Country Universe

Grammy Pre-Show Live Blog

February 8, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 51

The following categories are being announced on the Grammy pre-show. Winners will be posted as they are announced. Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album: Gaither Vocal Band, Lovin’ Life Best Traditional Folk Album: Pete

2009 Grammy Wish List

February 7, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 7

For the third year in a row, I’m sharing my personal Grammy Wish List. 2007 was a good year, with my preferences winning in 15 of the 22 categories I cared about – a 68%

The 51st Annual Grammy Awards: The Big Four (Staff Favorites)

February 7, 2009 Guest Contributor 1

The fourth and final installment in our Grammy series, staff favorites for the Big Four categories. Check back for our live blog of the Grammy Awards tomorrow! Record Of The Year “Chasing Pavements,” Adele “Viva

The 51st Annual Grammy Awards: The Big Four (Staff Predictions)

February 7, 2009 Guest Contributor 1

We continue Grammy week coverage with our predictions on the General Field categories for this year’s ceremony. Record Of The Year “Chasing Pavements,” Adele “Viva La Vida,” Coldplay (Blake, Lynn) “Bleeding Love,” Leona Lewis “Paper

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

Independent Suggestions

February 4, 2009 Leeann Ward 14

In one of last summer’s discussion threads, Matt B., from Roughstock, mentioned a great place to buy music. As a compulsive music buyer, I was easily compelled to check it out. For those who aren’t

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,