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Featured Artist: Kenny Rogers

10/5/2020

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Kenny Rogers died on March 20, 2020 at the age of 81. He left a legacy of chart-topping music as well as some memorable acting performances. This week we pay tribute to the man with the ultimate beard who transcended genres to become one of the greatest singer/songwriters the world has ever known. Ladies and Gentleman, please give it up for The Gambler.


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Pick 1
“Love Will Turn You Around” was released in 1982 as the lead single and title track for Kenny Rogers’ album, Love Will Turn You Around, and the theme song to his movie, Six Pack (1982). The song hit No. 1 on Billboard Hot Country, No. 13 on Billboard Hot 100, No. 1 on both Canadian Adult Contemporary and Canadian Country Tracks, and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
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​Six Pack is about a down-on-his-luck race car driver who befriends a group of orphans. Kenny Rogers plays the lead character, Brewster Baker. It also stars Diane Lane, Erin Gray, and Anthony Michael Hall. In 1983, a spin-off was created for television that starred Don Johnson as Brewster Baker, Markie Post, and featured Joaquin Phoenix (billed as Leaf Phoenix) in his second role.
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Pick 2
“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” was written by Mel Tillis and first recorded by Waylon Jennings in 1966 for his album Love of the Common People (1967).

​Kenny Rogers recorded a version in 1969 that was released by Kenny Rogers and The First Edition from their fourth album, Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town, which was the first album credited as Kenny Rogers and The First Edition. Their version became an international hit, peaking at No. 6 on Billboard Hot 100 and on Billboard Adult Contemporary and at No. 39 on Billboard Hot Country. After Rogers went solo in 1975, he re-recorded the song (along with several other First Edition hits) for his 1977 greatest hits album, Ten Years of Gold.
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Pick 3
“Daytime Friends” was released as the lead single for Kenny Rogers’ 1977 album, Daytime Friends. The song became Rogers’ second number one hit on the country chart as a solo artist. It also peaked at No. 28 on Billboard Hot 100 and No. 13 on Billboard Easy Listening, topped the contemporary and country charts in Canada, and landed at No. 39 on the UK Singles chart.
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Pick 4
Written by the Bee Gees, “Islands in the Stream” was performed by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton and released as the first single from Rogers’ album, Eyes That See in the Dark (1983). It was named after Ernest Hemingway’s 1977 novel and originally written for Marvin Gaye in an R&B style.
 
With a B-side of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” “Islands in the Stream” hit No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100, knocking Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” off the pedestal. It also nabbed the top spot on Billboard Hot Country and Billboard Adult Contemporary and landed in the Top 10 in several countries. Due to licensing restrictions, “Islands in the Stream” isn’t included on the digital version of the album but it can be found primarily on Dolly’s various compilations.  
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Pick 5
“Lady” was written by Lionel Richie and first recorded by Kenny Rogers and released from his 1980 album, Greatest Hits. The song was a smash-hit and one of Rogers’ biggest hits. The production work was Richie’s first since breaking with the band The Commodores, and he also performed the song on his 1998 album, Time.
 
Kenny Rogers’ version of “Lady” was the first single of the 1980s to chart on all four of Billboard magazine’s charts and spent six weeks at the top of Billboard Hot 100. It was ranked the third biggest hit of 1981.

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Pick 6
Written by Kim Carnes and David Ellingson, “Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer” was recorded by Kenny Rogers and Kim Carnes and released in March 1980 as the only single from Rogers’ album, Gideon (1980). The song landed at No. 3 on Billboard Hot Country, No. 4 on Billboard Hot 100, No. 2 on Billboard Adult Contemporary. It also hit the charts in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
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Pick 7
Written by Kenny Rogers, “Sweet Music Man” was released as the lead single from Rogers’ 1977 album, Daytime Friends. The song landed the top spot on the charts in Canada and peaked at Bo. 44 on Billboard Hot 100 and No. 9 on Billboard Hot Country. Several artists have covered “Sweet Music Man” including Reba McEntire, Milie Jackson, Waylon Jennings, Anne Murray, Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette, to name a few.
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Pick 8
“Coward of the County” was written by Roger Bowling and Billy Edd Wheeler and was recorded by Kenny Rogers for his eighth studio album, Kenny (1979). It was released as the second single from the album and became a cross-over hit, topping Billboard Hot Country and reaching No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the charts in Canada, the UK, and in Ireland where it held its No. 1 position for six consecutive weeks. Alvin and the Chipmunks covered the song for their 1981 album, Urban Chipmunk.

