Top 10 Country Songs About Being Single
Valentine’s Day, to some, is known as Singles Awareness Day. But just because you don’t have a significant other to celebrate the day of love with doesn’t mean you should just give up on the Read More
Editor’s Picks
Kathy Mattea + Jon Vezner — Country’s Greatest Love Stories
Kathy Mattea and her songwriter husband Jon Vezner owe their first meeting to a dead car battery. “Kathy lived upstairs at Wrensong, the publisher I used to write at,” Vezner tells The Boot. “I’d see her Read More
Watch Turnpike Troubadours Rock ‘Austin City Limits’ With ‘The Housefire’ [Exclusive Video]
Texas’ Turnpike Troubadours recently made their Austin City Limits debut, and the episode will premiere on Saturday night (Feb. 17). The Boot’s readers don’t have to wait that long to get a peek at their performance, however: Press Read More
The Boot News Roundup: Runaway June, BeBe Rexha Set Country Chart Records + More
Welcome to The Boot’s News Roundup, a morning rundown of the news country music fans need to know. Read on to learn more about the latest goings-on in the country, Americana, bluegrass and folk genres. Read More
33 Years Ago: Randy Travis Signs Recording Contract With Warner Bros. Records
Thirty-three years ago today (Feb. 14, 1985) was a Valentine’s Day to remember for Randy Travis: It was on that date that the singer inked his record deal with Warner Bros. Records, only two weeks Read More
Michaela Anne, ‘Your Cheatin’ Heart’ [Exclusive Premiere]
Country up-and-comer Michaela Anne is debuting her cover of Hank Williams‘ classic tune “Your Cheatin’ Heart” exclusively for readers of The Boot. Press play below to listen. A Nashville newbie, Anne moved to Tennessee from Read More
Country Music’s 10 Worst Pickup Lines
If you’re looking for a new pickup line to add to your arsenal, look no further than country music. In terms of lyrics that could definitely be re-purposed to hit on someone, country is full Read More
Top 10 Pickup Lines in Country Music
Don’t have a date tonight? Just turn on country radio, and you might get some advice for finding that special someone. Yes, country music is known for tales of love and heartbreak, but something’s gotta Read More
Dierks Bentley: ‘Woman, Amen’ Pledges Gratitude to Wife Cassidy
Dierk’s Bentley‘s upcoming new album, The Mountain, isn’t all about his wife, Cassidy Black, but its first single, “Woman, Amen,” sure is. With its uptempo “whoah-oh-oh”s and passionate lyrics — “I’d lose my way and I’d lose my mind Read More
Country’s Greatest Love Stories
Country music has some great love songs in its repertoire, but even more romantic than tracks like “Through the Years,” “You’re Still the One” or “Forever and Ever, Amen” are the real-life love stories of Read More
POLL: What’s the Best Country Song About Lost Love?
Songs about lost love are part of the fabric of country music. Since the music tells the true stories of real people’s lives, there’s no way to shy away from the painful subject of losing Read More
Story Behind the Song: Dan + Shay, ‘Tequila’
In January of 2018, Dan + Shay debuted a brand-new single, “Tequila,” a surprising twist on what listeners might expect from a song named after a kind of liquor. Instead of a classic, uptempo drinking song, Read More
Candi Carpenter, ‘Cry Baby’ [Exclusive Premiere]
Country traditionalist Candi Carpenter is premiering her new song “Cry Baby,” and its music video, exclusively for readers of The Boot. Press play above to watch. Syrupy pedal steel pairs with Carpenter’s rich timbre and Read More
51 Years Ago: Dolly Parton’s Debut Album Is Released
Fifty-one years ago today, on Feb. 13, 1967, Dolly Parton‘s debut album, appropriately titled, Hello, I’m Dolly, was released. The then-21-year-old Parton wrote or co-wrote 10 of the 12 songs on the record, including two of Read More
Top 10 Waylon Jennings Songs
Country music legend Waylon Jennings died in 2002, but he left an indelible mark on the genre. Along with scoring several chart-topping hits as a solo artist, Jennings also found success as part of the supergroup Read More
16 Years Ago: Waylon Jennings Dies in Arizona
Sixteen years ago today (Feb. 13, 2002) was a sad day in country music: It was on that date that Waylon Jennings died, from complications from diabetes. He was 64 years old. Jennings was born near Littlefield, Read More
Dan + Shay Say Marriage, Family Lives Are ‘Definitely’ Affecting Their Songs
Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, who make up the duo Dan + Shay, have both seen substantial changes in their personal lives in the past year: Smyers tied the knot with his fiancee Abby Law Read More
POLL: Which Country Star Would You Like to Spend Valentine’s Day With?
