Country Music Notes

Songs That Mention George Strait in Their Lyrics

2026-06-15T20:21:47.481-05:00

George Strait is often referred to as the King of Country with good reason. With a career spanning over three decades, he has over 50 chart-topping singles to his credit. He is also well-known for staying true to his roots.

Other artists frequently mention Strait's songs and lyrics in their own songs because he is so iconic. That is quite an honor to bestow upon someone. A humble man like Strait would no doubt be pleased if only one song immortalized his career with a gesture like that. But there are more than 40 songs sung by others that refer to him, and the list keeps growing.

The following is a list of songs that mention the king by name. Although they are in no particular order, they are listed in the order the video playlist plays them.

Pick Me Up	Gabby Barrett
Damn Strait	Scotty McCreery
On a Good Night	Wade Hayes
Ain't Goin' Down (Til the Sun Comes Up)	Garth Brooks
If George Strait Starts Dancin'	Cletus T. Judd
Play Something Country	Brooks & Dunn
Raised on Country	Cris Young
Cool With That	Brett Kissel
Country on the Radio	Blake Shelton
Who Am I Drinking Tonight	Eden's Edge
My Cell Mate Thinks I'm Sexy	Cletus T. Judd
Did It for the Girl	Greg Bates
Jim and Jack and Hank	Alan Jackson
That's Country Bro	Toby Keith
My Life's Been a Country Song	Chris Cagle
Cowboy Love	John Michael Montgomery
Damn That Radio	The Wreckers
Kick It in the Sticks	Brantley Gilbert
Take a Back Road	Rodney Atkins
Rewind	Rascall Flatts
Love Your Love the Most	Eric Church
Big, Big Plans	Chris Lane
Homemade	Jake Owen
Country Folks (LIvin' Loud)	The Lost Trailers
Party Wasn't Over	Cole Swindell
Headphones	Florida Georgia Line
Farm Life	Colt Ford and Justin Moore
All About Her	Gord Bamford
Twang Thang	Terri Clark
Western Girls	Marty Stuart
Real World	Big & Rich
Might Get Lucky	Darius Rucker
13 MWZ	Darryl Dodd
Heros	Gord Bamford
Texas Women (Don't Stay Lonely Long)	Brooks & Dunn
Wild Women and Whiskey	Easton Corbin
Nights in the Sun	Brett Kissel
Truck-N-Roll	Craig Campbell
Here She Comes	Dierks Bentley
I Love 'Em All	Shannon Brown
The Carolina Kind	Lauren Lucas
Play the Song	Joey + Rory
Texas	Blake Shelton
Give It to Me Strait	Tim McGraw
Girl in a Country Song	Maddie and Tae
Redneck Woman	Gretchen Wilson

Max Jackson Discography

2025-06-01T11:29:00.059-05:00

Max Jackson is a country music artist from New South Wales, Australia. Her very first album, released in 2017, was a Christmas album. She released a second full-length album in 2022 and two more extended play projects afterward. In 2025, the Country Music Awards of Australia named Jackson Female Artist of the Year and awarded her Single of the Year for "Little More Country".

Albums:

I love Christmas (2017)

Life of the Party (2020)

Extended Plays (EP's):

Outhere (2023)

Little More Country Sessions (2025)

Singles:

How to Love a Girl (2019)

Saturday (2019)

Life of the Party (2019)

Bad Idea (2020)

Song Girl (2020)

Stratosphere (2022)

Runnin' (2022)

Like It Like It Is (2023)

Hold My Horses (2024)

Little More Country (2025)

Grass (2025)

A Country Heart Can (2025)

Heartland Discography

2020-12-31T00:00:00.001-06:00

Heartland Albums:

I Loved Her First (2006)

Heartland Singles:

I Loved Her First (2006)

Built to Last (2007)

Let's Get Dirty (2007)

Once a Woman Gets Ahold of Your Heart (2007)

Slow Down (2008)

Mustache (2009)

The Sound a Dream Makes (2012)

Travis Rush Discography

2020-12-29T00:00:00.063-06:00

Travis Rush is a country singer from Oregon who has released two albums and three singles.

Albums:

Come and Get It (2007)

Feel (2010)

Singles:

Come and Get It (2007)

Just for Tonight (2007)

Feel (2010)

The Story Behind "Frosty the Snowman"

2020-12-29T00:00:00.044-06:00

Frosty the Snowman, one of the most beloved holiday characters ever to exist. “He was made of snow, but the children know how he came to life one day.” Thanks to the magic in that old silk hat they found, of course. It’s a story that’s been passed from generation to generation since 1950, but few people know the story behind how Frosty the Snowman came to life in a song.

On the heels of his previous success with “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” writers Walter (Jack) Rollins and Steve Nelson sent their song to Gene Autry. He was on the hunt for another Christmas hit so he recorded the tune. As did Jimmy Durante. Both men took the song to number 7 on the American Pop charts that year. When Other versions from the 1950s and 60s include those of Nat King Cole, Guy Lombardo, Perry Como, and Jan and Dean. Since then, countless other covers of the song have been recorded. When the story was commissioned for use in an animated children's program, the lyrics were altered slightly to make it more clear why Frosty had to go away, mentioning the hot sun. Other versions mention Christmas Day, although the original song does not make mention of any particular holiday, saying instead that Frosty will be back again someday.

Rollins is known in West Virginia as the real Frosty the Snowman. Although he was born in Pennsylvania, he moved to Keyser, West Virginia as a small child, where he remained until he became an adult. The town was always home to him. It was where his family remained and where his heart was.

In 2011, the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame issued a posthumous award to Rollins, who is also well-known for co-writing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Smokey the Bear.” Because of Smokey the Bear, they contacted the National Forest Service to see if they had any information about Rollins. Forester Champ Zumbrun happened to be a fan of his and was happy to share all the information about Rollins that he’d gathered. But perhaps the most important thing Zumbrun had to say pertains to why the songs of Rollins, including “Frosty the Snowman,” remain so popular today.