Controversy: It’s rumored that the song’s villains, The Gatlin Boys, is a reference to The Gatlin Brothers. Wheeler denies the rumor, but Roger Bowling and Larry Gatlin had a different story. Kenny Rogers has said that he didn’t see the connection when he agreed to perform “Coward of the County.” If he had known, he would have asked the writers to use a different name for the men who gang rape Becky, the main character’s love interest.
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“Coward of the County” inspired the 1981 television movie, Coward of the County. The film stars Kenny Rogers as Tommy’s uncle, Rev. Matthew Spencer.
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Pick 9
Written by Debbie Hupp and Bob Morrison, “You Decorated My Life” was recorded by Kenny Rogers and released as the lead single from his 1979 album, Kenny. The song topped Billboard Hot Country and peaked at No. 2 on Billboard Adult Contemporary and No. 7 on Billboard Hot 100.
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Pick 10
“Reuben James” is the last song on Kenny Rogers and The First Edition’s 1969 album, Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town. The song became a Top 30 hit on Billboard Hot 100 and was covered by Conway Twitty on his album, Hello Darlin’ (1970). Kenny Rogers re-recorded the song as a solo artist, and it’s been included on several of his compilation albums.
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Pick 11
“She Believes in Me” was recorded by Kenny Rogers and released as the second single from his 1978 album, The Gambler. Released in April 1979, the song became one of the biggest cross-over hits of that year, topping Billboard Hot Country and Billboard Adult Contemporary and landing at No. 5 on Billboard Hot 100.
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Pick 12
Produced by Lionel Richie, “Through the Years” was recorded by Kenny Rogers and released in December 1981 from his album, Share Your Love. The song reached No. 13 on Billboard Hot 100 and stayed in the Top 40 for eleven weeks. It hit the top spot on Billboard Adult Contemporary and No. 5 on Billboard Hot Country. Though it had relatively minor success in North America, Rogers credits “Through the Years” as one of his great career songs.
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Pick 13
“Lucille” was written by Roger Bowling and Hal Bynum. Kenny Rogers recorded it for his debut solo album, Kenny Rogers (1976). The song was released as the second and final single from the album. It became Rogers’ first hit after leaving the group, The First Edition, topping Billboard Hot Country and reaching No. 5 on Billboard Hot 100.
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Pick 14
“We’ve Got Tonight” was written by Bob Seger and recorded by Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton. Released as the lead single for Rogers’ fourteenth studio album, We’ve Got Tonight, the song topped Billboard Hot Country and peaked at No. 2 on Billboard Adult Contemporary and No. 6 on Billboard Hot 100.
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Pick 15
Written by Don Schlitz, “The Gambler” was recorded by several artists, including Johnny Cash for the 1978 album Gone Girl, but it was Kenny Rogers who made the song famous. The song was released in 1978 from Rogers’ album, The Gambler. It hit the top on Billboard Hot Country, making it one of five consecutive number one hits. It also hit No. 16 on Billboard Hot 100, No. 3 on Billboard Adult Contemporary, and won Rogers a Grammy for best male country vocal performance. In 2018, it was added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress. Following Rogers’ death on March 20, 2020, “The Gambler” (as well as his duet with Dolly Parton, “Islands in the Stream”) soared to No. 1 on Billboard Digital Song Sales.
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Kenny Rogers starred in a series of TV movies that were loosely based on the song. There were five movies in the series: Kenny Rogers as The Gambler (1980). Kenny Rogers as The Gambler: The Adventure Continues (1983), Kenny Rogers as The Gambler, Part III: The Legend Continues (1987, The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw (1991), and Gambler IV: Playing for Keeps (1994).

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Featured Artist: Barbara Mandrell

11/4/2019

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By: Wilhelmina Williams (Contributor)
Barbara Ann Mandrell was born December 25, 1948 in Houston, Texas. She is considered one of the most successful female country artists of the ‘70s and ’80s, despite being widely unknown among newer country fans.

Her extensive career began as a young child playing multiple instruments touring with superstars like Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and George Jones. Before her solo career began she toured with her family band as well.
Mandrell’s debut solo album, Treat Him Right, was released in 1971. She released 25 studio albums from 1971 to 1997. Eight albums charted in the Top 10 in U.S. Country, with all but seven breaking into the top 50 on the U.S. Country charts. Her singles include 27 top 10 hits, including 7 No. 1s.
 
Mandrell has been a Grand Ole Opry member since 1972 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009. She was also the first woman inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2014 and the first artist to win CMA Entertainer Of The Year for two consecutive years.

With musical talent to spare and the ability to transform songs of any genre with her own signature country style, it’s no surprise that she has won multiple GRAMMYs, People’s Choice Awards, Country Music Awards and more. For being ‘Country, When Country Wasn’t Cool’, we dedicate this week to the inimitable, Barbara Mandrell.



