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Articles by Bailey Brantingham
Lou Turner’s ‘Strangels’ Celebrates Serendipitous Delight
Lou Turner Strangels out Friday, Nov. 6, via Spinster Playing 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at Random Sample In September 2024, Lou Turner encountered a strange angel. While on the road with Ryan Davis and the Roadhouse Band, the Nashville indie-folk polymath and her partner Trevor Nikrant found themselves stranded by a flat tire. The pair managed to get their car to a shop, where a mechanic Turner would later describe as “very odd but sweet” fixed them right up.
Todd Barrow Finds Hope Through Life’s Hardest Moments on “Sit Back and Breathe”
Country artist Todd Barrow’s latest single, “Sit Back and Breathe,” grew out of a period when finding a way forward seemed difficult. Faced with personal challenges that left him feeling hopeless, Barrow turned to songwriting and divine guidance for direction. The result is a country ballad rooted in life experience, offering a message of reassurance to anyone struggling to see beyond a difficult chapter in life.
Kacey Musgraves Has the Balls to Go All-Out at Bridgestone
Kacey Musgraves at Bridgestone Arena, 9/28/2026 Kacey Musgraves has never been one to do things halfway. The genre-bending country luminary brought her Middle of Nowhere Tour to Bridgestone Arena Sunday and Monday, turning the home of the Predators into a glittering fever dream complete with a live horse, fireworks, a pair of anatomically correct disco balls and a surprise special guest.
Melissa Etheridge, Maggie Rose and More Light the Fire at 3rd and Lindsley
Amy Grant at 3rd and Lindsley for AmericanaFest, 9/15/2026 AmericanaFest came roaring out of the gate with a heap of enticing shows on Tuesday. We kicked off our festival week at 3rd and Lindsley. This year the venerable venue is celebrating its 35th anniversary, and this gig with a packed house felt like a fitting way to mark the occasion. On the bill were five women who are champions in the amorphous genre, all with new music to share and plenty of familiar favorites up their sleeves.
Stella Lefty’s Grand Ole Opry Debut Sparks Debate Over Who Gets to Be ‘Country’
6 minutes ago 2 min read Stella Lefty’s recent Grand Ole Opry debut has sparked a larger conversation about authenticity, privilege and who gets to take one of country music’s most famous stages. The 24-year-old singer performed at the Opry on Sept. 2, marking another major moment in a breakout year fueled by her viral hit “Boston.” The Opry describes Lefty as a singer-songwriter whose music blends pop sensibilities with country storytelling. Stella Lefty via Instagram, photo by Jack Balaban.
Dolly Parton Laid to Rest as Tennessee Moves to Honor Her Legacy
Dolly Parton was laid to rest Aug. 28 in a small, private burial at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville, where the country music legend was buried beside her late husband, Carl Dean. Photo by Don Arnold / WireImage / Getty Images Parton’s great-niece, Lainey Mae Parton, confirmed the singer had been laid to rest in an emotional Instagram tribute posted the following day. Parton died Aug.
Houston Kendrick Uses Evolution to Spark Revolution
Portrait of a Boy on Fire out now Playing Saturday, Sept. 5, at an East Nashville location to be announced only to ticketholders “I, Houston Kendrick, am here to make a massive change in the way we listen to R&B music, the way we look at Black and queer people and the way that we consume Blackness and queerness.” It’s a lofty declaration, but Kendrick isn’t shying away from it, nor is he asking for permission.
Kacey Musgraves Asks Fans to Donate to Children of Immigrants During Opening Night of Tour
Bailey Brantingham 8 minutes ago 2 min read Grammy-winning country star Kacey Musgraves is drawing attention following the opening night of her Middle of Nowhere Tour on Friday. While the singer’s shimmering entrance atop what she calls “disco balls” has circulated online, another moment from the Chicago show has sparked debate. Musgraves paused the concert to share a birthday request with fans, asking them to donate to the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights.
It’s been nearly a year since Alicia Bognanno last graced Nashville with her effortless brand of cool, and local fans are more than ready for another dose. Though the mastermind behind beloved rock project Bully has roots in Nashville, she’s left her followers waiting with bated breath after wrapping up two shows at The Blue Room in August 2025.
