Brenda Lee: Lessons from the Archetype of Modern Country Stardom

Before “Star Search” gave us Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, before “American Idol” brought us Kelly Clarkson ...

How to Prep A Song for Your Breathing Style

As you sing your song to a producer, a recording artist, or an audience, be careful not to let your breathing issues get in the way.

Billy Ray Cyrus Spreads the Word in Hellmann’s Sandwich Swap 'n' Share Campaign

What could be more evocative of growing up in America than memories of trading homemade sandwiches with friends at school?

New Artist Spotlight: Brantley Gilbert

Brantley Gilbert grew up in Jefferson, Ga. within earshot of Athens, home of R.E.M., the B-52s and other alternative ...

James Taylor and Carole King in Concert

The adjectives “timeless” and “ageless” are often overused when describing someone or something that’s sustained the

A Simple Twist of Fate: Bob Dylan and the Making of Blood on the Tracks

When I picked this book up, the first thought that ran through my head was, “Oh great, a book of some publicists nonsense singing the praises of an already famous aging musician.” I was quite surprised to find it to be anything but. ...

Bob DiPiero Spearheads the Success of CMA Songwriters Series

In 2005, Bob DiPiero was already a giant in Nashville’s songwriting community. The Youngstown, Ohio, native had received two CMA Triple Play Awards — in 1995, for Faith Hill’s “Take Me As I Am,” Reba McEntire’s ...

Blake Shelton’s ‘Hillbilly Bone’: Big Plans in Small Packages

When Country fans talk, artists listen. So when fans kept asking Blake Shelton when he was going to put out a ...

New Artist Spotlight: Blackberry Smoke

The sound of Blackberry Smoke, as captured on the group’s BamaJam album, Little Piece of Dixie, taps into the pride, defiance, heartbreak and joy of deep-fried Country and Southern rock. That makes it all the ...

Creating your Bio

Remember first and foremost, no one has to read your answers to these questions so be honest with yourself. Once you have a working document then you can pick the best parts and some that have had profound ...

Billy Yates Taps Old-World New Income Streams

Just before going onstage at a festival in Denmark, Billy Yates received some strange news from the promoter. As he remembered it, she said, “‘I have to tell you — they have guns. They shoot them in the air if they like ...

Big Kenny Sows Seeds of Solo Success

Big Kenny Alphin is known almost as much for the causes he champions as the music he makes, as well as for spreading the gospels of “Love Everybody” and “Music with No Boundaries.” It should come as no ...

Beyond Country: Not Your Father's Nashville

Nashville's most lucrative and recognizable export has had a challenging 10 years. The decade that's coming to a close saw country-music sales fall — albeit a little later than the rest of the industry. But Music City's pop, rock and ...

How To “Belt” Out a Song (Without Blowing Out Your Larynx!)

We’ve talked about the two main vocal registers, the head (soprano/falsetto) and the chest (alto/speaking). But many voice teachers also refer to a “belt” register. Technically, anyone can ...

Back to Basics: Pick vs. Fingers

No matter how accomplished we might become at anything, it’s always helpful to go back to basics. I’ve been playing music for most of my life and I still learn something new every time I revisit ...