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Megan Vaughan

Oliver Anthony “Country Roads”

Oliver Anthony- who went mega-viral last year with his hit “Rich Men North of Richmond”- just dropped a cover of John Denver’s “Country Roads” and it’s pretty dang great.

I’ve always loved this song, and there are so many versions of it out there, but Oliver’s definitely stands out with it’s simplicity and authenticity:


Dang, son.

Now Oliver had announced recently that he has left the music industry to focus on ministry. He also said he would still be making music and outting it on his youtube channel.

Good. He really is one heck of a pure talent.

If you want to keep up with Oliver Anthony, you can do so here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5caRbGN5SukgJnj2ecK_wA

Britney Spears in the Style of Ozzy Osbourne

Ok, gotta give a big shout out to Tony L Page for alerting me of the existence of this.

The insanely talented and creative Anthony Vincent- who is hige on YouTube as he should be- just did a version of Britney Spear’s breakout hit “Baby One More Time” in the style of Ozzy Osbourne, and somehow, it works:

I can totally get down with that.

If you want more from Anthony Vincent, check out his channel at https://www.youtube.com/@TenSecondSongs
You’re welcome.

The Best 100 Country Singers of All Time

Billboard just released their list of the “100 Best Country Singers of All Time” this week, and it’s definitely getting some attention.

Now, it seems that the list is based on opinions of the staff, and not the actual chart history, which I would have assumed, since it’s Billboard, but hey, I don’t make the rules.

Here are the Top 10:

  1. Dolly Parton
  2. Johnny Cash
  3. Willie Nelson
  4. Loretta Lynn
  5. Hank Williams Sr.
  6. George Jones
  7. Garth Brooks
  8. Charley Pride
  9. George Strait
  10. Merle Haggard

Pretty solid Top 1o, right? I may have changed up the order a bit, but I can’t really argue those picks.

It’s the rest of the list that gets a bit crazy. And Jason Aldean’s wife Brittany is pissed that he’s not in the Top 100, which I feel like if Luke Bryan is, they Jason should be, too. Especially as he’s had a ton of #1 hits… but they put Maren Morris on there.  The whole list out of the Top 10 makes no sense.

But again, it’s subjective, not objective.

Check out the full list here: https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-country-singers/

Who would you put as the Best Country Singer of All Time?

Toni Cornell “Sunset of Your Love”

Just… wow.

The late Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Audioslave, who was also one of the best Rock vocalists EVER, has clearly passed on his incredible talent to his daughter Toni Cornell, who just released a song this week called “Sunset of Your Love”, and it is absolutely gorgeous.


Wowza.

I knew she could sing, as she has proven that before, but I wasn’t sure what to expect from her original music.

I’m impressed.

Really, really impressed.

Just a beautifully written, produced, and well-sung piece, and you can definitely tell that she has inherited her father’s talent.

Also, remember this tribute where she sang “Hallelujah” honoring her Father? This was 7 years ago, when she was like, 13 or 14:


Yeah, I just cried a little. Again.

Will we hear more from Toni Cornell?

I sure as heck hope so.

She hasn’t publicly confirmed any other plans at this moment, but you can keep up with her on instagram @https://www.instagram.com/tonicornell/

So utterly impressed by this poised and talented young woman.

 

Wicked “Defying Gravity”

“Wicked” hits theaters today!

Have you seen the musical? I was lucky enough to have seen in on Broadway, and it’s incredible, and to be honest, what I’ve seen of the movie so far looks like it is as well.

Since it’s in theaters today, they released the soundtrack as well, and one of the big songs from the movie “Defying Gravity” has done just that with the vocals of Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elpheba, the Wicked Witch of the West.

Enjoy:

Dang, that was good.

Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are incredible talents, and I’m sure this movie is incredible. The face that they are releasing it two parts shows that they’re not rushing the story, and giving it it’s due.

Just a heads up: AMC movie theaters have implemented a “No Singing Along” rule.

ACK!

Guess I’ll have to wait until it streams, then.

 

Kelly Clarkson “All By Myself”

Yep, I’m fangirling over Kelly Clarkson again, and wih good reason.

She just pulled off what I thnk is one of the best Kellyokes EVER.

Eric Carmen’s “All By Myself”, done in the style of Celine Dion.

Just, damn.


Those vocal runs, though.

As I have said a million times before, there is NOTHING Kelly Clarkson can’t sing.

What song would you like to see Kelly Cover next?

 

I’m still holding our for a verison of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters”.

You hear that Universe? I’m manifesting that.

Get to work.

