Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Lindi Smith
EmiSunshine Covers Fellow Folk and Bluegrass Singer at Heart Janis Joplin on 'American Idol'
While keeping it country might've limited her new friend and fellow contestant Alex Miller's shot at winning American Idol (without lowering his professional ceiling as a country artist, we might add), EmiSunshine needed no outside advice about casting a wide creative net.
Carole Underwood Told 'Today' About Her Daughter Carrie's Talent Show Beginnings
Carole Underwood, the mother of American Idol winner and Grammy award-winning country singer Carrie Underwood, talked candidly about her daughter in a recent interview with Today's Sheinelle Jones. Carrie was born about an hour from Tulsa in Muskogee, an Oklahoma city closely associated with country music lore, and raised in the rural town of Checotah.
Melissa Gilbert's Brother Jonathan and Sister Sara Are Both Recognizable Actors
Melissa Gilbert became a household name after landing the role of Laura Ingalls Wilder in Little House on the Prairie, but she wasn't the only Gilbert to go into showbusiness. Her brother Jonathan, also adopted by Barbara Cowen and Paul Gilbert, was an actor and her adopted sister, Sara Gilbert, is best known for starring on the sitcom Roseanne. It shouldn't have been any surprise the Gilbert children wanted to be performers as Paul Gilbert and his wife Barbara were actors.
Melissa Gilbert Named One Of Her Boys After Michael Landon
Melissa Gilbert is best known for the role of Laura Ingalls Wilder on the beloved NBC TV series, The Little House on the Prairie. The world watched her grow up on the show alongside her co-star Melissa Sue Anderson. Though Gilbert obviously had her own family growing up in Hollywood (including sister Sara Gilbert and brother Jonathan Gilbert), at times it's hard to imagine her with a life outside of the prairie, being raised by Caroline (Karen Grassle) and Charles Ingalls (Michael Landon).
Overlooked '80s Western 'Barbarosa' Co-Starred Willie Nelson and Gary Busey
One of the most overlooked Westerns of the '80s, Barbarosa (1982) co-starred two famous sons of Texas, country music legend Willie Nelson and Oscar-nominated actor Gary Busey. It was the first American film by Australian director Fred Schepisi (Roxanne, Mr. Baseball).
Siblings Tim and Tyne Daly Shared the Screen on 'Madame Secretary
Tim Daly and his sister Tyne couldn't be more different on paper. Tyne Daly, 10 years older than her brother, is a six-time Emmy Award winning actress who has led an incredible dramatic career on the stage. Tim is known for playing do-gooder characters like Dr. Pete Wilder on the ABC Grey's Anatomy spinoff Private Practice and Henry McCord on Madam Secretary. But despite all the differences, the siblings are close, having grown up in a household that really valued performing as a profession.
Dolly Parton May Appear in 'Grace & Frankie' with Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin
For the past six seasons, we have loved following along with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda on the sitcom Grace and Frankie. The two women as well as their on-screen ex-husbands played by Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston round out an incredible cast that will honestly have you laughing episode after episode. But we have some amazing news leading up to the show's seventh and final season. Apparently, Tomlin and Fonda's former co-star from 9 To 5, Dolly Parton, could be appearing in a guest-starring role.
Paramount Airing 'We Love Kevin Costner' Marathon on Valentine's Day Weekend
Do you swoon over John Dutton? Does the thought of Field of Dreams, The Bodyguard or Bull Durham make your heart skip a beat? In short, do you love Kevin Costner? Well, we have good news. You can now spend Valentine's Day weekend with the man himself when the Paramount Network airs its "We Love Kevin Costner" marathon. The marathon kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 13 with the 2006 film The Guardian at 8:30 a.m. ET/PT, followed by a Yellowstone season 1 marathon at 12:00p.m. ET/PT. On Sunday, Feb.
The Legend Behind Lucky Horseshoes Involves The Devil Himself
Have you ever seen someone with an iron horseshoe hung above the front door of their house? The story behind horseshoe superstition has a long history dating all the way back to ancient times in 959 A.D. And as you've learned from Elvis Presley, it and four leaf clovers are meant to be good luck charms. The lucky horseshoe is a big part of Irish folklore and history (despite being typically associated with western cowboy culture).
