Contributor 5

A Boy Named Sue Johnny Cash 1969 Written by Shel Silverstein “A Boy Named Sue,” written by the jack-of-all-trades Shel Silverstein and immortalized by Johnny Cash, is a story song of great tension and terrific

Six Pack: For Grandpa

September 17, 2008 Guest Contributor 20

Belated though this post may be, it is richly deserved. In country music this year, Grandpa has been turning up everywhere. On the title track of Darius Rucker’s new album, he’s giving Darius sage advice

Kristy Lee Cook, Why Wait

September 16, 2008 Guest Contributor 27

Kristy Lee Cook Why Wait This review must be prefaced with a somewhat humorous anecdote: A week or so ago, the writers of Country Universe convened online to discuss upcoming content for the website, and

Lee Ann Womack, “I Hope You Dance”

September 15, 2008 Guest Contributor 20

I Hope You Dance Lee Ann Womack 2000 Written by Mark D. Sanders & Tia Sillers Although her traditional leanings are the cornerstone of her career, the most notable song of Lee Ann Womack’s career

Darius Rucker, Learn to Live

September 14, 2008 Guest Contributor 14

Darius Rucker Learn to Live On his first country single, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” Darius Rucker delivers an honest, heartfelt performance of a pensive ballad about love lost and the mark that it

Classic Country Singles: Charlie Daniels Band, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”

September 14, 2008 Guest Contributor 7

The Devil Went Down to Georgia Charlie Daniels Band 1979 Written by Charlie Daniels A work of great electricity, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” is one of the most rousing songs in country music’s

Charlie Louvin, Steps to Heaven

September 13, 2008 Guest Contributor 1

Charlie Louvin Steps to Heaven Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Charlie Louvin (one half of the Louvin Brothers) is full of praise on his latest release Steps to Heaven. By recording a religious album,