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SONG OF THE monDAY
I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now) is an R&B hit written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. Other notable covers of the song include Ike and Tina Turner (for the album What You Hear Is What You Get: Live at Carnegie Hall) and The Rolling Stones. Barbara Mandrell’s version was included on her first studio album, 1971’s Treat Him Right and was her first single to chart.
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SONG OF THE tuesDAY
(If Loving You is Wrong) I Don’t Want to Be Right was originally written by Stax Records songwriters Homer Banks, Carl Hampton, and Raymond Jackson for The Emotions, but the groups version of the recording was never released. Barbara Mandrell included her version on the 1978 album, Moods, which reached No. 8 on the U.S. Country charts. The song was Mandrell’s second No.1 hit. Luther Ingram also found success with his own recording of the song.
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SONG OF THE wednesDAY
Written by Stephen Allen Davis and Dennis Morgan, There’s No Love in Tennessee was the only new single released in conjunction with Barbara Mandrell’s Barbara Mandrell: Greatest Hits (1985). The song reached No. 7 on the U.S. Country charts.
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SONG OF THE thursDAY
Barbara Mandrell’sfirst No. 1 hit, Sleeping Single in a Double Bed was also the first single from the album Moods. The song was written by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan. Mandrell won the American Music Award for Favorite Country Single for the song in 1980.
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SONG OF THE friDAY
Another Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan writing collaboration, I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool was Barbara Mandrell’s first No. 1 hit of the ‘80s. Though not listed, George Jones makes a guest appearance in the recording of the song, shortly after being mentioned in the lyrics. The song’s success is largely credited with contributing to Mandrell’s winning Entertainer of the Year from the Country Music Association in 1981. The track’s album, Barbara Mandrell - Live, reached No. 4 on the U.S. Country charts and was certified Gold.
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SONG OF THE saturDAY
Percy Sledge first sang When A Man Loves A Woman in 1966 after Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright penned the track. It was a No. 1 hit then and again in 1991 when Michael Bolton recorded his own version. While Barbara Mandrell’s version, from the 1991 album Key's in the Mailbox, did not chart, it was a return to the stylistic choice of putting her classic country emphasis on popular music that she was well-known for throughout her early career.
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SONG OF THE sunDAY
Happy Birthday Dear Heartache, written by Archie Jordan and Mack David, made it all the way to No. 3 for Barbara Mandrell. The song was released as the first single on 1984’s Clean Cut, the 15th studio album she released. The album would make it all the way to No. 8 on the charts.

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Featured Artist: Kacey Musgraves

2/25/2019

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Born in Golden, Texas, on Aug. 21, 1988, Kacey Musgraves stormed the music scene in 2012 and has been steamrollin' ever since.

She started writing songs when she was 8 years-old and self-produced three albums before signing with Mercury Nashville.

Though she was influenced by Alison Krauss, Lee Ann Womack, John Prine, Bobbie Gentry, and Jim Croce, this six-time Grammy winner has been heralded for her unique lyrics and for putting a twist on old-school country sound. She has released four albums, Same Trailer Different Park (2013), Pageant Material (2015), A Very Kacey Christmas (2016), and Golden Hour (2018).

If you haven't given this amazing talent a listen, we've got seven of our favorite Musgraves songs to help you get started. Give us a week, and we think you'll agree that Kacey Musgraves is a true gem among the costume jewelry that decorates country music today.



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SONG OF THE monDAY
Merry Go 'Round was released in September 2012 as the lead single from Kacey Musgraves' debut, Grammy Award-winning album, Same Trailer Different Park. Co-written by Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, the song's a cynical observation of life in the American heartland and references Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, Jack and Jill, and Mary Had a Little Lamb. The song peaked at No. 63 on Billboard Hot 100, but it hit No. 14 on Hot Country Songs, No. 10 on Country Airplay, and won Musgraves another Grammy for Best Country Song.
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SONG OF THE tuesDAY
Released in 2015, Pageant Material is Kacey Musgraves’ second album under the Mercury Nashville label. Most of the songs were recorded live in Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, and the effort earned Musgraves her second Grammy nomination for Best Country Album. The title song was never released as a single, but we think it would have done well commercially. She uses tongue-in-cheek lyrics to poke fun of herself for not being Pageant Material, and many of us here at Vinyl resonate deeply with that sentiment.
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SONG OF THE wednesDAY
Silver Lining is from Kacey Musgraves' debut album, Same Trailer Different Park (2012). Written by Musgraves, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, Silver Lining was never released as a single, which is a shame. The melody is uplifting and easy-going, and the lyrics explore the idea that we have to weather the darkest, hardest of times to experience the brighter things in life. All in all, it's one of our favorite Musgraves tunes.
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SONG OF THE thursDAY
Written by Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird and Shane McAnally, Blowin’ Smoke was released on April 1, 2013 as the second single from Musgraves’ album, Same Trailer Different Park. The song is about a down-on-her-luck waitress talking shit about this and that and starts and ends with diner sound effects recorded at a Waffle House. It peaked at No. 31 on Billboard Hot Country Songs and No. 23 on Country Airplay. The music video was directed by Honey.
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SONG OF THE friDAY
Released on Feb. 11, Rainbow is the fifth single from Kacey Musgraves' latest studio album, Golden Hour (2018). Written by Musgraves, Shane McAnally and Natalie Hemby, it landed at No. 98 on Billboard Hot 100, No. 20 on Adult Contemporary, and No. 17 on Hot Country Songs. It's a message of hope for those facing adversity and was the last song her grandmother heard her write before died.
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SONG OF THE saturDAY
Kacey Musgraves’ 2018 album, Golden Hour, won two Grammys for Best Country Album and Album of the Year. Two of the songs also won Grammys. Butterflies won for Best Country Solo Performance and Space Cowboy for Best Country Song. Musgraves got the idea for Space Cowboy when her riding teacher told her that when a horse wanted to run there was no point in shutting the gate. A couple of days later, Kacey, Luke Laird and Shane McAnally put together the finishing touches.
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SONG OF THE sunDAY
Biscuits was the lead single for Kacey Musgraves’s 2015 album, Pageant Material, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album. Written by Musgraves, Shane McAnally, and Brandy Clark, Biscuits peaked at No. 28 on Hot Country Songs, No. 41 on Country Airplay, and Billboard ranked it at No. 16 for the Top 25 Songs of 2015 and No. 1 for 10 Best Country Songs of 2015.
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BONUS TRACK
Written by Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, and Josh Osborne, Late To the Party is from the 2015 album, Pageant Material. It was never released as a single, but Musgraves performed the song on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. It’s about being happy in love, and it’s a whimsical, easy-going tune worthy of inclusion on any “Best of Kacey Musgraves” compilation.