Ben Danaher Sings the Holiday Blues on 'Just Like Christmas'
"Ain't it just like Christmas to kick you when you're down," Ben Danaher sings on "Just Like Christmas," a reminder that the holiday season isn't always as holly jolly as some of those inescapable Christmas tunes would suggest.
Cole Swindell's on a Three-Single Hot Streak
For someone with five No. 1 hits so far on the Billboard US Country Airplay chart, Cole Swindell sure gets lost in the shuffle. In the mainstream, he lacks the constant (and deserved) praise showered on perennial Entertainer of the Year hopefuls and fellow Georgia natives Luke Bryan and Thomas Rhett.
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas": The Story Behind Judy Garland's Holiday Classic
Of all of the endless Christmas songs out there, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" really captures the meaning of the season. The holidays can be stressful and bring up negativity in all of us so it's important to focus on what this time is about and make it as positive for yourself as you can. It's an uplifting song that gives you all the feels and reminds you to enjoy time with family and friends as the year comes to a close.
10 Amazing Country Homes You Can Build for Under $65K
We all dream of having that perfect country home, but finding it can get quite expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of modular and prefab houses that won't break the bank. From a $5,000 arched cabin in the woods to a $40,000 mobile home made for enjoying nature, here are 10 gorgeous and affordable homes to fit every budget.
Gwen Stefani Countrifies Past Hits in 'Tonight Show' Sketch
During a recent segment on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Gwen Stefani turned familiar tunes by No Doubt and from her solo career into country music throwbacks. It's No Doubt's "Don't Speak" and "Spiderwebs" and Stefani's "Hollaback Girl," broadcast from some other timeline where she pivoted to the same career path as her country star boyfriend and fellow The Voice star Blake Shelton.
Howard McNear, Floyd the Barber on 'Andy Griffith' Originated Doc on 'Gunsmoke'
The Andy Griffith Show was full of memorable character actors. Deputy Barney Fife, Gomer and Goober Pyle, Otis Campbell, and other townsfolk in Mayberry were just as memorable as their leading man, Sheriff Andy Taylor and his son Opie. One of those beloved friends of Andy who appeared numerous times throughout the show was the sweet but slightly odd neighborhood barber Floyd Lawson, who just couldn't seem to trim Andy's sideburns evenly.
'Touched By An Angel' Cast: Where Are They Now?
For nine seasons, the television series Touched By An Angel inspired viewers in its stories centered around angels helping people in their everyday lives. The CBS drama series was centered on an angel named Monica (Roma Downey) and her supervisor Tess (Della Reese) as they passed along messages from God to those needing help. Since its first season debuted in 1994, the show was nominated for eleven Primetime Emmy Awards as well as three Golden Globes.
Kris Kristofferson Helped John Prine Land a Major Label Record Deal
In the buildup to the late John Prine's Oct. 10 birthday, his Facebook page has been sharing memories tied to the "Angel From Montgomery" songwriter's early years as a mainstream artist. The best post so far explains how Kris Kristofferson played a role in Prine transitioning from the Chicago folk music scene to the Atlantic Records roster.
How Rita Wilson Went From Hollywood Actor to Rising Country Star
Rita Wilson is no stranger to being a performer. Not only is her husband Tom Hanks one of the world's favorite actors, but Wilson herself has starred in countless films over the years, including Sleepless In Seattle and Jingle All The Way. She was even a producer on My Big Fat Greek Wedding. But a few years ago she released her debut album AM/FM and decided to embark on a new journey as a singer.
Brad Paisley's Sister-In-Law Ashley Williams is A Hallmark Star
We all know that Brad Paisley's longtime love, Kimberly Williams-Paisley is an actress. She's fondly remembered for her role in the Father of the Bride franchise (when she first caught the country star's attention) and has consistently continued appearing on our television screens in shows like Nashville and Dolly Parton's Heartstrings on Netflix. But did you know that her sister, Ashley Williams, is also an actress?
Carrie Underwood Donates $100K in Supplies to Hometown School District
Country music star Carrie Underwood celebrated the release of her first-ever holiday album My Gift by gifting her hometown Oklahoma school district, Checotah Public Schools, with $100,000 worth of Chromebooks and other supplies. The Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM Awards) co-Entertainer of the Year, American Idol winner and 2001 graduate of Checotah High School's donation came at a time when the coronavirus (COVID-19) makes distance learning tools necessary.