“Because I think people always need songs that are happy and have a message of joy and that’s what Jack was all about. If you want to know Jack Rollins just look at the lyrics in his songs. They’re happy, they’re innocent, they’re full of joy. I think people always need to celebrate and be reminded that life’s not drudgery, and there’s a spirit in life that’s joyful, and those songs, if you listen to them, are joyful, happy songs,” Zumbrun shared.

The Story Behind "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

2020-12-10T00:00:00.000-06:00

One of Judy Garland's best-known movie roles is that of Esther Smith in Meet Me in St Louis. It is Esther who sings "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Now" to her sister when she becomes distraught about her family having to move. But the classic song known around the world is not the original version.

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" was written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blaine specifically for the movie, but it is a song that would never have existed if Blaine hadn't rescued it.

"I found a little madrigal-like tune that I liked but couldn't make work," Martin explained, "so I played with it for two or three days and then threw it in the wastebasket."

Blaine thought it was too good to throw away and helped Martin dig it out of the trash. Then once they finished it, Garland and her costars rejected it as too depressing. So the writers went back to the writing-table, but quite begrudgingly at first.

"I was young then and kind of arrogant," Martin reported, "and I said, 'Well, I'm sorry you don't like it, Judy, but that's the way it is, and I don't really want to write a new lyric.' But Tom Drake, who played the boy next door, took me aside and said, 'Hugh, you've got to finish it. It's really a great song potentially, and I think you'll be sorry if you don't do it.' So I went home, and I wrote the version that's in the movie."

Darker lines like "It may be your last / Next year we may all be living in the past" were changed to the more pleasant-sounding "Let your heart be light / Next year all our troubles will be out of sight."

Throughout the years, other artists adjusted the lyrics to suit their preferred versions. Frank Sinatra asked Martin for a more cheery line, and Martin changed "until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow" to "hang a shining star upon the highest bough." There was an entirely new version created in the early 2000s called "Have Yourself a Blessed Little Christmas," and in 2002, NewSong sang "through the years, we all will be together if the Lord allows" instead of "if the fates allow." NewSong lead singer Michael O'Brien said that he met Martin when he was a guest pastor in a California church. It was there that he learned the original line was "if the Lord allows."

One thing that will not change anytime soon: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is a classic heard by millions of people each year. If you don't like one version, you're likely to appreciate another. Hopefully, it will be around for years to come.

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Country Stars Who Recorded "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer"

2020-12-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

"Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" is one of the most beloved Christmas classics the world over. Since 1938 when Rudolph was born, he has remained a staple in pop culture history.

The story of Rudolph was in book form before it became a song and then a cartoon. Gene Autry was the first to record the song. Since then, the song has been recorded hundreds of thousands of times. The playlist below includes country artists singing their versions of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." However, the list is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Listen to the various versions and let everyone know which one is your favorite or leave a comment below if there are any country versions that you feel should be added to this playlist.

Aaron Watson Gord Bamford Martina McBride
Alan Jackson Hank Snow Marty Robbins
Bellamy Brothers John Denver Mel Tillis and Nancy Sinatra
Charlie Daniels John Micahel Montgomery Merle Haggard
Clint Black Kacey Musgraves Moe Bandy
Dolly Parton Kitty Wells Suzy Boggus
Gene Autry Lynn Anderson
George Canyon Martina McBride

The Story Behind "Jingle Bells"

2020-12-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas isn't Christmas without singing the familiar tune "Jingle Bells" at least once. The song or its melody rings throughout the land in shopping malls, in children's classrooms, and many of the holiday movies on television. Just reading this intro is probably enough to have the bouncy tune stuck in your head. Well, while you're singing it to yourself, why not read a little about the history of the catchy little ditty.

Songwriter James Lord Pierpont first published "Jingle Bells" in 1857 under the title of "One Horse Open Sleigh." While popular belief states that the song was initially written and performed by a children's church choir, historians beg to differ, claiming that it was considered too risque for the time period in which it was written.

Additionally, "Jingle Bells" had no connection to Christmas until several decades after the first performance by Johnny Pell in 1857. It gained popularity when it became a regular part of some choirs and then published in parlor song anthologies. But the first recording of the "Jingle Bells" did not take place until 1889. Often hailed as the very first Christmas record, that particular Edison cylinder recording was lost; however, one from 1898 survives.

A building on 19 High Street in Medford, Massachusettes claims to be where "Jingle Bells" was composed. The Medford Historical Society says that the spot used to be known as Simpson Tavern and that Pierpont wrote the song about the sleigh races that were part of popular entertainment in the 19th century. Although, the date of the song's copyright suggests that it was written somewhere around Savannah, Georgia, where Pierpont lived with his family.

Maybe it's due to the song's upbeat, catchy melody, but it also became a drinking song. People often drank it at parties as they sang, gently shaking the ice in their glasses as they sang. The party interest in the song could also stem from the fact that people found the humor of the risque side of the song. After all, two unchaperoned people in a sled had a valid excuse to spend some time alone engaging in less socially acceptable entertainment. The second and third verses of the song are less known to the general world population, but they talk about the sled being overturning, and the narrator gives advice to his friends about how to pick up girls.

Today, "Jingle Bells" is seen as a child-friendly staple of the Christmas season. Although it is still secular, it no longer represents a provocative song about flirting with girls. Instead, it represents the fun of playing in the snow. And, of course, the holiday season.