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and for most of us, that means spending time with that special someone. But for country fans who are unattached, it could mean spending some time listening to your Read More
Who Is Ashley McBryde? 5 Things You Need to Know
In a world where female voices are needed more than ever, Ashley McBryde brings her bourbon-soaked sound to country music in a refreshingly raw way. From gritty vocals to twangy guitars, McBryde is everything you Read More
Top 10 Sad Love Songs in Country Music
If it weren’t for sad love songs, country music just wouldn’t be the same. Whether reliving sweet memories or bidding a bitter farewell, the saddest love songs are universal, sharing emotions to which we can Read More
The Boot News Roundup: Luke Bryan’s ‘What Makes You Country’ Coming on Vinyl + More
Welcome to The Boot’s News Roundup, a morning rundown of the news country music fans need to know. Read on to learn more about the latest goings-on in the country, Americana, bluegrass and folk genres. Read More
25 Years Ago: Toby Keith Releases His Debut Single, ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy’
In February of 1993, Toby Keith released his debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” Co-written by Nelson Larkin and Harold Shedd — the pair that co-produced Keith’s self-titled debut album — the song is about a Read More
13 Years Ago: Rascal Flatts Ride to No. 1 With ‘Bless the Broken Road’
Thirteen years ago today (Feb. 12, 2005), Rascal Flatts scored their third No. 1 hit with “Bless the Broken Road.” The song, from their album Feels Like Today, also became the trio’s first platinum-selling tune. “Bless Read More
Country Singers We Lost Too Soon [PICTURES]
Country music often deals with the darker side of existence, but when death comes unexpectedly — especially for a well-known and well-loved personality — an artist’s music often takes on even greater poignancy. Chief among Read More
Luke Combs, Charlie Daniels and More Mourn Daryle Singletary
News of Daryle Singletary‘s death on Monday morning (Feb. 12) has the country music community mourning his loss. The ’90s country artist was only 46 years old, but in his time in the industry, Singletary Read More
Ross Cooper, ‘Old Crow Whiskey and a Cornbread Moon’ [Exclusive Premiere]
Country artist and former professional cowboy Ross Cooper is premiering his song “Old Crow Whiskey and a Cornbread Moon” exclusively for readers of The Boot. Press play below to listen. “Old Crow Whiskey and a Read More
51 Years Ago: Loretta Lynn Earns First No. 1 With ‘Don’t Come Home a’Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)’
Fifty-one years ago today (Feb. 11, 1967) was a career-changing day for Loretta Lynn: It was on that date that Lynn scored her first No. 1 hit with “Don’t Come Home a’Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Read More
32 Years Ago: ‘Highwayman’ Album Certified Gold
Thirty-two years ago today (Feb. 10, 1986), the Highwayman record was certified gold, for sales of 500,000 units. The album, released in May of 1985, was recorded by country superstars Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash Read More
Watch Jon Pardi’s ‘She Ain’t in It’, Ruston Kelly’s ‘1,000 Graves’ + More New Country Music Videos
Jon Pardi, Ruston Kelly, Kalie Shorr and Drake White all released new music videos this week. Country music fans, read on to enjoy ’em! Jon Pardi, “She Ain’t in It” The CMA’s New Artist of the Year, Pardi’s Read More
Luke Combs Talks No. 1 Hits, Growing Fanbase and Songwriting: ‘It’s Getting Better All the Time’
Between two back-to-back No. 1 singles, two sold-out shows at the Ryman Auditorium and his first-ever headlining tour, it’s been a blockbuster year for Luke Combs. The 27-year-old North Carolina and songwriters Ray Fulcher and Jordan Walker recently Read More
The Boot News Roundup: Garth Brooks Joins Live Music Hall of Fame + More
Welcome to The Boot’s News Roundup, a morning rundown of the news country music fans need to know. Read on to learn more about the latest goings-on in the country, Americana, bluegrass and folk genres. Read More
17 Years Ago: ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ Soundtrack Goes Gold
Seventeen years ago today (Feb. 9, 2001), the soundtrack for O Brother, Where Art Thou? earned gold certification, for sales of 500,000 units. The album, which was produced by T Bone Burnett, includes songs by Alison Read More
Op-Ed: CRS 2018’s One-Size-Fits-All Sexual Harassment Seminars Didn’t Solve Any Problems
If a tree falls in the forest Country Radio Seminar officials schedule seminars about sexual harassment, and no one is around to hear it no one really attends, does it make a sound difference? On Read More