Mac Davis + Kenny Rogers Perform 'It's Hard to Be Humble'
Mac Davis' "It's Hard to Be Humble" became an international hit upon its 1980 release. It had all the tongue-in-cheek macho bravado we'd later hear in Toby Keith's "How Do You Like Me Now?!" or any number of Ric Flair promos, and it further cemented Davis' image as a country boy with the same crossover crooner appeal as Elvis Presley (Davis famously penned "In the Ghetto") or his duet partner in the above video, Kenny Rogers.
99-Year-Old Fiddler Violet Hensley's Opry Debut Will Make You Cheer
oembed rumble video here Violet Hensley has been called the "Stradivarius of the Ozarks," a "fiddle queen" and a living legend. At 103 years old, the Yellville, Ark. native has spent nearly 50 years performing at the Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, Mo., where she still entertains crowds by playing the fiddles she's crafted by hand. But on Aug.
Blackberry Smoke's 'Live From Capricorn Studios' Honors Popular Music's Southern and African American Roots
Who better than Blackberry Smoke, a hard-working rock 'n' roll band from Atlanta, to cut a tribute to Southern music at Macon, Ga.'s reopened Capricorn Sound Studios? The facilities of Capricorn Records, the historic label home to the Allman Brothers Band and other obvious influences on Blackberry Smoke, now operate as a recording studio, museum, learning environment and office space that's operated by Mercer University.
Billy Strings' February Mini-Tour Was an Early Father's Day Gift
Shortly before live music as we knew it got disrupted, bluegrass guitarist Billy Strings unknowingly told one of the best Father's Day stories of the year by taking his dad Terry Barber on the road. A four-date mini-tour back home in Michigan allowed Strings, a busy performer even by livestream standards, a chance to spend a little time with family. "I've been on the road so much that I haven't been able to spend much time with my father," he said in February.
Mallory Johnson Revisits an Intoxicating Relationship on 'Drunk Mind, Sober Heart' [Acoustic Premiere]
Singer-songwriter Mallory Johnson sings of late night drunk texts, heartache and old feelings on the gentle, vulnerable "Drunk Mind, Sober Heart," a song about two old flames who only reconnect with the help of liquid courage. "You try to tell me that you still love me/ And I try to say you're in over your head," Johnson sings.
Participant Says Part of HGTV's 'Fixer Upper' is Completely Staged
oembed rumble video here Fixer Upper, starring Chip and Joanna Gaines, is one of the biggest home renovation shows of the last decade. The series kicks off each episode with the Gaines' showing a family three different houses in the Waco, Texas area. The couple then renovates the chosen home which leads up to the big reveal. However, it sounds like the whole house-hunting portion of the show may be completely staged.
Texas Shoe Artist Designed Whataburger-Themed Nikes
oembed rumble video here A few years ago, San Antonio sneaker artist has designed a pair of Whataburger-themed Nikes. After Whataburger tweeted an image of the sneakers, photos of the Whataburger shoes quickly went viral. The shoe is a Nike Low Dunk Custom and features the distinct "W" logo and the orange and white stripes that Texans everywhere associate with deliciousness.
Sissy Spacek + Jack Fisk: Inside Their 46-Year Love Story
Actress Sissy Spacek has led an incredible career in Hollywood since the early '70s. Outside of her six Oscar nominations (including her win for Coal Miner's Daughter), she's also had an incredibly happy marriage with production designer Jack Fisk for 47 years. The inspiring couple met at the very beginning of Spacek's career. ASSOCIATED PRESS In 1973, Spacek was starring in her first leading film role as Holly Sargis in Terrence Malick's Badlands. Jack Fisk was an art director for the film.
Redneck Wine Glasses Are Our Favorite Summer Drinkware
oembed rumble video here Let's face it, wine glasses are overpriced, break at the slightest touch and don't even come with a lid. All of those problems go away with the redneck wine glass. Also known as the country wine glass, these vessels serve as festive goblets for everything from beer and wine to decorations and snacks. You can even seal up your favorite beverage to keep pests away at your next barbecue.
This Face-Down Beach Chair Is a Must-Have for Tanning
The perfect beach chair finally exists. Ostrich is releasing its Deluxe 3N1 Chair just in time for summer. Soak in some rays in five different positions. With three footrest options, you'll find the ultimate comfy position for tanning poolside or at the beach. The Ostrich 3N1 lounge chair comes assembled, so there's no need to pull out the toolbox. My favorite spec about the lounge chair is the face hole.