Blackhawk Discography

2020-11-29T00:00:00.001-06:00

Blackhawk Singles:

Goodbye Says It All (1993)

Every Once in a While (1994)

I Sure Can Smell the Rain (1994)

Down in Flames (1994)

That's Just About Right (1995)

I'm Not Strong Enough to Say No (1995)

Like There Ain't No Yesterday (1995)

Almost a Memory Now (1996)

Big Guitar (1996)

King of the World (1996)

Hole in My Heart (1997)

Postmarked Birmingham (1997)

There You Have It (1998)

You're Own Little Corner of My Heart (1999)

I Need You All the Time (2000)

Days of America (2001)

One Night in New Orleans (2002)

I Will (2002)

Better at Hello (2006)

Who's Gonna Rock You (2006)

Brighter (2007)

Love Like This (2008)

Brothers of the Southland (2014)

Blackhawk Albums:

Blackhawk (1994)

Strong Enough (1995)

Love & Gravity (1997)

The Sky's the Limit (1998)

Greatest Hits (2000)

Spirit Dancer (2002)

Greatest Hits Live (2008)

Brothers of the Southland (2014)

Greatest Hits & More (2014)

Chris Ward Discography

2020-11-28T00:00:00.023-06:00

Chris Ward Albums:

One Step Beyond (1996)

Chris Ward Singles:

Fall Reaching (1996)

When You Get to Be You (1996)

Cassadee Pope Discography

2020-11-24T00:00:00.127-06:00

Cassadee Pope is an American singer who released her first country album in 2013. Prior to that, she was the lead singer for a rock band called Hey Monday. She released one solo album after that and then took part in Season 3 of The Voice, becoming the first female to win the competition.

Below is a list of singles and albums released by Cassadee Pope. The songs in the video playlist are playing in the order they are listed below.

Cassadee Pope Singles:

Wasting All These Tears (2013)

You Hear a Song (2013)

11 (2013)

Good Times (2013)

Champagne (2013)

I Wish I Could Break Your Heart (2014)

I Am Invincible (2015)

Think of You - with Chris Young (2016)

Summer (2016)

Take You Home (2018)

One More Red Light (2018)

If My Heart Had a Heart (2019)

I've Been Good (2019)

Cassadee Pope Singles From The Voice:

Over You (2012)

Are You Happy Now? (2012)

Stand (2012)

I'm with You (2012)

Stupid Boy (2012)

Cry (2012)

Steve McQueen - with Blake Shelton (2012)

Cassadee Pope Albums with Hey Monday:

Hold on Tight (2008)

Beneath It All (2010)

The Christmas EP (2011)

Cassadee Pope Albums:

The Complete Season Three Collection

Cassadee Pope (2012)

Frame by Frame (2013)

Summer (2016)

Stages (2019)

Rise and Shine (2020)

Chris Janson Discography

2020-11-23T00:00:00.001-06:00

Chris Janson Albums and EPs:

Chris Janson (2013)

Take It to the Bank (2014)

Buy Me a Boat (2015)

The Fix a Drink EP (2015)

Everybody (2017)

Real Friends (2019)

Chris Janson Singles:

Till a Woman Comes Along (2010)

Better I Don't (2013)

Cut Me Some Slack (2013)

Buy Me a Boat (2015)

The Power of Positive Drinking (2015)

Holdin' Her (2016)

Fix a Drink (2017)

Drunk Girl (2017)

It Is Christmas (2018)

Good Vibes (2019)

Done (2019)

Sarah Johns Artist Profile

2020-11-10T00:00:00.092-06:00

Born in 1974, Sarah Johns is a country music artist from Pollard, Kentucky. She began singing while attending the University of Kentucky and recorded an album in 2007. Her debut album, Big Love in a Small Town, reached number 31 on the Billboard Hot Country Albums chart. She released two singles off that album, "The One in the Middle" in 2007 and "He Hates Me" in 2008.

Sarah Johns Links:

Introducing Dave Herrera and "Hollywood Sign"

2020-11-10T00:00:00.057-06:00

Hollywood and history. They go together naturally, like the couple in Dave Herrera’s new song. It describes the enjoyment of a couple ending a date night with a visit to the Hollywood sign. They fully appreciate their time together in California and the view from the famous landmark. As a California native, “Hollywood Sign” is the perfect choice for Dave’s debut single.

Dave grew up in Sacramento, where his love of music turned into a teenage hobby that he never outgrew. He eventually nurtured a career in real estate brokerage, but never forgot that music was a part of him. After meeting Bret Bair and Eric Rushing, former owners of popular Sacramento music venue Ace of Spades, Dave discovered that he could in a sense, be a part of both worlds. The three of them teamed up together to open more music venues across the area. He handles the real estate part of things while his friends handle the booking and daily operations at the venues. However, they also recognize the talent that Dave displays as a songwriter and performer.

Dave has begun pursuing his music on a more serious level and has kindly agreed to answer some questions about his career. You’ll find that he is a man with a passion for what he does. While you read more about this newcomer, enjoy listening to “Hollywood Sign.”

Is there an EP or an album already completed or in the works?

Yes, I have been working on an album for a couple of years now! Currently, I have approximately 15 songs which we will narrow down to 12 tracks. It is complete with the exception of a few songs that we are mixing. I am continuing to write new stuff all the time though.

How has COVID changed anything for you?

The COVID pandemic has obviously changed my outlook on life and how important it is to come together as a community and a world in an effort to make sure we all do what we can to get through this and move ahead back to something normal in the future.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? The worst?

The best piece of advice someone has told me is to be yourself and true to who you are. The worst advice is someone trying to convince me to change who I was as a person.

How would you describe your sound? Who influenced you and how did you develop it?

My sound would be a mashup of California meets Nashville with an edgy, simple vocal tone on top of some sweet Nashville instrumental arrangements on a bed of California drums. I guess I just roll with the style that I feel at the time of recording. However, I listened to a lot of Guns n' Roses, Garth Brooks, and other genres of music growing up, so they must have rubbed off on me a bit.

Just For Fun:

What stereotype do you live up to?

I would say I live up to a typical type A personality.

What takes up way too much of your time?

It would definitely be maintaining and de-weeding the pump track at the ranch and making sure the motocross track is free of debris for kids and friends to ride. This can be an all-day job sometimes all weekend depending on the time of year, especially in spring when the weeds are growing full and fast.

How would you describe your favorite color to someone who is colorblind?

I would try explaining the color RED as a symbol of strength, love, and positivity.

Name one thing friends would say is “so you.”

Friends would definitely say I am so out of the box and try things that others may not branch out and do.

Lastly,

What can fans expect from you in the future?

