Ira Dean comes from a musical family. His brother is Billy Dean, but not that Billy Dean. "It's a joke because Billy Dean's royalty checks used to go to my brother," Ira Dean said. But his brother and father were both very much in the business. His father played guitar, sang, and even had his own radio show when he was 13, so the music business is all Dean's ever known. "It was either make it or wear a hairnet and say, 'Do you want fries with that?'" he joked.

The leap from rodeo bullfighter to country music singer may not be as vast as you think. Lane Smith was raised in Branch Springs, Texas, just north of San Antonio. The tough, unpredictable nature of rodeo culture mirrors the challenges of building a country music career from the ground up. He soon realized he couldn't be a bullfighter forever. Country music and rodeo go hand in hand, with concerts following most rodeos. Smith saw them and thought, "I really want to be an artist."

Two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and Columbia Nashville artist Luke Combs was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame this week.

When I first heard a few Six Gun Sally songs, I knew immediately that this band was meant to be heard live. The members, who have various musical pursuits, remind me of a supergroup bringing the best of what they do together to create the rowdy, eclectic southern rock band Six Gun Sally.

Kelsey Hart never had the goal of being a country music singer. Right out of high school, the Kentucky native went to barber school and got his license. His friend who lived right down the street had a guitar and often stopped by the shop where the pair would sing together to pass the time. This led to them starting a hometown band. For a year, Hart was the frontman for their local band, but by age 20, he decided he needed to learn the guitar. The hometown band eventually fizzled out, but by then, Hart knew enough songs on guitar that he could play solo at bars or wherever they would have him.

Country singer-songwriter Tyler Rich last week released his sophomore album, Hello California. This 10-track independent project tells the story of a California native who found his voice in Nashville. It's the first half of a double album, with the second half set to be released later this year.

I have long been a fan of Taylor Hughes since I first interviewed her in 2021. Her rich contralto adds a unique depth to her songs, making them resonate with listeners who enjoy the blend of truth and grit, all with an authentic Southern drawl.

Lily Rose came across my radar in 2021 when her mega-hit “Villain” hit the airwaves. She was soon named to the 2022 CMT Next Women of Country.

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2025 wrapped up last week after three days of unforgettable musical performances, insightful panels, and dynamic industry sessions. This year’s event was a resounding success, offering attendees a dynamic lineup of showcases and events, including the Amazon Music Presents: “Country Heat at CRS 2025” showcase, Warner Music Nashville’s Luncheon, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, “Team UMG” at the Ryman, BBR Music Group Decades Party, Big Machine Label Group’s Luncheon, and the highly anticipated New Faces of Country Music Show and Dinner.

When I heard the title track of Garrett Bradford's new album, “Honkiest of Tonkers” (Part 1), I knew he played music I wanted to listen to. It turns out he is a bonafide cowboy who writes and sings songs. Bradford is a fourth-generation Texan and grew up in the western worlds of ranching and rodeo. His formative years were spent on the ranch, where he developed a profound appreciation for livestock, hunting, and fishing. But as many in country music can attest, Bradford started singing in church.