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Featured Artist: Bobbie Gentry

1/14/2019

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Born Roberta Lee Streeter on July 27, 1942 in Chickasaw County, Mississippi, Bobbie Gentry is one of the most influential artists most people have never heard of.

She chose her stage name after watching Ruby Gentry, a 1952 movie about a woman who overcame poverty to make something out of her life.

She charted eleven hits on Billboard Hot 100, won three Grammy awards, put Southern Gothic on the map, had a successful Vegas show, was a model and partial owner of the Phoenix Suns and, most importantly, one of the first female artists to write and produce her own music.

She has impacted generations of country artists and her legacy should be honored, which is why we’re dedicating this week to a genuine gem, Ms. Bobbie Gentry.



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SONG OF THE monDAY
Big Boss Man is a blues song first recorded by Jimmy Reed in 1961. It was written by Luther Dixon and Al Smith and has been covered by artists such as Elvis Presley and B.B. King. Bobbie Gentry’s version was included on her second studio album, The Delta Sweete (1968), which was re-released by Capitol Records as Tobacco Road in 1971 without the songs Big Boss Man and Parchman Farm.
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SONG OF THE tuesDAY
Bobbie Gentry wrote and recorded Fancy in 1969. It was included on the 1970 album, Fancy, which earned a Grammy nomination. According to Gentry, the song was her strongest women’s lib statement, and it became a crossover hit, peaking at No. 26 on Hot Country and No. 31 on Billboard Hot 100. Reba McEntire covered it in 1990 on her Rumor Has It album. Her version hit No. 8 on Hot Country.
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SONG OF THE wednesDAY
Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, I’ll Never Fall In Love Again has been covered by several artist, with Dionne Warwick’s version being the highest chart-topper in the US at No. 6 on Billboard Hot 100. Bobbie Gentry’s version appeared on her 1969 album, Touch ‘Em With Love and again on Fancy. Her version hit No. 1 in the UK.
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SONG OF THE thursDAY
Ode to Billie Joe is Bobbie Gentry’s most successful song. From the album, Ode to Billie Joe (1967), it’s about indifference and the inability to connect with one another, even over shared grief. The album knocked the Beatles’s Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band off the top spot of Billboard Hot LP after a 15-week reign. The song, Ode to Billie Joe, became an international hit, landing at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 and earned Gentry three Grammy awards.
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SONG OF THE friDAY
Sittin’ Pretty was written by Bobbie Gentry and Kelly Gordon. The song was originally included on Gentry’s third studio album, Local Gentry (1967), which was re-released in 1971 as Sittin’ Pretty. Though the song (and album) didn’t chart, it’s one of our favorite jams here at Vinyl.
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SONG OF THE saturDAY
Written by John Hartford, Gentle on My Mind was first recorded by Glen Campbell and released in 1967 on the album, Gentle on My Mind. It won four Grammy awards, two for Hartford and two for Campbell. The song was also included on the album, Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell (1968). Gentry had toured with Campbell and frequently performed on his TV show. That album hit No. 1 on Billboard Top Country and No. 11 on Billboard Top LPs chart.
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SONG OF THE sunDAY
Apartment 21 was written by Bobbie Gentry and recorded during the Fancy recording sessions. The song was released as a stand-alone single in 1970 with a b-side of Seasons Come, Seasons Go. Though it peaked at No. 81 on Billboard Hot 100 and No. 19 on Adult Contemporary, it is considered by several critics to be among Gentry’s best work.

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Featured Artist: The Judds

11/20/2017

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Mother and daughter duo, Naomi and Wynonna, are The Judds. One of the most successful acts in country music, the Ashland, Kentucky natives have won five Grammy Awards, eight CMA Awards, and had 25 singles on the country charts between 1983 and 2000, 14 of which hit number one and another six made the top ten. This week we're honoring this dynamic duo with a seven-song tribute that will have you singing, “Mama, we're crazy…we're crazy over Wynonna and Naomi.”