I plan on releasing several new songs in the future, they can plan on hearing some new music from uptempo dance, honky-tonk, party type, and some driving tunes to hang out with you on a long car ride. I guess you can say, I'll have a song for each occasion!

Is there anything you would like to mention that I did not ask?

This is a completely new experience to me and I really appreciate you and Country Music Notes taking this opportunity to get to know me!!! Thank you very much!

Ashley Jordan Releases “Still Hear Him Talking” and Discusses Her Career

2020-11-09T00:00:00.129-06:00

It starts with a family legacy that gets passed down the line. At least that’s the way the musical inclination tends to happen. Ashley Jordan is no exception. Her paternal grandfather was a folk and country musician. Ashley grew up listening to his music. Her maternal grandparents as well as her parents also passed it on down to her through encouragement and faith in her abilities. She’s cherished the advice of her grandpa so much that, after losing both of her grandparents recently, she wrote a song about clinging to their love as inspiration. That song is called “Still Hear Him Talking.” Its powerful message became the first single off of the new album.

Ashley was in the process of wrapping up the plans for her new album when she finished “Still Hear Him Talking.” She took the song to her producers who agreed that it needed to be included on the album. Ashley says she’s fortunate that she was able to share the healing power of music with others throughout this hard year. Although the song is extremely personal to her, its message of light in the darkness resonates with many of her fans.

Recently, Ashley was gracious enough to share the new song. She also chatted about her career in general. Revealing her charming personality, this question and answer session proves that Ashley is so much more than folk and rock, though there is no denying that those things are a part of her through and through. How could it not be? Aside from listening to her grandpa while growing up, she started performing for audiences as a young teen. Now she’s releasing her fifth studio album and releasing a song worthy of receiving awards.

Have you been in Nashville long?

We travel there often for shows and recording and stuff. We finished the album right around the time covid-19 started. So I felt blessed that we were able to have walked out and finished the album and then able to release a full record.

What was the hardest thing about adjusting to life in Nashville?

I’m from just outside Boston, a tiny town called Harvard. We’re known for our apples. We have a lot of farms and apple trees. But Boston is where I started playing. I started performing on the streets when I was about 13 and that’s when I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to start out that way. I played in the subway and on Harvard Square. My parents were like that’s great and all but one of us really needs to go with you. I was really shy and didn’t tell people what I did and that was my outlet. So I started in little Harvard and expanded to Boston and other places over the years.

What would you be doing for a living if you weren’t pursuing a music career?

I think that it would definitely be something involved with animals. I love dogs. I have lots of them. I think the dream would be to have my own animal shelter trying to help dogs, cats, and other animals.

What drives you to succeed?

I would say, I think just from growing up doing this and having the support of my family. Their support is what drives me. My grandpa on my dad’s side was a country singer. He did Johnny Cash kind of stuff. He passed away when I was younger, but I grew up listening to him. My family has been there to support me relentlessly through the trenches. I always think I want to make them proud and see the look on their faces. They’ve dedicated so much time to me. I feel like I owe it to them. I’m also so close to my band and my management. I want to succeed for them, too. And the music and storytelling drives me.

And what is your definition of success?

It’s kind of changed over the years. When you first start you have this vision of what you want it to be and the more you get into recording and writing it transforms over the years. I think for me over the long term, it would be being with a great label and touring with my band. Just getting to do what I love and to perform every night. Putting out new content for my fans. Just getting to the next level would definitely be that for me.

Is there a particular song you will not sing for a crowd? If so, why not?

I don’t think I have any original songs I won’t sing, but there are times people will request a cover and I’m like "yeah no.” Like “Wagon Wheel” or “Freebird” that I’m like if I hear that song one more time…..

If you could share the stage with any artist or group (past, present, dead, or alive), who would it be?

I definitely have a list for this one. Top 5: Chris Stapleton, Garth Brooks, Trace Adkins, Randy Montana (big crush on him, huge fan), and Eric Church as well.

What can fans expect from you in the future?

A lot of cool things are coming. We’re always kind of brewing new material. New music videos, more exciting adventures. The outlook right now may seem like that pathway, kind of dartk and gloomy, but we can find a new way to communicate with people. Not just mucians but everyone. Once things return to more normal, we can do more live shows, bigger events and different music.

Just for Fun:

What takes up way too much of your time?

Music in general. When people ask what I do with my free time, I say music. I don’t want to do anything else. (laughs) I'm a very determined person. Maybe a perfectionist. I play a lot, sing a lot, and write a lot to come up with new songs and new ideas. And I have two dogs. My German shepherd and my beagle take up a lot of my time. I love dogs so much. So music and puppies.

What is the dumbest thing you’ve done that turned out well instead of bad?

I’d probably have to ask my mom that. Might have to come back to that one.

Name one thing friends would say is “so you.”

I would say anything to do with coffee or dogs.

This post is one part of the interview with Ashley Jordan. To read more from this conversation, visit here.

“Don’t Blame the Whiskey” Singer Jake Carr Talks About Career Influences

2020-10-13T00:00:00.149-05:00

Buckle Up, because it’s wild. That’s what Jake
Carr said when asked what his life would be titled if it were a book. It’s easy to imagine a born and raised cowboy when you hear words like that, perhaps a rodeo setting or maybe cattle trails of olden days. You might even picture a modern-day charm-filled southern boy. Either way, when you hear his music you feel like you belong in the country with him. Jake is a new-comer to the Texas country music scene, but his newest EP Don’t Blame the Whiskey meets all expectations of what good music sounds like.

Jake has been perfecting his craft since he began learning to play the guitar at the ripe old age of six. Growing up outside of Austin, he grew up listening to country legends like Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash. He was also influenced by classic bands such as the Eagles and by other country artists. Since then, he has developed a passion for creating music that his audience can relate to. His goal is for music to be a form of release to those listening. He strives for his concerts to be energizing and entertaining.

Recently, Jake spoke about his career and who he is as an artist. He’s also released the EP’s title song. Enjoy listening to “Don’t Blame the Whiskey” while learning more about this talented artist. You will notice the southern rock influences as well as the country influence.

