Kaitlin Butts discovered where her song landed in Landman the same way everyone else did — by watching the episode. It’s well known that Taylor Sheridan has become a major force behind the recent surge in country music’s visibility. Nearly every project he touches puts roots music front and center, and shows like Yellowstone and Landman consistently spotlight artists who usually live outside the mainstream spotlight — names like Colter Wall, Charley Crockett, and Whiskey Myers. That boost even has a nickname: the Yellowstone Effect. When a song appears in a Sheridan series, streams tend to spike overnight and chart…
Author: Kelly Whitewood
Showing up when it mattered most. The music world has been sitting in collective heartbreak after news broke of the passing of Bob Weir, a founding force of the Grateful Dead, who died at 78. His official channels shared the news, explaining that Weir passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after a hard-fought battle with cancer and complications related to lung issues. His family asked for privacy while thanking fans for the overwhelming love and remembrance, encouraging everyone to honor him by continuing forward with courage and music as their guide. The statement also revealed that Weir had been diagnosed…
Fans of Ella Langley are losing their minds after she gave an ’80s pop anthem a slow, twang-filled country makeover. A few days ago, Ella shared a short TikTok video of herself covering Never Gonna Give You Up, the 1987 hit made famous by Rick Astley. If you spend any time online, you probably associate the song with the legendary internet prank known as “Rickrolling,” where Astley’s music video pops up when you least expect it. But Ella took the meme energy and turned it into something completely her own. She explained that the song had been “stuck in my…
Some stories fade out quietly. Zach Bryan is ending his with a scar and a song. The Oklahoma native has always worn his emotions in his writing, and on his sixth studio album, With Heaven on Top, he’s once again laying everything bare. One track in particular, “Skin,” has fans doing double takes — and maybe pouring another drink — because it sounds an awful lot like Bryan finally addressing his ex, Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia. And this time, he isn’t sugarcoating a thing. Even though Bryan is now married to Samantha Leonard, the fallout from his chaotic and highly public…
It’s probably fair to assume that Brianna Chickenfry has heard “Skin,” and yes… she likely thinks it’s about her. Zach Bryan dropped his new album With Heaven On Top today, and one track in particular has everyone buzzing: “Skin.” The song seems to take aim at his ex, Brianna Chickenfry. “Aim” might be a bit dramatic, but at the very least, he doesn’t shy away from addressing what sounds like a pretty unhealthy relationship. The two had a very public breakup in fall 2024, and while Brianna has spent the past year and a half openly discussing it, Zach stayed…
When you spend years publicly criticizing your own genre and many of the people in it, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when bridges start burning. Maren Morris has entered what she describes as a new chapter in her career, following a turbulent few years marked by public disputes, political commentary, and mixed messages about her place in country music. In 2023, Morris made headlines after declaring she was “leaving country music,” calling it a “toxic institution,” only to later clarify that she wasn’t actually exiting the genre and that the framing had been exaggerated. The controversy didn’t come out…
Amy Grant and her husband, Vince Gill, delivered a memorable holiday moment during their recent run of shows at the historic Ryman Auditorium—and this time, it was Grant who stole the spotlight. The longtime duo, who have shared the stage for more than 30 years, are known for their chemistry and consistency, but one festive performance had fans buzzing for a different reason. A clip shared on Instagram by both Grant and the Ryman shows her performing Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, originally made famous by Brenda Lee—with an unexpected twist. Dressed in a sleek, floor-length red gown perfect for…
This is how you honor a legend the right way. ERNEST has never hidden his respect for the artists who built country music, but his latest tribute feels especially meaningful. The Nashville hitmaker recently shared a bare-bones acoustic cover of The Chair, the iconic classic made famous by George Strait—and it’s as pure as it gets. No production tricks, no showmanship. Just a guitar, a voice, and deep respect for the song. ERNEST called it “one of the best country songs ever written” before offering his own take, humbly describing it as “my attempt at it.” The song, written by…
Kelsea Ballerini Mourns the Loss of Her Beloved Dog, Dibs He was never just a dog. He was her steady presence, her comfort, and a constant through every changing season of her life. This week, Kelsea Ballerini shared devastating news with fans: her beloved dog, Dibs, has passed away after a quiet, year-long battle with cancer. Rather than making a grand announcement, she chose honesty and tenderness, opening her heart in a way that resonated deeply with anyone who has ever loved an animal like family. “My sweet Dibs went to doggy heaven yesterday,” she wrote. “He spent his last…
Keith Urban Breaks His Silence Through a Powerful New Ballad After weeks of silence and swirling rumors, Keith Urban has finally spoken — not through interviews or headlines, but in the way he knows best: through music. The country star has unveiled a stripped-back, deeply emotional ballad that appears to reflect on the end of his relationship with Nicole Kidman. Rather than offering explanations or defenses, the song leans into grief, confusion, and the quiet weight that follows a love falling apart. One lyric in particular has captured listeners’ attention: “Everyone says it was me… but the real reason was…