Hayden Panettiere Dies at 36: ‘Nashville’ Star Remembered for Her Country Music Legacy
Bailey Brantingham 10 minutes ago 2 min read Hayden Panettiere, the actor known for playing country star Juliette Barnes on “Nashville,” died Sunday at age 36. Panettiere was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, where she had been temporarily staying, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Billy Strings Calls Out Fan After Being Struck Onstage by Object Mid-Speech
Bailey Brantingham 43 minutes ago 2 min read Bluegrass artist Billy Strings didn’t hold back during the first of his three shows in Fishers, Indiana, on Thursday night after he was hit in the forehead with an unidentified object. Billy Strings via Instagram, photo by Tyler Franz. Strings was in the middle of a speech when the incident occurred, explaining how excited he was to be back in Indiana after he previously had to postpone the show.
Lip Critic and Friends Spin Heavy, Heady Tales at The ’58
Lip Critic at The ’58 at Eastside Bowl, 8/8/2026 The rain was relentless on Saturday afternoon, giving the revelers at East Nashville’s annual Tomato Art Fest a cold shower. Sodden but undeterred, a collection of local weirdos tramped up Gallatin Avenue to The ’58 (with a capacity of 225, it’s the middle-sized of Eastside Bowl’s three show spaces) to finish out their night with some New York-style electro-punk mayhem.
Lower Broadway Crash Claims One Life and Injures Three Others
One person died and three others were hospitalized after a vehicle struck four pedestrians in a Lower Broadway crosswalk Saturday, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. Police identified the driver as 87-year-old Thomas Cahill of Bowling Green, Kentucky. Investigators said Cahill drove a Ford Fusion through a red light at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Broadway at about 12:30 p.m., striking four pedestrians who had the right of way.
Darius Rucker Says Retirement Could Be Two Years Away
After performing 110 shows in 2025, Darius Rucker revealed in a recent interview that he could be ready to retire within the next two years. The country superstar discussed his potential retirement during an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show,” sharing a possible timeline and even a concept for his final concert. His detailed response left fans wondering whether he plans to step out of the spotlight sooner rather than later. “Two years. I might.
‘Not Today, Satan’: Charley Crockett Addresses Backlash After Dropping ‘Satanic’ Duo From Tour
Bailey Brantingham 32 minutes ago 2 min read Charley Crockett is doubling down after removing the “Satanic” group Twin Temple from his ongoing tour last week. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Austin-based country singer Charley Crockett has doubled down on his controversial decision to remove rock doo-wop duo Twin Temple from his ongoing “Age of the Ram” tour.
Carly Pearce, Trace Adkins and More Celebrate Fourth of July in Washington, D.C.
Bailey Brantingham 2 hours ago 2 min read America’s 250th birthday kicked off early in Washington, D.C., on Friday, featuring a patriotic performance from a star-studded lineup. After facing a cancellation scare due to severe heat, "A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration" blazed forward despite the weather, drawing guests from all over the country to the West Lawn of the Capitol for the start of the holiday weekend.
Caroline Rose Hits Back With ‘Yip Yip Yow,’ Pop-Up Shows
Caroline Rose Playing Tuesday, July 14, at a location disclosed only to ticketholders After a yearlong drought, genre-bending pop purveyor Caroline Rose has reemerged with a renewed sense of purpose — and a healthy disdain for the current live-music industry.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Wedding Rumors Swirl Ahead of July Fourth Weekend
America’s version of a “royal wedding” is approaching fast. According to rumors, pop superstar Taylor Swift and NFL tight end Travis Kelce are preparing for a “wedding-palooza” Friday at Madison Square Garden. Fueling the speculation, New York City Hall recently confirmed to The Post that a permit application was filed for July 2-4 requesting street closures around MSG. Page Six also confirmed that there is a permit for an event for 100 people Thursday.
Nashville’s Kurdish Culture and Music Association Reaches Out
Kurdish Culture and Music Association Rhythm Group Kurdish Culture and Music Association Third Anniversary 7 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at Plaza Mariachi’s Xenote Event Space “Music is the heart of Kurdish culture,” Asiye Taskin says as she welcomes me into the Kurdish Culture and Music Association’s office and studio space. Taskin, the organization’s president and co-founder, and Rustem Ozer, a board member and technical support lead, both gesture around the room.
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO Speak Out About Their Divorce
Both Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO have recently spoken out for the first time amid a whirlwind of divorce speculation, addressing a few key topics about the longtime couple's split. After nearly a decade of marriage, the pair announced last week that they were filing for divorce. Since then, both Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO have addressed the situation publicly.
