Category Archives: Americana News

If there’s a single album we should all be listening to right now, it’s Mavis Staples’ ‘Sad and Beautiful World.’ A singer who’s been always at the forefront in struggles to transform our world through love and justice, whose weariness turns into doggedness, and whose happiness and joy shines through even life’s darkest moments, Mavis Staples draws passion for change from the depths of her soul, and her emotionally resonant vocals shimmer with tenderness in celebratory soul songs, even as the shiver with the grittiness in prowling blues numbers.

The post Album Review: Mavis Staples, ‘Sad and Beautiful World’ appeared first on Folk Alley.

It’s that time of year again. If you’re like me and you hate Christmas music…well, we’ll get through it together. But if you’re one of those people who started listening to Christmas music on November 1, chances are you’ve already heard this song a few hundred times this year. (No, I’m not talking about the Mariah Carey song, but everybody’s already heard that one a million times too). “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” remains one of the most popular songs […]

The post Did You Know Brenda Lee Was Only 13 Years Old When She Recorded “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree?” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

The death of the TikTok star, who had more than two million followers on the platform, was announced today by her grandson.

The post Beloved TikTok Star and Video Game Content Creator Dead at 78 appeared first on Wide Open Country.

Stephen Wilson Jr. has lived many different lives. In case you didn’t know, the “I’m A Song” singer hasn’t been a singer-songwriter his entire life. At first, he was a boxer – as his father had trained him to be. Then, he went to Middle Tennessee State University and studied microbiology. After he graduated with his bachelor’s degree, he went to work for the MARS company. Unaffiliated with space… rather, the MARS company that makes candy and pet food. Wilson […]

The post “That’s My Baby Right There” – Country Music Star, Stephen Wilson Jr., Created Dentastix… Yes, The Dental Treat For Dogs first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

It’s not easy being the child of an entertainment world legend. Perhaps it’s even harder to be the child of someone who was in a band that is eternally legendary. Zak Starkey, 60, knows that feeling well. The son of former Beatles’ drummer Ringo Starr, Starkey is opening up about his intense ambivalence toward the […]

The post Ringo Starr’s Son Was “Resentful,” Says Father’s Iconic Band Hindered His Success Long Ago appeared first on Wide Open Country.

Appearing on the 27th season of ‘Big Brother’, the star’s family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of medical care.

The post This ‘Big Brother’ Reality Star Is in Critical Condition After a Series of Cardiac Arrests appeared first on Wide Open Country.

One could say that “Stand By Me” changed Stephen Wilson Jr.’s life. The world really took notice of the 46-year-old country music artist when he took center stage at the 2025 CMA Awards and played a cover song. Some thought it would have been a perfect moment for Wilson Jr. to shine a light on his own work, but he wasn’t worried about that. He wanted to make sure that his late father was there in spirit on his big […]

The post Stephen Wilson Jr. Explains How The Rob Reiner-Directed Movie, ‘Stand By Me,’ Sparked A Deep Connection To The Ben E. King Song first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Jason Kelce had something to say about Travis Kelce’s wedding to pop star Taylor Swift. Read more about it here.

The post Jason Kelce Plans To Be a “Good Time” at Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s Wedding appeared first on Wide Open Country.

If you thought that Season 2 of Landman has been intense, just wait until Season 3 rolls around. The second season of Landman premiered back on November 16 – almost exactly a year after the show’s first season (it aired on November 17, 2024). And the show boasting a cast of Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Sam Elliott, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, and Michelle Randolph – among others – once again had massive ratings. Season 2’s premiere holds the […]

The post Billy Bob Thornton Predicts Things Will “Come To A Head” In ‘Landman’ Season 3 first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Alex Honnold, the climber known for his historic free solo ascent of El Capitan, will take on the Taipei 101 skyscraper next.

The post Legendary Rock Climber Plans To Climb 1,700-Foot Taipei Skyscraper, Netflix Special Planned for January Ascent appeared first on Wide Open Country.