A Cornerstone of Country: Jimmie Rodgers and the Enduring Legacy of ‘Standing on the Corner (Blue Yodel #9)’
phil About the Song Jimmie Rodgers, the “Singing Brakeman,” remains a towering figure in American music. His influence on country, blues,…
Songs
A Timeless Ballad of Devotion: Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man”
About the Song Tammy Wynette, the undisputed “First Lady of Country Music,” etched her name into the annals of music…
The Soulful Plea of “You Don’t Know Me”: Ray Charles’s Ode to Unrequited Love
About the Song Ray Charles, the legendary “Genius of Soul,” was renowned for his ability to infuse raw emotion into…
A Timeless Tale of Regret and Redemption: Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried”
About the Song Merle Haggard, the Poet of the Common Man, was a master storyteller who channeled his own troubled…
The Enduring Power of “Jolene”
About the Song Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” released in 1973, is arguably one of the greatest country songs ever written. More…
Urban Dreams and Rural Blues: Bobby Bare’s Poignant “Streets of Baltimore”
About the Song Bobby Bare, a name synonymous with classic country music, is a master storyteller. His rich baritone voice,…
Audacity and Acceptance in Neko Case’s “People Got a Lotta Nerve”
About the Song Neko Case has never been one to shy away from the shadows. Throughout her career, she’s explored…
Beneath the Surface: O.B. McClinton’s Country Soul in “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You”
About the Song O.B. McClinton, the self-proclaimed “Chocolate Cowboy,” wasn’t just a singer; he was a bridge builder. He effortlessly…
Cruisin’ Down Memory Lane: Donna Fargo’s Ode to Simple Joys
About the Song There’s a certain magic to songs that capture a moment in time, a feeling, a snapshot of…
Sailing the Seas of Imagination: Lyle Lovett’s “If I Had a Boat”
About the Song Lyle Lovett has always been a singular artist, a man who defies easy categorization. With his lanky…