10 Things You Didn't Know About Dollywood
oembed rumble video here Located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood is one of the most visited places in the state. It's known for its thrilling theme park rides, water attractions, country and bluegrass concerts and, of course, its tributes to Dolly Parton. Here are ten things you may not have known about the famous park. It wasn't always called Dollywood The park was originally opened in 1961 under the name Rebel Railroad.
20 Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Texas
oembed rumble video here Native Texans pride themselves on knowledge of the state. Grade school children are taught the state flower (bluebonnet), the state bird (mockingbird) and the state motto (friendship). We grow up fully aware that Texas is the largest state in the contiguous 48 states, and we know the Texas pledge by heart, right alongside the United States pledge of allegiance.
Flashback: Randy Travis Performs 'Amazing Grace' During Country Music Hall of Fame Induction
oembed rumble video here Iconic country singer Randy Travis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on Oct. 16, 2016 and gave an awe-inspiring performance of "Amazing Grace." Just three years earlier, Travis had suffered a massive stroke and has overcome great obstacles to regain physical mobility. After years of therapy, Travis took the momentous occasion as an opportunity to share his voice once again.
New Dolly Parton Book 'Songteller: My Life in Lyrics' Slated for November Release
Dolly Parton's new book Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, out Nov. 17 via Chronicle Books, explores 175 of the songwriter's beloved works through personal stories plus rare photos and memorabilia from Parton's career. "Both a visual memoir and annotated songbook, Dolly Parton, Songteller is a candid, intimate look at Dolly's enduring career as a songwriter, musician and country legend," read a tweet by Chronicle Books.
Video Premiere: Lake & Lyndale's Tenacious 'Still Here'
Nashville indie-folk and Americana group Lake & Lyndale's "Still Here" is a song for anyone with a dream. The soulful track is about overcoming obstacles through tenacity and perseverance. "I watch the flicker and the flame/I stay the same," vocalist Channing Marie sings.
Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton Named Among 100 Highest-Paid Celebrities
Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton are among the top 100 highest-paid celebrities of 2020 according to an annual list compiled by Forbes. Bryan is No. 62 on the list, with a yearly earning of $45.5 million. Shelton's not far behind at No. 7, racking up $43.5 million in the last 12 months. Both Bryan and Shelton have prominent roles on singing competitions shows. Bryan has been a judge on American Idol since 2018, while Shelton has served as a coach on The Voice since 2011.
Sturgill Simpson Plays Bluegrass Set at the Ryman, Teases New Albums
Sturgill Simpson had quite the birthday weekend. Before turning 42 today (June 8), the singer-songwriter led an all-star band through a bluegrass set at country music's Mother Church, the Ryman Auditorium. The set, performed Friday night without a live audience in line with COVID-19 (coronavirus) precautions, teamed Simpson and his usual drummer Miles Miller with banjo picker Scott Vestal, mandolin player Sierra Hull, bassist Mike Bub, guitarist Mark Howard and fiddler Stuart Duncan.
This Week Marks the Anniversary of 2 of the Deadliest Tornadoes in U.S. History
Tornado season is officially upon us, which means folks in tornado alley need to be prepared. May and June are typically always peak season, which an average death toll of 80 each year according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It's estimated that over 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. annually, which is over three times what other countries around the world experience. Some of the deadliest tornadoes in United States history have taken place in May and June.
$1 Million Treasure Chest Found in the Rocky Mountains
A treasure chest filled with gold, rubies, emerald and diamonds has been found in the Rocky Mountains. Forest Fenn, the 89-year-old multimillionaire, former military pilot and antiques collector who created the treasure hunt, made the announcement on June 7. The man who found the treasure chest did not wish to be named. "It was under a canopy of stars in the lush, forested vegetation of the Rocky Mountains and had not moved from the spot where I hid it more than 10 years ago," Fenn wrote.
Crystal Gayle on Family, Country Music and Ankle-Length Hair
One of the more under-appreciated albums of 2019, You Don't Know Me: Classic Country, allowed Grand Ole Opry member and Hollywood Walk of Fame honoree Crystal Gayle to revisit the music of her childhood with her son, Nashville producer and engineer Christos Gatzimos. To further connect with family, the former Brenda Gail Webb incorporated the talents of three of her seven siblings.