What is a typical songwriting session like for you?

I feel like I’ve got to have something to write about. I never start a song without knowing where it’s going. If don't know if you watch The Office, but there’s a line where Michael says, "Sometimes I just start a sentence without really knowing where it’s going." I can’t do that with writing. Usually have an idea or something on my heart. I’ll take that idea and ask is it happy or bright or dark and somber.? That will tell me the key and then I’ll put the chord progression together and then I’ll start with the lyrics. Some songs I’ve written in 10 min. And some have taken years. Sometimes it’s hard to find the words and sometimes they come like a waterfall out of me.

Another hurdle is writing a song nobody has heard before. I talked to a Nashville exec a while back who said there’s already a Cody Johnson and others. Just be yourself. There’s not a Jake Carr yet.

Sort of like writing poetry. Sometimes the words come easily and sometimes they don't.

Yeah. I wrote a poem once in high school. I had this crush on this girl so I wrote a song for her. I wrote a poem and went home and put some chords to it. Here we are 15 years later.

What can a first-time concert-goer expect to see at a Jake Carr concert and what would you want that new fan to tell their friends about your show?

I would say high energy. Expect to get engaged. I really like to engage the audience. We play a lot of loud guitars. You’re coming out to escape, to decompress so the least we can do is put on a good show and have a good time.

How would you describe your sound, aside from Texas country? Who are your influences and how did you develop it?

I would say I don’t know exactly. A lot of blues influences like Stevie Ray Vaughan. Outside of Texas country, I don’t think I have a lot of influences besides the outlaw legends like Cash and Merle. They definitely influenced me growing up. I was always around my grandparents who listened to them.

When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in music? What was the “light bulb” moment and why do you feel confident in your decision to pursue your music career.

To be honest with you, probably around the age of 6 or 7. That’s when I first picked up a guitar and felt like I was born to do that. I still feel that way, like I was put on this earth to play music.

How do you cope with neigh-sayers or negative critics?

I really try to just block it out and not pay any attention to it. Luckily, we haven’t had that much of a negative response for this EP release, but I think you just have to realize that everybody is entitled to their own opinion and not everyone will like your songs. What matters is do you believe in the music you are making and do the fans like it? If that’s true, the rest doesn't really matter.

What can fans expect from you in the future?

Big things. I would say definitely more songs. More “real” songs. I think as you grow and mature living life your life experiences grow as well. So does the way you write songs. That changes and evolves. Lately, the types of songs I’ve been writing have evolved and I’ve written about things I’ve actually experienced. When you go through painful, traumatic things you can feel the passion and hear the heartache because it’s real.

Just For Fun:

Do you remember your first concert experience? As an audience member, that is.

I was in high school. Randy Rodgers band. It was so cool and I straight up fell in love with Texas country.

What fad or trend from long ago do you hope makes a comeback?

I’m a fool for some 70s. I love the cars, the music. I think we should bring back muscle cars. Built like tanks. And cowboy hats. Nobody seems to wear one anymore.

What irrational fear do you have?

I have a real healthy fear of heights, so I rock climb a lot to try to get over that. Also, being a firefighter, we have to climb ladders all the time. I feel like exercising it I might me get over it. I haven’t gotten over it yet, but it’s easier to control. Also, electricity scares me, like downed powerlines and stuff. I don’t mind fishing out in the ocean and swimming, but heights and electricity bother me.

What is one thing you have never outgrown?

I don’t know if I know the answer to that. Probably anything to do with the beach or the ocean or fishing.

What is one thing that friends would say, or describe as "so you."

I’ve lived outside of the state before, but I'm in the Houston area. It influenced me being elsewhere, but I never stopped playing country music even though it’s easier. Believe it or not, there are people in other states that follow Texas country and red dirt music.

If you want to know even more about Jake Carr, check out the rest of this interview here.

Country Singer Shae Dupuy Tells You How “Selfish” She Can Be

2020-10-06T00:00:00.179-05:00

According to Canadian country singer Shae Dupuy, the relationship you have with yourself is always a work in progress. Thankfully, working on that relationship affords a person time to rely on personal passions that often double as a form therapy. A singer sings. A songwriter writes. A song is born. And “Selfish” is released for the world to hear.

“Selfish” tells the story of a woman looking for love, wanting the love of a particular person, but also unafraid to put herself first sometimes. It is her second release in the U.S. However, she already has a following in her home country since releasing her first single “Grandpa’s Truck” several years ago. Spunky songs like “Tin Man” and “Drink About It” have earned her multiple nominations and awards in Canada.

Just before releasing “Selfish” Shae was kind enough to chat about her career. She also very graciously answered some fun get-to-know-you questions. Her love for the industry shows in her lyrics and in the way she speaks about her career. A certain zest for life is also evident. Enjoy the song as you read about this talented newcomer to the U.S country scene.

Have you been in Nashville long?

I've been here around three years now, I think. The timing is kind of all over the place because I moved, but I also came back and forth for a while. I was splitting my time. But three years is the short answer.

What was the hardest thing about adjusting to life in Nashville?

I think the biggest thing was being away from my family and friends. I didn't’ know anyone here before I moved. I just kind of took the plunge and it was sink or swim for me. So having to make friends and meet people without having that school environment. Since I didn’t go to college, I had to just kind of put myself out there after not only moving to a new city but also a new country. I’m from just outside Toronto.

What sets you apart from others in the industry?

I think that I have a very unique voice. It’s not necessarily a voice you’d hear in country music. I’ve been compared to Dido or Lana Del Rey. I think it’s unique to country, which I think is a really great thing to have in this time when there are so many great new artists coming out of the woodwork. I’ve been told that it’s really recognizable when you hear it. I love that.

Also, when I'm writing a song I try to write lyrics you wouldn’t expect. I guess it’s like I love to argue. I love to write songs that aren’t necessarily the perspective you’d have originally. As a listener, everyone wants to think it’s so cut and dry like this is the story and that's it. But we as songwriters often want to paint a story like I’m in love with him and he doesn’t realize it or he did me wrong and we romanticize and paint someone else to be the bad guy. I like to do it where I don’t play the victim. So you don’t often hear the blame or I'm saying we both did each other wrong.