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SONG OF THE monDAY
Mama He's Crazy was recorded by The Judds and released as the second single from the 1983 EP, Wynonna & Naomi, and again on their 1984 debut album, Why Not Me. The song marked the duo's second hit on the country charts and their first number one. The song was so successful, Pinkard & Bowden released a parody called Mama She's Lazy that went to 39 on the country charts.
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SONG OF THE tuesDAY
Rockin' With the Rhythm of the Rain was written by Brent Maher and Don Schlitz. Recorded by The Judds and released as the third single from the 1985 album, Rockin' with the Rhythm, the song marked their seventh number one country hit and spent twelve weeks on the charts. It was one of four number one hits from that album, and Billboard named it the Top Country Album of 1986.
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SONG OF THE wednesDAY
Why Not Me was the first single and title track of The Judds first studio album, Why Not Me. Released in 1984, the song was their second number one and spent fifteen weeks on the country charts. One of four number one hits from that album, Why Not Me won a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with a Vocal in 1986, as did Mama He's Crazy in 1985.
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SONG OF THE thursDAY
Written by Naomi Judd, Paul Overstreet, and John Jarvis, Love Can Build a Bridge was recorded by The Judds and released in 1990 as the second single and title track from their album, Love Can Build a Bridge. The song was later covered by Children for Rwanda as a charity single for Save the Children and by a 10-year-old Britney Spears in 1991 on Star Search.
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SONG OF THE friDAY
Girls' Night Out was the second single and third number one hit from The Judds 1984 album, Why Not Me. Released in 1985 and written by Brent Maher and Jeffrey Bullock, Girls' Night Out spent one week at the top spot and another fourteen weeks on the country charts. It is one of our favorites here at Vinyl.
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SONG OF THE saturDAY
Written by John Jarvis, Naomi Judd, and Craig Bickhardt, Cadillac Red is from The Judds' 1989 album, River of Time. Though two of the songs from that album hit number one, Cadillac Red was not released as a single. River of Time was the second to last studio album The Judds would ever make.
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SONG OF THE sunDAY
Written by Paul Kennerley, Have Mercy was recorded by The Judds for their 1985 album, Rockin' with the Rhythm. The song was the first to be released from that album and became the duo's fifth number one single on the country charts.

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Featured Artist: Glen Campbell

8/14/2017

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In honor of his recent passing, we're paying tribute to Glen Campbell. A singer, songwriter, actor, and TV host, his influence on the world was legendary. During his 50-year career in the star-spangled rodeo, this rhinestone cowboy released more than 70 albums, won ten Grammys, earned an Academy Award nomination, and was a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee. There will be no compromisin' this week as we shine the lights on our favorite Glen Campbell songs. 


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SONG OF THE monDAY
Written by Jimmy Webb, Wichita Lineman has been covered by many people, but Glen Campbell made it famous. Released in 1968 on the album of the same name, Wichita Lineman landed on the U.S. pop, country, and adult contemporary charts. The song was inspired by telephone linemen working in rural Oklahoma, and Rolling Stone has ranked it 195 on their 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
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SONG OF THE tuesDAY
Southern Nights was written by Allen Toussaint and recorded, with modified lyrics, by Glen Campbell for the 1977 album of the same name. In the US, the song hit the top of Billboard's Hot 100, Adult Contemporary, and Hot Country charts. The song features a catchy guitar riff that Campbell learned from friend, Jerry Reed, and has always been one of our favorites Glen Campbell tunes.
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SONG OF THE wednesDAY
Try a Little Kindness was written by Curt Sapaugh and Bobby Austin. It was first recorded by Glen Campbell in 1968 and was released on the album of the same name. The song hit No. 2 on the country charts, No. 1 on Adult Contemporary, and No. 23 on Billboard Hot 100. It's a catchy song with an excellent moral message. Whatever you're doing today, stop, take a cue from Mr. Campbell, and try a little kindness. It goes a long way.
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SONG OF THE thursDAY
Gentle on My Mind was written by John Hartford. Glen Campbell's cover was the only single release from the 1968 album of the same name. Both Hartford and Campbell won two Grammy Awards for the song that year, and Campbell's version put him on the map. He used it as the opening theme to his TV variety show, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour from 1969 - 1972 on CBS. The song has gotten over 5 million plays on the radio since its release.
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SONG OF THE friDAY
Galveston was written by Jimmy Webb and recorded and released by Glen Campbell in 1969 for the album of the same name. Campbell's version landed on the charts in three categories when released. Today, it is ranked eighth among CMT's 100 Greatest Songs in Country Music and is the official anthem for Galveston Island and the city of Galveston, Texas.
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SONG OF THE saturDAY
By the Time I Get to Phoenix was also written by Jimmy Webb and recorded by Glen Campbell in 1967 and released on the album of the same name. The song was originally recorded by Johnny Rivers in 1965, but Campbell's version topped the charts and won two Grammy Awards. He recorded a medley duet of the song with Anne Murray in 1971. Frank Sinatra called it the best torch song ever written.
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SONG OF THE sunDAY
Released in 1975, Rhinestone Cowboy was a smash hit. Written by Larry Weiss, Rhinestone Cowboy was recorded by Glen Campbell and released on the album of the same name. The song hit number one on both the country and Hot 100 charts. After Campbell's death, it resurfaced on the digital charts making it Campbell's signature song.

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Featured Artist: Buddy Holly

1/30/2017

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The glasses, the look, the voice, the music - there's no two ways about it, Buddy Holly is hot. Though his looks mirror those of today's Hipster, Buddy Holly was so much more than a geeky guy with a pretty voice. He was a creative genius whose influence has transcended time.

