In Nashville Wednesday night, country music’s biggest stars converged at the Bridgestone Arena for the 59th Annual CMA Awards — where one name dominated the show. Lainey Wilson was awarded the top honor, Entertainer of the Year, for the second time. She also took home Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for her record Whirlwind.
Kris Kristofferson was a true Renaissance man, a multifaceted artist who left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of post-war America. Born in Brownsville, Texas and raised in the idyllic surroundings of San Mateo, California, Kristofferson’s early life was marked by academic excellence, earning him a spot as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University. However, the call of service beckoned, and he joined the Army, where his superiors recognized his talent and tapped him to teach English at the prestigious West Point military academy. Yet, Kristofferson’s true passion lay elsewhere – in the realm of music and songwriting. Inspired by the timeless melodies of Hank Williams and the poetic genius of Bob Dylan, Kristofferson carved out a niche for himself in the bustling Nashville music scene, penning hits that would be recorded by the likes of Johnny Cash. But Kristofferson’s impact was not limited to the recording studio; he embodied the very spirit of the counterculture movement, with his long hair and unapologetic activism serving as a visual representation of the era’s shifting social landscape. It was this multifaceted persona that caught the eye of Hollywood, and Kristofferson soon found himself cast in the role of a lifetime, playing an aging music icon opposite Barbra Streisand in the critically acclaimed remake of “A Star Is Born.” His powerful performance earned him a Golden Globe, solidifying his status as a true icon of the silver screen. Even as he grew older, Kristofferson continued to captivate audiences, joining the supergroup The Highwaymen in the 1980s and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. His passing at the age of 88 in his beloved Maui home marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a true Renaissance man, a musician, actor, and activist who embodied the spirit of a generation, will live on forever.
The White Oaks Ranch Presents the Sixth Annual Daryle Singletary Keeping It Country Jam, which is brought to you by Solomon Plumbing and Fire Protection, is set to take place at The Nashville Palace on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, as the unofficial kickoff to The National Wild Turkey Federation’s Convention and Sport Show. Neal McCoy, Tyler Farr, Rhett Akins, Craig Campbell, Andy Griggs, The Malpass Brothers, John Morgan, Jenna LaMaster, Duke Henry, and Robert Bacon are scheduled to perform. Additional event sponsors include RCI Restoration & Thrive Label Group. General admission tickets are $30 and are available online at the Sixth Annual Daryle Singletary KEEPIN’ IT COUNTRY JAM at The Nashville Palace.
Country artist Michael Lee releases charming new single, Loving Me Comes Easy To You, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Country music star Craig Morgan wore his Army green service uniform Saturday at Redstone Arsenal. The Reserve Soldier was promoted to warrant officer in a pinning ceremony at Heiser Hall attended by his fellow members of the 313th Army Band, family and friends from as far away as Texas and Oklahoma. He was promoted from staff sergeant.
GRAMMY® Award-winning and Country Music Hall of Fame members, The Oak Ridge Boys are officially celebrating their 50th Anniversary this October. With this celebration, The Oak Ridge Boys are announcing their American Made: Farewell Tour! The group, Duane Allen (1966), Joe Bonsall (1973), William Lee Golden (1965), and Richard Sterban (1972) are excited to celebrate both milestones with fans with the announcement of this tour.