Tyler Farr Cancels Festival Set After Severe Concussion From Farm Accident
Country singer Tyler Farr has canceled an upcoming festival performance after suffering a concussion from a motor vehicle accident on his farm. Photo by Marcus Ingram for Getty Images Country musician Tyler Farr canceled his performance at the Goshen Stampede in Connecticut on Saturday, and it was revealed that he recently suffered a “severe” concussion during a motor vehicle accident on his farm.
Celebrating Creative Culture in Nashville During 615 Week
Six One Trïbe photographed in 2026 615 Week Schedule 615 Week Kickoff Concert: 7 p.m. June 15 at Aura Events Center (2020 Lindell Ave.) Creatives & Culture: 5:30 p.m. June 16 at The Outfield (410 Chestnut St.) 615 Culture House — Then. Now. Next: 6 p.m. June 17 at National Museum of African American Music (510 Broadway) Raised by the Rhythm: 5:30 p.m. June 18 at The Outfield (410 Chestnut St.) Ramen & R&B: 10 p.m. June 19 at Jinya Ramen Bar (415 11th Ave.
Morgan Wallen Faces Backlash After Last Minute Show Cancellation
Morgan Wallen is facing backlash for the second weekend in a row after announcing the last minute cancellation of his Saturday Pittsburgh show due to adverse weather via social media. The country hitmaker warned fans just after 1 p.m. that the large stage setup featured on his 2026 Still The Problem Tour could pose a potential safety threat to crowdgoers in the event of strong winds. Morgan Wallen performs in Nashville, June 2025.
Morgan Wallen Flips Piano During Onstage Meltdown
Bailey Brantingham 10 minutes ago 1 min read Morgan Wallen via Instagram, photo by Matt Paskert Morgan Wallen caused a scene during his show at Empower Field in Denver on Friday night after angrily pushing over a piano onstage. Videos posted on social media show the two-time Grammy nominee finishing a performance of “Sand in My Boots” before walking over to the piano and flipping it, seemingly damaging the instrument.
Ella Langley Dominates the 2026 ACM Awards
Country music star Ella Langley came to win at last night’s annual ACM Awards in Las Vegas. After taking home five awards last year, the Alabama-born hitmaker snagged a total of seven trophies yesterday, breaking the previous record of six wins in one year, held by Garth Brooks, Faith Hill and Chris Stapleton. Photo by Ethan Miller for Getty Images Langley started off strong, taking home her first award of the night for Artist-Songwriter of the Year.
Riley Green Announced as Newest Coach on ‘The Voice’
Country star Riley Green has joined the elite roster of coaches on The Voice, the first country singer added to the team since Reba McEntire’s departure in 2025. Green will be joining an elite roster of coaches for season 30 of The Voice this fall. Producers recently revealed this year’s coaching lineup, which also includes Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine. Riley Green via Instagram The show teased Green’s participation in the forthcoming season with cryptic posts via social media.
The Five Biggest Surprises At Stagecoach Festival
This year’s Stagecoach Music Festival featured a good amount of unexpected events. Many fans were left disappointed by major wind storm warnings, temporary evacuations, and set cancellations — but the weekend’s performers made sure crowdgoers left satisfied. Surprise special guests are a tradition at Stagecoach, and this year was no different. Here’s a list of the top five surprises at this year’s festival.
Robyn Hitchcock and Friends Get Surreal at The Basement East
Robyn Hitchcock at The Basement East, 4/23/2026 An evening with Robyn Hitchcock is never just a concert — especially in his adopted hometown. The London-born Nashvillian likes to take his audience on a winding, unpredictable journey through decades of eccentric songwriting, absurdist themes, existential surrealism and face-melting psychedelic folk.
Morgan Wallen and Ella Langley Debut New Duet ‘I Can’t Love You Anymore’ On Stage
Bailey Brantingham 14 minutes ago 2 min read Country superstar Morgan Wallen debuted a major surprise on Friday during his stop in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on his 2026 Still the Problem Tour: an unreleased duet with his show opener, Ella Langley. Ella Langley; Photo by Caylee Robillard Langley joined Wallen on stage during his encore, and the pair slowly circled each other before breaking into the intense, fiery ballad about two partners who can’t let go of each other.