How would you describe your sound? Who influenced you and how did you develop it?

I have been compared to Lana Del Ray and Dido, but I think a lot of my influences came from people like Lady A and The Chicks. They were very big influences growing up, especially listening to country music. I love the females that are in country these days, especially Kacey Musgraves and Maren Morris. It think they’re doing such a great job. Watching them do their own thing and make their own sound and not cater to anything. That’s been my influence. These strong, bad women are killing it and doing their own thing while doing it. That’s what I want to do.

Is there a particular song you will not sing for a crowd? If so, why not?

Yes, I have a song that I’ve played to small groups in the past, but I don’t know if it’s a song I’ll ever record. I wrote it more to just get it off my chest and to tell my side of the story. For peace of mind, but I don’t think others connected to it or related so for that reason, I will probably not record it.

If you could share the stage with any artist or group (past, present, dead, or alive), who would it be?

I will probably never get the shot, but I’d love to share the stage with Fleetwood Mac. Because they’re so far in their career, I don’t think it will ever happen. But I think they helped shape me. I grew up listening to them. To this day, I love listening to them.

How have you used your influence as a songwriter and a performer to make a difference, not just during the pandemic but in general?

I think that as an artist and as a songwriter, I’ve been given more of a platform. The biggest thing, I think, is that having a platform. The biggest difference you can make is using it to start conversations, especially difficult conversations...women’s rights, LBGQT, BLM. Making your platform a safe place where people can share opinions and have tough conversations. That's the thing I’m thankful for, being in the public eye.

Also, I love this industry, but it’s a lot of uncertainty for a lot of people. You don’t always know where your paycheck is coming from so I like to give back to the unhoused in the Nashville community. There are a lot of people sleeping in their cars because their money is going right back into this industry. People don’t like to let anything stop them from achieving their dreams. You never know when it could be you who needs that extra help. So one of my cowriters started an organization called Hope On the Row. It’s writers and musicians giving back to the unhoused here. We go out on Sundays and give out things like toiletries and listen to their stories, helping out where we can.

What can fans expect from you in the future?

I am about to head out on a writers retreat in a couple of weeks to finish songs for an EP. So there’s an EP coming out early next year. As soon as it’s possible, definitely a tour of some sort.

For Fun:

What takes up way too much of your time?

My dog is a big one. Any free time I have, I like to spend it with him. He is a spoiled boy, so he takes up as much as he can. He’s very opinionated and stubborn and I love him, but he’s just growing out of his puppiness so I’m finally starting to see a little more levelheadedness like I had in childhood dogs. It’s so different raising a puppy by yourself and not having your parents do it.

Name a food combination you love but most others find the thought disgusting.

I’m a big fan of Wendy’s frosty with chicken strips, but most people do it with fries.

You’ve been cryogenically frozen for 100 years, but you just woke up. What’s the first thing you said?

I’d probably ask for something to eat, honestly. That's the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning. Where's the coffee and where’s my food?

What stereotype do you live up to?

I live up to the Canadian stereotype quite a bit. My favorite food is poutine. I do say "eh" quite a bit. My roommates make fun of how I say about and out. I love Tim Horton. I'm a classic Canadian.

If you want more where that came from, you can visit here to read more from this conversation.

Introducing Country Band Rivershine

2020-09-27T00:00:00.031-05:00

“A lot of in your face energy.” That’s what you get at a Rivershine concert, according to band member Dan Jr.

Composed of bandmates Bill Green (lead singer), Adam Cave (bassist), Kyle Brading (drummer), and Dave Jr (guitarist), Rivershine has a sound that ranges from country to rock and anything in between. The band, who named themselves after moonlight reflecting off a river, are a young band, but they already have command over who they are as a group. Their songs are carefully crafted and chosen to showcase the lead singer's voice.

"Like That" is a prime example of how well the group performs together. You can hear the chemistry and energy the band talks speaks of even through the tender ballads. The single is doing well, currently climbing up the independent charts. Take a listen to it as you read more about who Rivershine is below. Dave Jr. was kind enough to answer some questions about himself and about Rivershine. Enjoy!

What brought the four of you together to form Rivershine?

The love of music.

How long have you been singing together?

About a year.

If you weren’t singing together, would you be singing solo or have an entirely different career?

A different career. Can't imagine doing this with anyone else but these guys.

What is life like out on the road for your band?

Always an adventure, and an opportunity to create new music.

How do you go about selecting the songs that you will perform or record?

We have to "feel" the song first, then we make sure it's a good fit for us.

What are some of your career highs and lows thus far?

Lows - the wheels of Nashville are turning slow. Highs - our first single moving up the charts to 60, and our second single is following right behind that and will hopefully surpass the first.

What can fans expect from you in the future?

More great songs and shows. We hope to reach more fans as we grow and succeed.

Just For Fun:

What stereotype do you live up to?

Small town country boy.

If money were no object, what would you do with it?

Travel the world and try to help out whenever and wherever I could.

What animal would you choose as your mascot or spirit animal?

An eagle.

Alexis Ebert Shares Her Personality and Discusses Her Career

2020-09-25T00:00:00.002-05:00

Alexis Ebert is a combination of grit and soul, as evidenced by her unique sound as an artist and by the artists that influenced her. It was a televised LeAnn Rimes performance witness by Alexis when she was just six years old that first inspired her endless desire to sing. As a child, Alexis secured gigs with major acts such as Reba McEntire, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, and Sugarland, singing spunky covers of Mindy McCreedy’s “Guys Do It All the Time” and Martina McBride’s “Independence Day.” Her talent was obvious enough to receive an invitation to perform in front of President Clinton. Alexis passed up a chance to see her favorite artist, Shania Twain, in concert in order to accept the president’s invitation, a decision that was not made lightly. Luckily for her, Shania caught wind of her agonizing decision and invited Alexis and her family to a special meet and greet. Those are undoubtedly the moments that encourage a young heart to keep working toward success while dreaming big.

