Music City Minute

Three country music up-and-comers who are riding high on the ACM Award hog | Music City Minute

Goodness gracious, this year is flying by! It is wild to think that the ACM Awards are right around the corner, and while we are still about a week away, several early wins were recently revealed. First up is Avery Anna, who was surprised on stage by family and bestie Sam Barber with the ACM New Female Artist of the Year award. Next, Tucker Wetmore was mid-concert in London when Thomas Rhett crashed his set and announced he was the New Male Artist of the Year. Wetmore’s emotional response was captured by fans, where he admits he was at a “loss for words.” Finally, Stephen Wilson Jr. is the latest recipient of a cowboy hat-shaped trophy when his official music video for Cuckoo (which codirected by the way) won Best Visual Media of the Year. For the full list of winners, be sure to check out the 61st annual Academy of Country Music Awards hosted by Shania Twain, which will stream live on Prime Video from Las Vegas, Sunday, May 17.   I’m Sheena, and that’s your Music City Minute.

Jason Aldean admits he likes this one person more than bestie Luke Bryan | Music City Minute

In the entertainment business, it can be difficult to make true friends. Yet, from time to time, twin flames are drawn to each other, igniting a lifelong bond. With that in mind, two of the most notorious besties in country music are Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. During a recent interview where they discussed their latest duet, "Songs About Us," as well as their upcoming coheadline tour, each revealed secrets about the other that only decadeslong friends would know. For example, apparently Jason Aldean’s “baseball bat” golf grip drives Luke nuts. However, thankfully, the son of a peanut farmer has been giving Jason grip tips. It would also seem the "Country Girl" singer cannot keep up with his friend who “Only shoots tequila” instead of drink margaritas, which Bryan claims, “Is a problem.” That said, in hilarious contrast, Aldean only had glowing comments about his friend saying Luke has no filter (which he is envious of) and his mom, Miss LeClaire, is the most awesome mom in the world. In fact, Jason admits he likes Luke’s mom more than him, to which Bryan shot back, “My mother cusses at Jason from time to time. They used to share cigarettes, but they don’t do that anymore cause Jason’s a quitter.” Is it just me, or do these boys sound more like brothers than friends?   I’m Sheena, and that’s your Music City Minute.

In Music City, every night is a boot-scootin' Saturday night! | Music City Minute

Typically, Wednesday nights are not very exciting. However, in Nashville, the middle of the week looks and sounds a lot different from most cities. For example, last hump day, five of the biggest names and country music casually treated fans to intimate shows across Music City. First up was Kacey Musgraves, who hosted an album release party for "Middle of Nowhere" at the Nashville Palace. The Grammy winner entertained her guests with first ever performances of "Hell On Me" and "Rhinestone." Next, Keith Urban played The Mill at Cannery Hall, where he gave fans a taste of his upcoming yacht rock album called "Flow State." About a mile down the road, Blake Shelton put on a pulse-pounding show at Ole Red’s, delivering stadium energy performances of "God’s Country," "Texas" and "Austin." Finally, Thomas Rhett and Jordan Davis lit up the stage at Old Dominion’s bar, Odie’s in Midtown. Fans who were lucky enough to get into the free show were treated to acoustic versions of "Die a Happy Man," "T-Shirt," "Look What God Gave Her" and "Ain’t a Bad Life." Heck, who knew midweek could sound so good?   I’m Sheena, and that’s your Music City Minute.

Country music loses icon and outlaw | Music City Minute

When we hear the words Outlaw Country, the biggest characters that immediately come to mind are Johnny Cash, Waylon, Willie, Kris and Merle. However, there are a lot more artists that make up the subgenre that we may have forgotten about. Folks like Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, Jessi Coulter, Tanya Tucker, Hank Junior and Johnny Paycheck. What is interesting about that list is it shows that Outlaw Country wasn’t only made up of former criminals. In fact, the movement was way more than someone’s jacket. It was actually a blend of sounds and ideas contradictory and in-protest against the conservative, commercial Nashville Sound leading into the 60s and 70s. With that in mind, sadly country music says "goodbye" to one of the most iconic (and polarizing) individuals in Outlaw Country, David Allan Coe. Known for such definitive songs as "You Never Even Called Me by My Name," "The Ride" and "Penitentiary Blues," the singer-songwriter's family confirmed his health had been declining, and he passed away after a brief stay in the ICU. David Allan Coe was 86 years old.   I’m Sheena, and that’s Music City Minute.

Willie Nelson: the man, myth, outlaw and legend – at 93, he is still truckin' on | Music City Minute

If you were to crack open the dictionary and look up the word legend, you would see a full-page picture of Willie Nelson right next to the definition. This week, we celebrate Ole Poncho, who turned 93 on April 29, and talk about a man who has seen and done at all! Willie’s music career began following a stint in the Air Force and finding work as a disc jockey. At the same time, he was already honing his craft writing hit songs like "Crazy" and "Hello Walls" before turning his back on Nashville and returning home to Texas. He would eventually go onto record albums like "Shotgun Willie" and "Redheaded Stranger," while simultaneously pioneering the Outlaw Country movement with friends Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson. Over the last seven decades, Nelson has recorded 104 studio albums, won dozens of Grammys, ACM and CMA awards and earned inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his iconic image of equal parts, hippie, cowboy and rock star.   I’m Sheena, and that’s your Music City Minute.