Born Charles Hardin Holley on Sept. 7, 1937 in Lubbock, Texas, Buddy Holly was always into music. His older brothers taught him how to play guitar, banjo, and lap steel guitar, and at the age of 5 he won a talent contest with the song "Have You Ever Gone Sailing (Down the River of Memories)."

At 13, he was recording covers of popular songs on a friend's wire recorder. At 16, he and Bob Montgomery, a junior high classmate, teamed up as "Buddy and Bob" and began playing local bars and talent shows. Heavily influenced by bluegrass, the duo performed on a Sunday radio program and soon became local celebrities.Thanks to Elvis Presley's influence, Holly began incorporating rockabilly into his music.

"Buddy and Bob" added a third member, Larry Welborn, and the trio opened for Elvis in Lubbock on Oct. 15, 1955, catching the eye of a Nashville talent scout.

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THE CRICKETS
When Holly opened for Bill Haley & His Comets in 1956, a deal with Decca Records shortly followed, but the company misspelled his name on the contract. Holly decided to keep it as his professional name, and then he formed a new band, The Crickets, consisting of Holly, Niki Sullivan, Joe B. Mauldin, and Jerry Allison.

Holly didn't like the restrictive atmosphere at Decca. Though he did record a version of "That'll Be the Day" while at Decca, for the most part Holly's time there was unproductive. A year after being signed, Decca told Holly they wouldn't renew his contract.

Holly hired a manager and soon began recording again. Now with more creative control, he attracted another record label, Brunswick Records, a subsidiary of Decca, and signed The Crickets on March 19, 1957. Holly also signed as a solo artist with another label, Coral Records, a move that put Holly in the unique position of having two recording contracts at the same time.

He released "That'll Be the Day" under the new record label though Decca technically owned the rights. When the song became a hit, Decca decided not to pursue legal action.

"That'll Be the Day" was released, and The Crickets performed the song, along with "Peggy Sue," on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on Dec. 1, 1957.

In addition to performing on Ed Sullivan, in August 1957, The Crickets were the only white performers on a national tour that included black neighborhood theaters. During this time, The Crickets won over an all-black audience to rock and roll/rockabilly when they played New York's Apollo Theater. The feat wasn't easy. It's rumored that it took the band several songs before the audience finally warmed up.

Holly released two debut albums, "The Chirpin' Crickets" in 1957 and a solo album, "Buddy Holly," in 1958. His singles "Oh, Boy!" and "Peggy Sue," originally titled Cindy Lou, topped the charts.

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Indeed Feb. 3, 1959 was the day the music died. We were only beginning to hear what Buddy Holly was capable of. Thankfully though he left behind a collection of work that's simple, catchy, poetic, and lovely - the perfect recipe for great music.


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SOLO CAREER
After their debut success Buddy Holly and The Crickets didn't see eye-to-eye on their next steps. Holly married Maria Elena Santiago, a receptionist for Murray Deutch,
an executive for New York publisher Peer-Southern Music, and the two moved to New York. The Crickets moved back to Lubbock.

In New York, Holly recorded the "Apartment Tapes" and began exploring new music styles. He wanted collaborations between soul singers and rock 'n' roll and aspired to record albums with Ray Charles and gospel legend, Mahalia Jackson.

At Decca's Pythian Temple in October 1958, Holly recorded "True Love Ways," "It Doesn't Matter Anymore," and "Raining In My Heart." These would be the first songs Holly would record with an orchestra and in stereo. It would also be his last formal recording session.

While in New York, it became clear to Holly that his long-time manager was stealing royalties. Now strapped for cash and with a baby on the way, Holly had to make ends meet while pursuing legal action against his manager. Holly took a gig in Winter Dance Party, a three-week tour across the Midwest that opened Jan. 23, 1959.

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THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED
Winter Dance Party featured top headliners Dion and the Belmonts, Ritchie Valens, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, and, of course, Buddy Holly. For the tour, Holly recruited Tommy Allsup, Waylon Jennings, and Carl Bunch and billed them as The Crickets.

Following a performance at Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, Holly chartered a small airplane to take him to the next stop on the tour. Holly, Valens, Richardson and the pilot were killed when the plane crashed soon after take off in the early morning hours of Feb. 3, 1959. Buddy Holly was 22 years old.

Holly influenced many artists, most notably for us at Vinyl was The Beatles. Both John Lennon and Paul McCartney have cited Holly as their primary influence, The Beatles have covered several of Holly's songs, and Paul McCartney owns the publishing rights to Holly's song catalog. Even the name The Beatles is a direct homage to The Crickets.

Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen have all said that Buddy Holly was a big influence.

The Grateful Dead have performed "Note Fade Away" so many times it's on eight of their official live recording releases.

In honor of Holly's 58th birthday, Weezer released "Buddy Holly," and no one can forget Don McLean's tribute song, "American Pie."

Not only did Holly have influence on music, but he was also a major fashionista. He boldly wore glasses, with lenses, and was the epitome of Geek Chic. Elton John started wearing glasses in his teens to be like Buddy Holly. He wore them so much that eventually his eyesight got so bad that he ended up needing glasses. 