Midland, Carly Pearce and More ‘New Faces’ Close Out CRS 2018 [PICTURES]
The 2018 Country Radio Seminar closed out on Wednesday night (Feb. 7) with the annual New Faces of Country Music showcase. Luke Combs, Lauren Alaina, Midland, Carly Pearce and Michael Ray all took the stage to Read More
Luke Combs Is Ready to Go Overseas for the First Time Ever
Luke Combs has never been outside the U.S. before, but that will change in 2018. In March, he’ll be traveling to London, England; Glasgow, Scotland; and Dublin, Ireland, for 2018’s C2C Festival, and will also make stops in Australia Read More
Story Behind the Song: Lanco, ‘Born to Love You’
Breakout group Lanco enjoyed a whirlwind of a year in 2017, achieving their first No. 1 hit with “Greatest Love Story,” the first single off of their debut album, Hallelujah Nights. In January of 2018, the band Read More
16 Years Ago: Jo Dee Messina Earns Second Platinum Album With ‘Burn’
Sixteen years ago today (Feb. 8, 2002), Jo Dee Messina earned her second platinum album with Burn. The album was her third with Curb Records. Curb Records Burn was released in 2000 and produced by Tim Read More
7 Years Ago: Thompson Square Release Their Debut Album
Seven years ago today, on Feb. 8, 2011, Thompson Square released their eponymous debut album via Stoney Creek Records. Thompson Square includes the first chart-topping hit for the married duo, made up of Kiefer and Shawna Thompson. Read More
Ronnie Milsap’s First Time on the Radio Was NOT a ‘Total Disaster’
Ronnie Milsap‘s track record speaks loud and clear: 40 No 1. hits charted, more than 25 million records sold, seven Grammy Awards to his name and countless other accolades earned. His impact on country music Read More
Garth Brooks’ Best Live Shots [PICTURES]
Garth Brooks has been everywhere since his 1989 self-titled debut album. He dominated country music in the 1990s (with Garth Brooks, Ropin’ the Wind and In Pieces) before temporarily retiring from country music in 2001. While Read More
25 Little-Known Tidbits About Country Icon Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks took country music by storm in the late 1980s, eventually shattering album and concert ticket sales records all over the world. But that’s just one small part of Brooks’ titanic story. The following Read More
Did You Know Garth Brooks’ Mom Was Also a Country Singer?
Garth Brooks is a country legend — but he’s not the first person in his family to have a career in Nashville. Brooks’ mom, Colleen McElroy Carroll, was signed to Capitol Records in the 1950s, Read More
Top 10 Garth Brooks Cover Songs
In 2013, Garth Brooks released a massive box set that features cover songs from many of the artists that helped shape his own music, and the project reveals the full range of Brooks’ musical ability. Titled Blame Read More
Garth Brooks’ Wackiest Shirts [PICTURES]
Go big or go home — that’s the motto we would say that Garth Brooks lives by when it comes to his shirts. Brooks may be relatively conservative in his haircut (short), traditional in his cowboy hats (always Read More
Top 7 Unforgettable Garth Brooks Moments
Garth Brooks‘ name is ubiquitous in country music, and the big-time moments from throughout his career could fill an entire feature-length film. The country superstar is one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, in Read More
Top 10 Garth Brooks Songs
Garth Brooks‘ songs are some of the most important of the last several decades of country music. At his peak, Brooks helped to single-handedly bring country music to a listening audience outside the genre’s normal Read More
56 Years Ago: Garth Brooks Is Born in Tulsa, Okla.
Happy birthday to Garth Brooks! The singer was born on Feb. 7, 1962, in Tulsa, Okla. Born Troyal Garth Brooks, the future country superstar is the youngest child of Troyal and Colleen Brooks. His parents Read More
Story Behind the Song: Brothers Osborne, ‘Shoot Me Straight’
“Shoot Me Straight,” the first single to be released off Brothers Osborne‘s sophomore album Port Saint Joe, is an exercise in unpredictably. The duo, who’ve never been particularly well known for adhering to conventional formats and country blueprints Read More
Patty Loveless + Emory Gordy Jr. — Country’s Greatest Love Stories
Sometimes, elevator music can turn into wedding bells — at least, that’s the case with Patty Loveless and her husband, Emory Gordy Jr. The couple met in an elevator at MCA Records, but at the time, Read More
42 Years Ago: Ronnie Milsap Is Inducted Into the Grand Ole Opry
Forty-two years ago today (Feb. 6, 1976) was a day of celebration for Ronnie Milsap: It was on that date that the singer-songwriter was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, when he was just 33 years Read More