Success for Alexis has come from years of hard work and experience. She has learned how to stay positive and forward-thinking no matter what obstacles get in the way. She is out there doing what she loves to do while making a living doing it. It doesn’t get much better than that. “I’m cut from a cloth made up of sound morals, hard work, and hustle; it’s part of my fiber...and I am blessed. I’ve learned the value of being humble and I welcome a kind peace that can only come from the love of God, my family, and my faith,” Alexis says in her professional bio.

Alexis took some time to tell us more about her career. She also answered a few questions just for fun. Listen to some of her songs and discover more about her delightful personality as you do.

How would you describe your sound? Who are your influences and how did you develop your sound?

My taste in music is all over the board; I connect with most genres. But, I mostly grew up listening to '90s country; so folks might hear a combination ranging from anywhere between George Strait to Nirvana. I think listeners can really hear those influences in my music. I also think playing multiple instruments, writing varied styles of music, and years of performing in both non-country and country bands as a teen, has helped me to develop my sound. I know where my heart is, and even though it’s been through the ringer, I know my heart is in country music.

If you could sing with anyone you choose, who would be your dream duet partner? Why?

I would love to sing a duet with Dolly Parton. Dolly is completely and 100% unapologetically herself and I bet she would be a lot fun perform with. She's the queen.

What can a first-time concert-goer expect to see at an “Alexis Ebert” concert and what would you want that new fan to tell their friends about your show?

Anyone who comes out to see my show for the first time can expect to see a lot of high energy, leg moves and eye glitter. Oh, and I would totally jump off the stage to pet a dog—if there is one in the crowd! I want to make people smile. I hope that a new fan would tell their friends that their time at my show was a great escape from everyday life stresses and that they really felt a connection with me and my songs.

If music were not an option, what would you be doing to make living as an alternative?

If I could no longer sing or perform, I would probably be a delivery truck driver or something like that where I could drive around all day and just listen to music.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in life?

The best advice I’ve ever received was to "always be yourself.” As an artist, a lot of people tell me who they think I should and shouldn’t be. I’d rather people experience the real me because there’s only one me. and...I like being “me."

What advice would you give to others choosing a similar career path?

Write, sing and play what you want to. "Be an artist!"

For Fun:

What is one thing you’ve not outgrown?

Writing down song lyrics first before I type them out on a technical device.

What is an annoying habit that bothers you—by other people? What would people say is your most annoying habit (in jest).

That’s so hard! I think the annoying habit that bothers me the most, is people who interrupt. I’m one of those people who would rather listen to your story than talk about my own and if someone’s in the middle of telling me something deep and you come out of nowhere talking about how bad your lunch was today, I’m gonna be like, “Hey! Go away!"

What is one thing that friends would say, or describe as, “so you!"

That I have a Diet Coke in my hand.

If you could travel through time to live in any time period, what time period would you live in and why?

I really would not want to live in another time period because I wouldn’t have the people I have in my life right now. … And I wouldn’t have been able to do this interview with you either ;) Thank you for the invitation Country Music Notes!

You can find more from this interview here.

The Story Behind Tenille Townes "Jersey on the Wall"

2020-09-10T00:00:00.002-05:00

“There’s healing in the conversation itself and in the music,” says Tenille Townes when talking about her song “Jersey on the Wall” to Country 102.5 in Boston.

It is a song inspired by her personal reaction to the story of people she met while giving a concert at a school in Grand Manan, New Brunswick. Townes said that she found herself hanging out with “the most awesome” town, but she didn’t know that she’d been hanging out with four students who had recently experienced a tragedy that took the life of fellow student, Danielle Park, until a teacher informed her of the accident that happened a few months prior to her concert.

The young life taken too soon was a star basketball player, the valedictorian, and had just graduated with a full scholarship to college. Understandably, Townes was touched by their story

“I was taken aback hearing about this town and even more so moved by this community when I saw the jersey hanging on the wall in the gym. And I thought, “I have questions for God”, you know? I think it’s okay to have those,” Townes shared.

“Jersey on the Wall” does not provide answers to those burning questions. It does, however, express the sorrow in such a way that provides hope for the healing process. The song ends by saying, “You don’t have to answer now but someday.”

Source

The Story Behind Cole Swindell's "Middle of a Memory"

2020-09-08T00:00:00.002-05:00

When does a melody turn into a memory? When Cole Swindell, Ashley Gorley, and Zach Crowell sit down to write a song together.

Crowell told Taste of Country that the three of them were working on a song called “Kiss” that Swindell recorded as well. But they put that song aside temporarily to write “Middle of a Memory.”

“I went to the bathroom. I came back from the bathroom and they said this line, ‘left me in the middle of a melody.’” Crowell said.

They told him to check out what they wrote while he was in the bathroom and sang a verse to him. Fortunately, he misunderstood them.

“I said, ‘Oh, I like that middle of a memory line,’ and they go, ‘No, no, no, it’s middle of a melody.’”

Then they looked at each other, knowing they stumbled upon a good line and knowing that it was an entirely different song.

“Ashely grabbed a guitar,” Crowell explained, “and he said [...] what if there was another song called ‘Middle of a Memory’ and it went like this? And he kinda started playing the guitar part.”

The next thing they knew, they were all three collaborating on a new song called “Middle of a Memory.” Most of the work on that song was done during that one writing session and Swindell ended up recording a master version close to the demo version.

“He loves that ‘90s country thing. He comes from that, and you can clearly tell that he’s influenced by that stuff, and he’s not ashamed of it,” says Crowell.

Source

The Story Behind Eric Janson's "Drunk Girl"

2020-09-07T00:00:00.002-05:00

Take a drunk girl home. Let her sleep all alone. Leave her keys on the counter, your number by the phone. The lyrics that start the chorus of Chris Janson’s single “Drunk Girl” are simple but poignant. Janson credits his experience as a father for giving him the emotional depth to perform this song.