Morgan Wallen’s ‘Still The Problem Tour’ Opens With a Bang
Bailey Brantingham 28 minutes ago 2 min read Country superstar Morgan Wallen made a huge entrance as he kicked off his highly anticipated “Still The Problem” tour last week, bringing his hit album I’m the Problem back to the stage for a second promotional tour. The U.S. tour features a packed lineup of opening acts, many of which joined him on his 2025 tour, including Brooks & Dunn, Ella Langley, and Thomas Rhett.
Eve Maret Embraces Her Inner Self on ‘Diamond Cutter’
Eve Maret Diamond Cutter will be self-released Friday, April 17 Nashville experimental musician Eve Maret’s next album emerged as fragments — a melody overheard in a dream, a sudden late-night impulse at the synthesizer, a quiet moment of surrender where judgment fell away and instinct took over. What began as a natural, almost meditative process ultimately crystallized into something urgent and fully formed: Diamond Cutter.
Ella Langley Revealed Via Instagram That Her Relationship With Christ Has ‘Changed Drastically’ Over the Last Year
Bailey Brantingham 30 minutes ago 2 min read Ella Langley, photo by Caylee Robillard Just a few days after country music superstar Ella Langley revealed the 18-song tracklist for her upcoming album Dandelion, the singer posted an Instagram story where she opened up about her strengthening relationship with God.
iHeartRadio Music Awards Honors Country Music’s Biggest Stars
Bailey Brantingham 20 minutes ago 2 min read From rappers to gold medalists to pop royalty, a plethora of Hollywood’s biggest stars gathered in celebration of modern music on Thursday for the 13th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards. While news about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s appearance made national headlines, wins from superstars like Ella Langley and Morgan Wallen had the country music fandom buzzing.
Kacey Musgraves Pranks Robert’s Western World Crowd Disguised as Ronnie Dunn with a Surprise Performance of ‘Neon Moon’
Bailey Brantingham 16 minutes ago 1 min read Kacey Musgraves, photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Grammy-winning musician Kacey Musgraves recently took an unusual approach with her forthcoming album’s promotional campaign, giving a packed crowd of unsuspecting Robert’s Western World patrons the country music surprise of a lifetime.
Riley Green Left Bleeding After Fan Throws Phone On Stage During Melbourne Concert
Bailey Brantingham 27 minutes ago 2 min read Country star Riley Green was injured in his face and neck after a fan threw their cell phone at him during a performance at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne, Australia. The singer was left with blood running from his ear down to his neck, and the injury resulted in Green receiving five stitches in his earlobe.
Book NOT Brooke and Friends Dance the Night Away
book NOT brooke at The Blue Room at Third Man Records, 3/13/2026 On an unpredictable Friday night built around dancing and spectacle, an eclectic crowd gathered in celebration of book NOT brooke and her debut LP Dancer First at The Blue Room at Third Man Records. The party featured a stacked lineup of Nashville favorites and project mastermind Brooke Vespoli’s closest friends, including bedroom producer Iven and indie-pop standout Henry J.
Book NOT Brooke Writes Her Own Alt-Pop Playbook
book NOT brooke book NOT broke Dancer First will be self-released Friday, March 13 Playing 8 p.m. March 13 at The Blue Room at Third Man Records Brooke Vespoli is an expert at blurring the line between beautiful and grotesque. Through her pop-star alter ego book NOT brooke, the singer-songwriter constructs an immersive universe full of lush, sometimes uncanny soundscapes.
Jelly Roll Reveals He Was In a Terrifying ATV Accident Right Before the Grammys
After over a month, country music superstar Jelly Roll is finally coming clean about an ATV accident that occurred in January. The singer, born Jason DeFord, took to Instagram on Sunday, explaining that he was hopping back on his previously totaled ATV for the first time since he flipped it.
Another Look: Jack Vinoy, ‘Eating Yellow Paint’
If Vincent Van Gogh ingested yellow paint to taste happiness — well, it’s an evocative story, but the artist didn’t actually do that — Jack Vinoy is doing something related with sound. On his new EP Eating Yellow Paint, Vinoy explores the art of coping, leaning into the mess and devouring bright, bitter, toxic shades of grief.
Riley Green Teases Witty Single ‘POS Like Me’ - A Potential Clapback to Megan Moroney’s ‘Who Hurt You?’