 

The Best CMA Award Performances 2024

The 2024 CMA Awards were last night on ABC, and as always, there were a bunch of live performances. Some great, some meh, and a couple where I was like, “why are they here”? I won’t name names on the not-so-great performances, but I want to give props to who I thought really represented Country Music well.

Ashley McBryde honoring the late Kris Kristofferson with a gorgeous rendition of “Help Me Make it Through the Night”:


Perfection. Kris would be proud.

 

Kacey Musgraves delivered a gorgeous version of “The Architect”, which I feel is one of the best songs of the year. It didn’t pick up any CMA Awards, but it’s up for a bunch of Grammys, so I’m sure she’ll rack up there:


So pure and gorgeous. Country music is lucky to have Kacey, and really, the industry needs to show a bit more appreciation.

 

Chris and Morgane Stapleton “What Am I Gonna Do?”:

These two… POWER COUPLE. I want Morgane to release her own solo album and just blow everyone ou of the water.

You know she would.

 

As usual at The CMAs, there were a lot of great performances, but those were the ones where I was like, “damn.”

 

What was your favorite performance of the night?

 

Michael Buble and Carly Pearce “Maybe This Christmas”

Tis’ the Season for Holiday Music!

And we just got a beautiful new Christmas song from Michael Buble and Country Star Carly Pearce called “Maybe This Christmas”, and I absolutely love it!


First of all, you can’t go wrong with these two mega-talents.

Secondly, I love that it’s a more somber, poignant song, which differentiates itself from the usually overly cheerful holiday tunes that dominate during the season.

It’s a reminder that not everyone is feeling super festive, and many are lonely during these times. I’ve been there myself, being an Army wife and spending holidays with my husband overseas, and away from my family.

Just a different perspective for the holidays, and completely necessary in my opinion.

Also, remember those deployed durng the holidays, and their families back home- this song definitely makes me think of them all.

 

And as one of the lines in the song states, “I wish you all the love that your heart can hold”.

 

Gwen Stefani “Somebody Else’s” Music Video

Gwen Stefani released her fifth solo album “Bouquet” this past Friday, and she’s still got it!

Her new songs are catchy, fun, and give a glimpse into her life with husband Blake Shelton, and are perfect for the Adult Contemporary format.

I’ve been a fan of Gwen since the mid-nineties when I discovered No Doubt, and I just thought that she was the coolest human ever, and she’s still got it going on decades later.

Her latest single is “Somebody Else’s”, and she released the music video today, and it’s beautiful. All flowers, and horses and Gwen looking gorgeous, as always!

Of course, I’m always giving bonus points to anything with horses…

I’m happy to see that Gwen is still doing her thing, and doing it well.

Her new album “Bouqyet” is out now.

Brooks & Dunn Featuring Halestorm “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”

Well, that’s different.

On Friday, Brooks and Dunn released their “Reboot 2” album, and there’s all kinds of reimagined hits of their catalogue. Everyone from Morgan Wallen to Lainey Wilson to Halestorm- yes, Halestorm- are on the album.

Wanna hear a Metal version of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”?

Thanks to Halestorm, we now have it:

Well, ok then.

I don’t hate it, though.

Lzzy Hale- the vocalist of Halestorm- is a freaking Rock Goddess. I appreciate anything she does.

Definitely an unexpected combo- but you know what? I’m down. I love both Country and Rock, so I’m for combining the worlds.

Here’s the track listing:

  1. “Play Something Country” with Lainey Wilson
  2. “Neon Moon” with Morgan Wallen
  3. “Rock My World (Little Country Girl)” with Marcus King Band
  4. “Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You” with Megan Moroney
  5. “Brand New Man” with Warren Zeiders
  6. “Believe” with Jelly Roll
  7. “She Used to Be Mine” with Riley Green
  8. “She Likes to Get Out of Town” with The Cadillac Three
  9. “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” with Halestorm
  10. “Ain’t No Way To Go” with Mitchell Tenpenny
  11. “How Long Gone” with The Earls of Leicester
  12. “I’ll Never Forgive My Heart” with Jake Worthington
  13. “She’s Not the Cheatin’ Kind” with Hailey Whitters
  14. “Hard Workin’ Man” with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
  15. “Hillbilly Deluxe” with HARDY
  16. “Indian Summer” with ERNEST
  17. “Drop in the Bucket” with A Thousand Horses
  18. “Only In America” with Corey Kent

“Reboot 2” is available now, and you can get more info on what’s going on with Brooks & Dunn- so happy they’re back together and on he road- at https://www.brooks-dunn.com/