Entertainment
Tom T. Hall built his career by turning ordinary people, familiar places and small moments into unforgettable country songs. Few recordings demonstrate his gift for finding meaning in everyday life better than “I Love,” his wonderfully simple hit from 1973. The song is essentially a list of things that bring Hall happiness. Instead of relying […]
“Live Like You Were Dying” became one of Tim McGraw’s most powerful and enduring songs, but it was not originally written about his father, former Major League Baseball pitcher Tug McGraw. Instead, songwriters Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman developed the idea after discussing a friend who had received a frightening medical diagnosis. The conversation led […]
Dolly Parton's iconic songs captured her personal story, country roots, and crossover pop success, cementing her legacy as a true American legend.
By the time Tanya Tucker released “San Antonio Stroll” in 1975, she was still only 16 years old—but she was already a seasoned country star. Tucker had burst onto the scene at age 13 with “Delta Dawn,” followed by major hits including “What’s Your Mama’s Name,” “Blood Red and Goin’ Down” and “Would You Lay […]
Remembering Dolly Parton The world is mourning the passing of Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at the age of 80, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of music, kindness, laughter and love. For more than six decades, Dolly was far more than a country music superstar. She became one of the most recognizable, friendly and genuinely loved figures in entertainment. […]
Ronnie Milsap was already becoming one of country music’s brightest stars when he released “Daydreams About Night Things” in the summer of 1975. With its playful lyrics, irresistible rhythm and Milsap’s energetic delivery, the song quickly became one of the most memorable hits from the early years of his career. Written by John Schweers, the […]
Vince Gill combined traditional country instrumentation, clever wordplay and a legendary George Jones story to create “One More Last Chance,” one of the most entertaining hits of his career. Gill co-wrote the song with respected Nashville songwriter Gary Nicholson. Instead of delivering another serious song about a troubled relationship, the two writers approached the subject […]
The Judds turned the end of a long workweek into a country celebration with “Girls’ Night Out,” a lively anthem that became one of the mother-and-daughter duo’s earliest No. 1 hits. Written by Brent Maher and Jeffrey Bullock, “Girls’ Night Out” tells the story of a hardworking woman who has spent the entire week waiting […]
Lorrie Morgan found the perfect combination of heartbreak, humor and attitude with “Except for Monday,” one of the standout hits from her 1991 album Something in Red. Written by Reed Nielsen, the song offered a clever variation on the familiar country theme of trying to recover after a breakup. Instead of simply admitting that she […]
Martina McBride’s “Valentine” has become a favorite at weddings, anniversaries and romantic celebrations, but the song originally began as a collaboration with pianist and composer Jim Brickman. Brickman co-wrote “Valentine” with songwriter Jack Kugell after recognizing that there were surprisingly few contemporary songs written specifically for Valentine’s Day. His goal was to create a simple, […]
Few songs in country music history capture heartbreak as honestly and beautifully as Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces.” Released in 1961, the song became one of Cline’s signature recordings and helped establish her as one of the most influential voices in country music. “I Fall to Pieces” was written by Hank Cochran and Harlan […]
Loretta Lynn built her career singing about real life, especially the parts of women’s lives that country music didn’t always talk about. But one of her funniest—and smartest—songs wasn’t written by Loretta at all. “One’s on the Way” came from the wonderfully offbeat mind of Shel Silverstein. Yes, that Shel Silverstein—the poet, cartoonist and author […]