HOLLY'S LEGACY
Although his success only lasted a year and a half, Buddy Holly's creative influence on music has spanned generations.

Holly set the template for the standard rock and roll band: two guitars, bass, and drums. He was also one of the first in the genre to write, produce, and perform his own songs, and he was among the first inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Along with Elvis and others, Holly helped bridge the racial gap in American music. He often played with black musicians, people like Chuck Berry and Little Richard, and Holly frequently included the Bo Diddley beat in his songs.

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SONG OF THE monDAY
That'll Be the Day
That'll Be the Day was written by Buddy Holly and Jerry Allison. It was first recorded by Buddy Holly & The Three Tunes in 1956 but Holly re-recorded it in 1957 with the Crickets. The 1957 version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the National Recording Registry.
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SONG OF THE tuesDAY
Rave On!
Rave On! was recorded by Sonny West in 1958. Buddy Holly recorded the song later that year for his album, Buddy Holly. It became a smash hit, one of six to chart that year. The song's title was inspired by a Carl Perkin's song, Dixie Fried. Rave On is also the title of a 2011 Buddy Holly tribute album.
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SONG OF THE wednesDAY
Words of Love
Words of Love was written by Buddy Holly and recorded in 1957. During the recording, Holly harmonized with himself by combining taped recordings. The song was not a notable hit at the time, but now it's viewed as a critical recording and included on most of Holly's greatest hits compilations.
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Everyday
Written by Buddy Holly and Norman Petty, Everyday was recorded with the Crickets in 1957. Though the song has a grammatically incorrect title, it’s among Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and has been covered and used in multiple films including one of our favorites, Stand By Me.
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SONG OF THE friDAY
 American Pie - Don McLean
American Pie was written by Don McLean and released in 1971. Though McLean was only 13 when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash in Clear Lake, Iowa, the grief of losing Holly was what inspired the song. Today, many consider American Pie the greatest song ever written.
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SONG OF THE saturDAY
Heartbeat
Buddy Holly recorded Heartbeat in 1958. Though the song charted better in the UK than the US, several artists have covered it, as well as its B-side Well All Right. Heartbeat was the last single Buddy Holly would release in his lifetime and is often included on his greatest hits compilations.
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SONG OF THE sunDAY
Not Fade Away
Not Fade Away was written by Buddy Holly and released on, The "Chirping" Crickets. According to the movie The Buddy Holly Story (1978), Not Fade Away was the last song Holly performed before he died, but Bob Hale, who master of ceremonies for Winter Dance Party, said the last song Holly sang was Chuck Berry's Brown Eyed Handsome Man as a medley with all the acts on the bill. Regardless, Not Fade Away is one of Holly's most famous and covered songs.

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Featured Artist: Eagles

11/14/2016

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Together original members Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner were Eagles. Formed in 1971 while touring with Linda Ronstadt, Eagles are the highest-selling band in American history with 150 million copies worldwide. "Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)" held the title for all-time highest-selling album until 2009 when Michael Jackson's "Thriller" took the top spot following his death. The group later expanded to include Don Felder, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit. Over the course of their career, Eagles have won six Grammy Awards, been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and are always included in the "Greatest Artists" lists in publications all over the world. We'll do our best to narrow down the list to just seven awesome songs as we pay tribute this week to Eagles.

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SONG OF THE monDAY
Take It Easy - from Eagles (1972)
Take It Easy was written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey and recorded by the Eagles in 1972 for their debut album, Eagles. It was the band's first single and has become one of their signature songs. There's a statue and mural on the corner of Second St. & Kinsley Ave in Winslow, Arizona in honor of the song.
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SONG OF THE tuesDAY
Hotel California - from Hotel California (1976)
The title song from Hotel California is considered one of the best songs (and guitar solos) Eagles ever recorded. Written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, with music by Don Felder, Hotel California is an interpretation of the high life in Los Angeles, American decadence, and The Beverly Hills Hotel, but some think the song's about Satanism.
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SONG OF THE wednesDAY
Desperado - from Desperado (1973)
Desperado is one of the most famous Eagles' songs. Don Henley started writing it in 1968, and Glenn Frey helped him finish in 1972, marking the beginning of their songwriting partnership. Linda Ronstadt covered Desperado on Don't Cry Now, which is somewhat poignant seeing as Henley and Frey met and formed Eagles while touring with her.
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SONG OF THE thursDAY
Life In the Fast Lane - from Hotel California (1977)
The third single release from Eagles’ album Hotel California, Life In the Fast Lane was written by Joe Walsh, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey. Joe Walsh played the opening riff during warm-up for rehearsals, and they built the song from that. Frey said the name came from driving down the freeway with a drug dealer named The Count.
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SONG OF THE friDAY
Peaceful Easy Feeling - from Eagles (1972)
Peaceful Easy Feeling was written by Jack Tempchin and recorded by the Eagles for their debut album. Tempchin started writing the song awhile before meeting Glenn Frey. When Frey heard the song he asked if he could develop it further. Eagles were only eight days old at the time, but what they did with the song was magical.
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SONG OF THE saturDAY
Heartache Tonight - from The Long Run (1979)
Heartache Tonight was written by Glenn Frey, Don Henley, J.D. Souther, and Bob Seger and was recorded by Eagles and released in 1979. Frey and Souther started writing the song while listening to Sam Cooke songs, and Seger and Henley filled in rest. The song's been covered by John Anderson and Michael Bublé on his album Crazy Love.
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SONG OF THE sunDAY
Love Will Keep Us Alive - from Hell Freezes Over (1994)
Love Will Keep Us Alive was first performed by the Eagles for the 1994 reunion tour, Hell Freezes Over. Bassist Timothy B. Schmit sang lead vocals. The song was never released as a single so it wasn't eligible for Billboard Hot 100 due to the rules in place at the time. Despite all that it still spent three weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's adult contemporary charts.