He wrote it with fellow songwriters Tom Douglas and Scooter Carusoe. Douglas brought the title to the table and the other two helped him run with it, imagining how they would want a man to treat their daughters if they happened to be that drunk girl. It made the song very personal to them and highly emotional to write.

“And we would hope that our boys would treat a girl like that too, so it’s a two-way street,” Janson adds. He also told Taste of Country that he connects with parts of the second verse on a personal level because he knows a lot of people who have lived in a singles apartment starting off their adult life.

Written in 2017, Janson tried to give the song to someone like Tim McGraw to record. However, his wife convinced him to keep it for himself. His record level agreed so he recorded it himself.

In 2018, “Drunk Girl” became part of a national conversation as the Me Too movement began taking hold. Although that is not something any of the writers originally anticipated, it is, after all, a song about being a gentleman who does not take advantage of a woman sexually.

“You have to be comfortable with that as a songwriter,” he says, “because you never know where you’re song is gonna lead, is gonna go, and what life it’s gonna take on.”

Janson says you can only control the reception of the song to a certain point. But with a song like “Drunk Girl,” it just has to be what it is.

Source

38 Country Halloween Songs and/or Videos

2020-09-01T00:00:00.004-05:00

Whether you are celebrating the spirit of Halloween or just love a good dark country song, these songs say it all. Either the song itself is a tale of something creepy and dark or the video is enough to raise the hairs on the back of the neck. There are, however, a few thrown in for good measure that are not creepy in the traditional sense, but fit in well with the theme. Here they are in no particular order. They are, however, listed in the order they play on the video playlist. Watch them for yourself and let us know which ones are your favorites. Or, which song/video do you find creepy that is not included here and you think it should be?

Eric Church - Creepin'

This song has a kind of swampish sound too it. Although not about a swamp creature or any other creature, per se, it definitely creeps.

Garth Brooks - The Thunder Rolls

Although this song is not in itself particularly scary, it definitely has dark undertones. The video portraying the domestic abuse and the final third verse of the song was even banned from CMT for its suggestive violent content. If it were available, this video would be among the top of the spooky video play list for Halloween.

Carrie Underwood - Two Black Cadillacs

Another dark country song about a cheating husband who paid the ultimate price for his actions. But it's the video that really makes this song Halloween worthy. Perhaps the car knows exactly what secret the cheater took to his grave.

Delta Rae - Bottom of the River

Delta Rae is technically classified as part of the folk rock genre, but folk is folk, right? And this particular song and video both definitely have the spooky factor going on.

Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner - "Jeannie's Afraid of the Dark"

Dolly is well-knownf or her story-telling songs. This one is particularly spooky. The goosebumpy chills become more frequent as the song goes on. Jeannie's fear isn't just any old fear. It's a foreshadowing fear of the worst kind.

Ghost in this House - Alison Krauss & Union Station

This is a cover version of a Shenandoah song. While both versions of the song have a haunting quality, her version is decidedly more creepy.

Alan Jackson - Midnight in Montgomery

This ghostly song is about a singer visiting the haunted grave of Hank Williams while visiting in Montgomery, Alabama. It makes reference to several of Hank's well-known hits while sending chills up the spine of the listener imagining the haunted atmosphere.

Lefty Fizell - Long Black Veil

This strange song sounds as if the woman in the long black veil is a ghost, except that she is visiting the narrator's grave. It seems that this woman is the narrator's best friend's wife. So that begs the question, why is she visiting his grave?

Brett Kissel - 3-2-1

There isn't much about this song itself that is creepy. It's a song about being hopelessly in love and missing someone. All those feelings that make a person feel like they're a wreck and helpless to do anything about it. But the video. Now, that's a different story. Talk about a haunting ending.

Collin Raye - I Can Still Feel You

The narrator of this hit single sings about missing an ex-lover. She's not dead, but it's like her ghost is there nonetheless. He can still feel her in the room. There's even the sensation that she's just whispered his name.

Willie Nelson - Grave Digger

This song could not be any creepier than it is when Willie Nelson sings it. His vibrato sends chills up the spine as he cries out to the gravedigger to make his grave shallow enough to feel the rain.

Johnny Cash - Delia's Gone

This is a song about a woman the narrator considers to be cold and mean. Yet, he wanted to marry her. Instead, he killed her and she haunts him in his jail cell.

Other Songs In the Playlist:

The Ride - David Allan Coe
Beaches of Cheyenne - Garth Brooks
The Banks of the Ohio - Johnny Cash
Goodbye Earl - Dixie Chicks
The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia - Reba McEntire
When You Leave That Way You Can Never Go Back - Confederate Railroad
Ghost in This House - Shenandoah
Sittin' Up With the Dead - Ray Stevens
Come Monday - K.T. Oslin
The Monster and the Banjo - Pam Tillis
The Legend of Wooley Swamp - Charlie Daniels Band
Haunted Heart - Sammy Kershaw
Better Dig Two - The Band Perry
It's a Monster's Holiday - Buck Owens
Blown Away - Carrie Underwood
The Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels
Ghost Riders in the Sky - Johnny Cash
Marie Laveau - Bobby Bare
Eddie Noack - Psycho
Whiskey Lullabye - Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss
Hurt - Johnny Cash
Barton Hollow - The Civil Wars
Private Malone - David Ball
Phantom 309 - Red Sovine
Digging Up Bones - Randy Travis
Walking in Memphis - Lonestar

Sarah Buxton Discography

2020-09-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

Sarah Buxton Albums:

Sarah Buxton (2010)

Almost My Record (2007)

Sarah Buxton Singles:

Innocence (2006)

That Kind of Day (2007)

Space (2008)

Outside My Window (2009)

Trini Triggs Artist Profile

2020-08-31T00:00:00.000-05:00

Trini Triggs Albums:

Trini Triggs (1998)

Best of Trini Triggs (2013)

Trini Triggs Singles:

Straight Tequila (1998)
Horse to Mexico (1999)
The Wreckin' Crew (2000)
You Never Can Tell (2002)
I'm Only in It for the Love (2002)
Heaven on Earth (2004)