Country Universe

Discussion: Key Albums of the ’00s (So Far)

November 10, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 23

Since Dan has clearly tapped into a burning nostalgia for the first decade of this century, I’ll ask the logical follow-up question: What are the key albums of the decade, so far? For me, the

Classic CMA Awards Moments, #1: Alan Jackson, “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) (2001)

November 10, 2008 Guest Contributor 8

#1: Alan Jackson “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” 2001 Alan Jackson’s brilliant tribute to the tragedy of September 11 met a subdued audience when the CMA show was held just two months

Classic CMA Awards Moments, #2: Alan Jackson, “Pop a Top” (1999)

November 10, 2008 Guest Contributor 4

#2: Alan Jackson “Pop a Top” 1999 At the 1999 ceremony, George Jones, just months removed from a near-fatal car accident, was nominated for Single of the Year for his autobiographical ballad “Choices.” When CMA

Review: Keith Urban, “Sweet Thing”

November 9, 2008 Dan Milliken 7

Keith Urban and Monty Powell have always known their way around a shimmering pop hook, so it’s no surprise to hear their latest offering burst into a big, sunny, singalong chorus. What is surprising is

Discussion: Key Singles of the 00’s (So Far)

November 9, 2008 Dan Milliken 32

Maybe a week ago, Kevin, Leeann, Blake, Lynn and I had an e-mail discussion in which we (well, mostly Kevin) fleshed out some of our plans for the site’s near and somewhat less-near future. One

Discussion: Gimme a Break!

November 8, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 7

I love my job. I love going to school. I love teaching religious education. But this was one of those weeks where the teaching, the classes, and the supplementary professional development workshops became a little

Patsy Cline, “I Fall to Pieces”

November 8, 2008 Guest Contributor 4

I Fall to Pieces Patsy Cline 1961 Written by Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard “I Fall to Pieces” is a part of country music’s culture due to its heartbreaking content and the lush musical setting

Classic Country Singles: Patsy Cline, “Crazy”

November 8, 2008 Guest Contributor 1

Crazy Patsy Cline 1961 Written by Willie Nelson Willie Nelson once referred to it as the best song he’d ever written, and Linda Ronstadt, Kenny Rogers and Dottie West have recorded it, but “Crazy,” a

Discussion: Country on the Council

November 7, 2008 Leeann Ward 10

Recently, President George W. Bush appointed Lee Greenwood to serve on the National Council on the Arts. This will be a six year term for Greenwood. He will serve alongside thirteen other private citizens and

Classic CMA Awards Moments, #3: Charlie Rich Sparks Controversy (1975)

November 7, 2008 Guest Contributor 24

#3: Charlie Rich Traditional vs. Mainstream Country 1975 Presenter Charlie Rich fanned the flames of an ongoing battle between country music’s traditional artists and the pop singers making waves in Nashville when he presented the