Country

From Fairy Tale Twirl to Fight Song Fire: Carrie Underwood’s “The Champion” Journey

Rob Sheffield

One twirl. Two poses. A wave of cheers. Carrie Underwood steps into Disney Night dressed like a storybook dream. The ...

From Classroom Quiet to Fame’s Loud Questions: Carrie Underwood Opens Up After American Idol

Rob Sheffield

Millions watched, but one detail lands fast. Carrie Underwood says she went from taking notes in class to standing under ...

The Fire Behind “Ring of Fire”: How A Hit Was Forged And Fought Over

Rob Sheffield

Sixty two years is a long time, yet those bright trumpets still jump like sparks from a match. The story ...

Ring of Fire at a Farewell: A Brother’s Bold Last Wish

Rob Sheffield

One request, one song, one perfect punchline. Inside a quiet crematorium chapel, a coffin rests near a framed photo while ...

George Strait Sang About Heartbreak, and Somehow Left Us Smiling

Rob Sheffield

Thirty-nine times. That is how many number-one hits George Strait had by the time “She’ll Leave You With a Smile” ...

Three Timeless Hits, One Night in Ottumwa, and a Voice That Still Feels Brand New

Rob Sheffield

Fifty years of country music can fit inside one night. On November 7, Ottumwa’s Bridge View Center Theater opens at ...

Taylor Swift: When a Funny Fear Meets a Real Fence Jumper

Andy Frye

Imagine someone jumping over your fence in the middle of the night. That is what just happened at Travis Kelce’s ...

Céline Dion Turns One Word Into A Wink At “The Reason”

Rob Sheffield

A single word can flip a room. Here, the interviewer tosses out “Devil,” and everything slows down for half a ...

Lainey Wilson Brought Louisiana Stories to Life Before Singing “Whirlwind”

Rob Sheffield

Not many artists can stand on stage, talk about their hometown, and make thousands of people feel like they are ...

37 Years Later, “I Know How He Feels” Still Finds Us Where We Live

Rob Sheffield

Thirty seven years is a long time for any song to keep beating in people’s cars, kitchens, and earbuds. Yet ...