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Featured Artist: The Everly Brothers

1/6/2014

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With the recent passing of Phillip Everly (Jan. 3, 2014), we’d like to take this time to pay tribute to The Everly Brothers. If you don’t have the Everly Brothers in your music collection, you’re missing out on one of the most beautiful harmonies you’ll ever hear in music.

Early On

Don and Phil Everly started out singing as part of The Everly Family on a radio program in Iowa. When the family moved to Tennessee, Don and Phil transitioned out of the family act and into a duo.

If you think the Everly Brothers are just old-school crooners in a time when music was vanilla as vanilla ice cream, you’d be sorely mistaken. Everything we call country rock today has stemmed from the Everly Brothers’ influence.

Influence

They were the Beatles’ Beatles, gods for Simon & Garfunkel, and the wave the Beach Boys rode in on.

“Cathy’s Clown,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” “Bye Bye Love,” “All I Have To Do Is Dream,” and “Be-Bop-A-Lula” are among the Everly Brother’s 35 Top 100 songs, more than any other duo. 

“Wake Up, Little Susie” was a bit controversial for the time because naysayers thought the song was too sexual. The song was banned on radio stations in Boston and other part of the country.

International Presence

Not only were the Everly Brothers popular in the United States, they were just as successful in Britain, thus the connection to the Beatles. In the U.K. they had 30 chart singles, 29 in the top 40, 13 top 10 and 4 at No. 1 between 1957 and 1984.

Accolades and Tributes

Rolling Stone has labeled them “the most important vocal duo in rock.” They have been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame.

Three Everly Brothers tribute albums were released in 2013, including Norah Jones and Billy Joe Armstrong’s “Foreverly.” There have also been several famous covers of their songs including Alison Krauss and Robert Plant’s version of “Gone Gone Gone” off the “Raising Sand” album, Reba McEntire’s “Cathy’s Clown,” and a-ha’s “Crying In the Rain.”

Although their influence runs deep through today’s music, the main reason you should add the Everly Brothers' music to your playlist is their harmony. It’s beautiful, soothing, and graceful, the perfect background for just about any day of the year.

An Everly Brothers' Sampling

"Wake Up Little Susie" is a classic Everly Brothers' tune. It's catchy, clever, and quite controversial for the time. It was banned from the radio in places like Boston for its suggestive lyrics. The song has been covered by Simon & Garfunkel, the Grateful Dead, and Alvin and the Chipmunks, to name a few. If there's one Everly Brothers' tune you must have, it's this song.
If you haven't heard "Cathy's Clown" then you really need to have a listen. Not only is the song the Everyly Brothers' biggest hit, but it was also a huge influence on The Beatles, who once considered calling themselves The Foreverly Brothers. The Beatles recreated the vocal arrangement of "Cathy's Clown" in their first U.S. single, "Please Please Me."
The song "Bye Bye Love" was rejected by 30 other acts before the Everly Brothers. The song became the duo's first million-seller reaching number two behind Elvis and number 1 on the country charts. The song is catchy, which is probably why it's been covered by people like George Harrison, Simon & Garfunkel, Roy Orbison, and Ray Charles.
You gotta have "All I Have to Do Is Dream" in your playlist. It's so beautiful and relaxing and sad and soothing all at the same time. Enough said.
"Bird Dog" is a lesser known Everly Brothers' hit, but the lyrics are clever and the beat is fast-paced. The song's simple and very fun to sing. Give it a listen and you'll find yourself singing the song later on in the day.
"('Til) I Kissed You" is a must-have Everly Brothers' song. A swanky beat and beautiful harmony is at the core of this song. You'll find yourself singing this song to your significant other, if you're on good terms, as you twirl them about the living room.
"Gone Gone Gone" is a classic break-up empowerment song. If you've ever kicked someone to the curb because they treated you less than in your relationship, then give this song a listen. You'll find yourself feeling a whole lot better. As a bonus check out Alison Kraus and Robert Plant's cover of this song from their album, Raising Sand.
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Featured Artist: Dixie Chicks

11/18/2013

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If you like country music, you'll love their classic country roots. If you don't like country music, you'll like their clever lyrics and rebellious attitude. No matter what side of the fence you're on the Dixie Chicks are a win-win for every music fan. Just to be clear - we're talking music here, not politics.

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