Author Archives: Echoes Staff

Didn’t expect all the outrage. Country songwriter Shane McAnally, who’s one of the most prolific hitmakers of the genre with songs like Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road,” “Follow Your Arrow” by Kacey Musgraves, “Somewhere With You” by Kenny Chesney, Morgan Wallen’s “7 Summers,” and many, many others, found himself going viral after posting what he thought was a funny video with his husband and young son. McAnally and his husband, Michael Baum, welcomed their third child, Texson Ray […]

The post “I Was Appalled” – Gay Hitmaking Country Songwriter Speaks Out On Outrage Over Video Of His Newborn Son first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

The lightning strike happened at a gas station in Wisconsin. A witness who lived nearby said it was the loudest they’d ever heard.

The post Trucker Dad Dies After Being Struck By Lightning In Wisconsin: “Loudest Thunderbolt We Ever Heard” appeared first on Wide Open Country.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is known for helping kids foster a love of reading. Unfortunately, $1 million of funding has gone missing.

The post $1 Million Meant For Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Is Missing appeared first on Wide Open Country.

Things might be heating up elsewhere in the country, but winter isn’t ready to let go just yet in Yellowstone National Park. The peak of winter in the world famous national park typically plays out in January. It’s during that time that Yellowstone experiences brutally cold temperatures with average lows right around 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Obviously, that usually translates into any precipitation that hits the area being snow, and makes for a tough test for any animal that’s not hibernating […]

The post Bison Herd Battles Heavy, Spring Snow In Yellowstone National Park first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

After a week off, Bonus Tracks returns with a double dose of roots music news!

Last month, No Depression announced the launch of a new fellowship program, thanks to a generous donation from nonprofit publisher, the FreshGrass Foundation. The Criticism Fellowships, given to writers, authors, and previous No

Discussions involving Vincent’s new album “Blue Stars” should commence upon whether it’s to be considered a career effort. Emerson made sure to really keep the passion up for twelve consistent tracks.

The post Album Review – Vincent Neil Emerson’s “Blue Stars” first appeared on Saving Country Music.

Peter Karp – Jersey Town This set pays a blues homage to Peter Karp’s home state: New Jersey. Land of Sinatra, Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, Nancy Sinatra, Young Rascals, Billy Falcon, Al DiMeola, Count Basie, Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge), Bon Jovi, Donald Fagan, Pat DiNizio (Smithereens), Connie Francis, Cissy & Whitney Houston, Ricky […]

The post REVIEW: Peter Karp “Jersey Town” appeared first on Americana Highways.

Stacy Mitchhart – No Rhyme Or Reason This is a slick, well-recorded set of roots-driven blues built on a soulful foundation. The 17th full-length LP from Tennessee Blues purveyor Stacy Mitchhart (vocals/lead & rhythm guitars). Produced by Grammy winner Tom Hambridge (drums/percussion/bgv), the 12 tracks were conjured up for No Rhyme Or Reason (Drops April […]

The post REVIEW: Stacy Mitchhart “No Rhyme Or Reason” appeared first on Americana Highways.

Dan Penn Smoke Filled Room On December 5th, in Austin, Texas, I was poised—with palpable excitement—to step into a veritable temple of the blues and a true institution of the Texas capital: Antone’s Nightclub. Since opening its doors in 1975, the venue has hosted a mind-blowing lineup of performers. All the greats have passed through […]

The post REVIEW : Dan Penn “Smoke Filled Room” appeared first on Americana Highways.

Matthew Payne – Better Times This debut Matthew Payne showcase contains 10 stripped-down, bare bones pieces that make up Better Times (Drops April 17/Independent/30:54) recorded at EAR Studio in Austin, TX & produced by James Stevens (harmony vocals/percussion) & Matthew Payne (all songs written & performed). With the first track “Better Times,” Matthew comes across […]

The post REVIEW: Matthew Payne “Better Times” appeared first on Americana Highways.