The rumor mill is spinning fast after country music champion Riley Green teased a witty, self-deprecating song about a past relationship on Instagram. The singer posted a video of himself performing an acoustic rendition of the song, titled “POS Like Me,” the very same day that country music princess Megan Moroney dropped her highly anticipated Cloud 9 album, which happens to feature a song that many speculate is about Green.
Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani Exchange Valentine’s Day Posts Amid Divorce Rumor Drama
Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani have officially set the record straight on their relationship. Just over a month after publicly debunking rumors regarding a possible divorce between the couple, both Shelton and Stefani shared heartfelt Valentine’s Day posts dedicated to each other on Instagram.
All of Drkmttr Is a Stage for Vivienne Blue
Vivienne Blue at Drkmttr, 2/13/2026 Not many artists can make crying in front of a full-length mirror onstage look cool. But then again, not many artists have the pure panache and theatrical prowess of Nashville indie-pop project Vivienne Blue. The drama darling celebrated the release of her EP Break My Heart, Not My Stride, at Drkmttr on Friday with a slate of special guests.
Kid Rock’s ‘Rock the Country’ Festival Cancels South Carolina Dates After Multiple Performers Withdraw
After a controversial few weeks, Kid Rock’s “Rock the Country” festival has cancelled its two-day stop in Anderson, South Carolina. According to ThePost and Courier, Anderson County officials learned that the festival was called off on Feb. 5, but no specific reason was given for the cancellation. Kid Rock (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty) The news comes after weeks of controversy surrounding the historically MAGA-aligned festival.
The 2026 Grammy Awards Crown Country Music’s Biggest Winners
Country music had a big night at the 2026 Grammys. The Recording Academy’s recent addition of an entirely new category for country music showcased the ever-evolving landscape of the genre, while also providing artists with even more opportunity to take home a trophy. Nominees like Tyler Childers and Lainey Wilson covered the most ground this year, each nominated in a majority of the categories, while first-time nominee Zach Top made Grammy history.
Tim McGraw, Eric Church, HARDY and Morgan Wallen Tease Possible Collaboration With Cryptic Posts
Hundreds of country music fans put on their detective hats this morning after Tim McGraw, Eric Church, HARDY, and Morgan Wallen all shared cryptic posts on their Instagrams. Their comment sections quickly turned into endless rabbit holes full of theories, as none of the musicians gave any context alongside the photos.
Governor Bill Lee Declares ‘Dolly Parton Day’ In Tennessee
It’s no secret that Tennessee is home to many of music’s greatest legends. Hotspots like Nashville and Memphis have nurtured numerous generations of musicians. However, one Tennessean stands in stark contrast amongst the rest. Born in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dolly Parton has become a household name, cementing her place as an icon synonymous with the culture of the Volunteer State.
Country Music Almanac 2026: The Country Latin Association
Angie K (left) and Andrea Vasquez The past decade has seen lots of changes that are decidedly not for the better in the global social and political climate. But one more positive movement is broader recognition of how marginalized groups have contributed — both historically and presently, and often in fundamental ways — to cultural phenomena that racist attitudes and policies have erased them from.
Mason Ramsey Returns to Social Media After ‘One of the Most Difficult Years of His Life’
After a lengthy silence, young country prodigy Mason Ramsey has returned to the public eye. He recently announced his comeback on social media, debuting his first post in nearly six months. “I took a much needed break from social media so I could get my business and head on straight,” Ramsey wrote on Instagram.
Joelton Mayfield Gets His Flowers for ‘Crowd Pleaser’
Looking at it one way, songsmith Joelton Mayfield’s debut full-length Crowd Pleaser only took about three weeks to make. But he spent the better part of a decade wrestling with the project, which finally began inching toward the light of day in 2021 and arrived in record stores and on streaming services in October. It’s safe to say Mayfield and the album have earned a proper celebration.
Soccer Mommy, The Mall and More Thrill at Drkmttr Fest II
As of the late summer, Drkmttr has served Nashville for a full decade, pivoting to meet needs and expanding its offerings gradually but never straying from its core mission of being a welcoming, affirming space for all ages to experience music and art. This year, the venue has had to navigate challenges like being a nonprofit at a time when federal grant funding for the arts has been cut dramatically, on top of the regular challenges of running an indie venue.
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