Dolly Parton Shares Poem About Being Quarantined With Family
Dolly Parton has really stepped it up during the coronavirus pandemic. When she's not making a generous donation toward a COVID-19 cure, she's adding her own touch to country music stars' increased use of streaming video: Be it for her Goodnight With Dolly bedtime stories for kids or with a quarantine-themed poem that comedically captures how many of us adults feel about social distancing.
St. Augustine, Florida: Pirate Treasure, Trolly Tours + More in America's Oldest City
Did you know that St Augustine, Florida, is the oldest city in the United States? Founded back in 1565, it was the capital of Spanish Florida for 200 years (with a brief takeover by the British) until Spain ceded to the United States in 1819. This Florida beach town is full of history, and parts of the city make you feel like you stepped back in time. The nation's oldest city is a popular vacation spot for a reason.
John Anderson's New Album 'Years' Shares 'Message of Hope and Hanging On and Getting Over the Bad Times'
When John Anderson announced his new album Years back in January, it seemed like a gift to fans who'd discovered Anderson through "Your Lying Blue Eyes" in the '70's, "Swingin'" in the '80's or "Seminole Wind" in the '90's. After pressing play on the title track, Anderson's thank you card to his supporters started resembling the statements on aging and mortality that earned critical acclaim for Johnny Cash and Tanya Tucker.
George Strait Sings 'Amarillo By Morning' at Gruene Hall + 4 More Live Performances by the King of Country
Although George Strait announced his retirement in 2012, the The King of Country still stays busy out on the road. This year, he'll share the stage with Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town and Brothers Osborne. And he'll continue to serenade fans at his Las Vegas residency Strait to Vegas. And we're lucky, because there's just nothing like seeing the country legend live. From the Astrodome to the Texas dance halls, here are 5 of our favorite George Strait live performances.
Kacey Musgraves, Chris Young + More Country Artists Give Back After Nashville Tornado
Country artists are giving back after a deadly tornado ripped through Nashville and central Tennessee on March 3. The tornado killed at least 25 people in Tennessee and destroyed several homes. Chris Young is donating $50,000 to the Music City Inc. foundation to help with tornado relief efforts. "My heart goes out to everyone who lost friends or family last night," Young wrote.
Garth Brooks to Play the Final Show in Original 'Austin City Limits' Venue
Austin City Limits, the iconic Texas live music series broadcast on local PBS station KLRU-TV, is moving to a new broadcast studio on the Austin Community College Highland Campus this year. But country icon Garth Brooks will be on hand to give the show's original home, Studio 6A on the University of Texas campus, a proper farewell. On May 24, Brooks will perform a special concert, "Farewell to Studio 6A: An Evening With Garth Brooks," to benefit KLRU's "Moving Forward" campaign.
The Dixie Chicks Call Out a Liar on New Single 'Gaslighter'
The Dixie Chicks are back with brand new music. Nearly 14 years since the release of their Grammy-winning album Taking the Long Way, the trio has released the title track to their forthcoming album Gaslighter. The song reflects on a toxic relationship. (In an interview last year, Natalie Maines said that many of the songs on the album were inspired by her divorce.) "We moved to California and we followed your dreams," Maines sings.
This Guy Snuck into a Vietnam War Zone to Bring His Buddies Beer
In the late 1960s, John "Chickie" Donohue made the greatest beer run ever. Chickie was a former merchant Marine from New York City who became disheartened after seeing all of the United States protests against the war and blatant bashing of soldiers serving in the Vietnam War. He even wrote a book about it called "The Greatest Beer Run Ever: A True Story of Friendship Stronger Than War" with co-author Joanna Molloy.
Caboose Tiny Home Turns Antique Train Car into Cozy Retreat
If you love the history and rustic charm of vintage trains, there's a custom train caboose tiny home that is sure to give you some inspiration. Tiny homes can be made from almost anything. People have constructed them from reclaimed materials, new materials, and even shipping containers. But this tiny home built from a caboose is something truly special. It was on the market for just $51,500, which is a major bargain.
10 of the All Time Best Water Parks in the Country
There's no better place to cool off in the warm weather than at a great water park. What could be more refreshing than a giant water playground? There are hundreds of them around the United States, but we're taking a look at the ten best water parks in the country that should be on your Spring and Summer bucket list. 1.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Lindi
Contact Lindi, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack