Country Universe

Review: Cherryholmes, “This Is My Son”

January 19, 2009 Dan Milliken 8

On the surface, family bluegrass act Cherryholmes’ new single might seem to paint by a lot of standard Nashville numbers, but don’t let the use of over-exploited motifs (God, soldiers, solders’ families) distract you from

Grammy Flashback: Best Male Country Vocal Performance

January 19, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 10

Updated for 2009 While the Grammys have honored country music from the very first ceremony in 1959, they did not begin honoring by gender until 1965, when the country categories were expanded along with the

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

Grammy Flashback: Best Country Album

January 17, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 23

A look back at the previous winners and nominees of the Best Country Album Grammy, updated to include the 2009 contenders. The Grammys have been doing better in the country categories since they reintroduced the

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

Discussion: Desert Island

January 14, 2009 Leeann Ward 35

It’s always fun to learn a bit more about the tastes of our fellow country music fans from time to time. So, I’m asking you to enter my imaginary world for a little while. Pretend

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

January 14, 2009 Guest Contributor 24

The ninth annual

Country Music Treasure Hunt

January 13, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 49

One of the awesome things about YouTube is that serves as an archive of live performances. Today’s discussion asks you to find a great live performance from a country artist that others might not have