Guest Contributor

Self-Promotion: What Works?

February 6, 2009 Guest Contributor 10

My favorite country music-related headline of the week: “Toby Keith Takes On Fashion with TK Steelman Clothing Line.” In case you missed the latest in a long line of increasingly bizarre marketing attempts by country

The 51st Annual Grammy Awards: Keeping It Country (Staff Favorites)

February 6, 2009 Guest Contributor 6

The second article in our Grammy Awards series, our personal favorites in the country categories at this year’s ceremony. Best Country Album Jamey Johnson, That Lonesome Song Patty Loveless, Sleepless Nights (Blake, Leeann) George Strait,

The 51st Annual Grammy Awards: Keeping It Country (Staff Predictions)

February 6, 2009 Guest Contributor 5

In a nod towards diversity, the General Field nominees for the 51st annual Grammy Awards include a shepherd’s pie of musical genres, with Brit soul ingenues (Adele, Duffy) against American pop trios (Jonas Bros., Lady A), Brit pop

Discussion: Book Nook

February 5, 2009 Guest Contributor 9

The book industry, despite notable successes in 2008, is experiencing the same tumult as other niches in the economic world. Even the comic-book kingdom has suffered, with numerous indie stores signing off after poor sales. New technology tricks

Academy of Country Music Nominations Due February 11

February 4, 2009 Guest Contributor 15

The nominations for this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards will be announced on Wednesday, February 11, and Country Universe will have a preview next week. As announced yesterday, the blond brigade of Julianne Hough,

Country Music Hall of Fame Names Three New Members

February 4, 2009 Guest Contributor 9

Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrell and legendary session musician Charlie McCoy are the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame, as announced this morning in a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame

Six Pack: Hall of Fame Candidates

February 3, 2009 Guest Contributor 12

On Wednesday, February 4, the Country Music Hall of Fame will announce its newest members. The genre’s highest honor, induction into the Hall of Fame is bestowed upon the absolute best of country music. In 1996

Dierks Bentley, Feel That Fire

February 2, 2009 Guest Contributor 24

Dierks Bentley Feel That Fire In his iconic 1985 hit, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes,” George Jones echoed the concerns of many when he wondered (or more honestly, worried) how the next generation of country

Alex Woodard with Sara Watkins, “Reno”

January 31, 2009 Guest Contributor 3

Alex Woodard and Sara Watkins continue the recent trend of rock/pop leaning artists dueting with country artists. For those who don’t know, Watkins was a member of the stellar Southern California-bred progressive bluegrass/acoustic trio, Nickel

Discussion: Unplumbed Depths

January 30, 2009 Guest Contributor 71

Blake’s recent review of Carrie Underwood’s single, “I Told You So” touched on a simmering issue for me. Underwood clearly has a stellar voice, an appreciation for country music and has acquitted herself very well