Mule Skinner Blues was written and first recorded by Jimmie Rodgers, the Father of Country Music, back in 1930 – and a hit for The Fendermen in 1960.

(more…)

Julie Durocher is a new name to me, and was only a child when she recorded this slice of classic country back in 1966.

(more…)

It was when The Clash invited Joe Ely to join them on tour in 1980 that I began to understand the parallels between punk and rebel country music.

(more…)

I’ve always been a sucker for sad songs, and songs rarely sound sadder than The Way It Goes by bluegrass revivalist Gillian Welch.

(more…)

Johnny Cash’s recording of God’s Gonna Cut You Down, recorded just before his death in 2003, became all the more poignant when this posthumous video was released three years later.

(more…)

Chet Atkins never became a household name outside his genre of country music – but was recognised as a legend within it.

(more…)

Hayes Carll continues the rich tradition of comedy country sons with his heartbreak tale of his girl leaving him for Jesus.

(more…)

Today I must tip my imaginary Stetson to my pal Craig Poland Smith for unearthing this gem for me by the literally named family quartet Southern Raised.

(more…)

The sensational CMAT was the talk of Day One at Glastonbury 2025 with her superstar-making afternoon set on the Pyramid Stage.

(more…)

Kaylee Rose is a Nashville-based artist who taps into tradition with this song about a cheating partner, set to a simple backing. It’s the archetypal “three chords and the truth” – the phrase Harlan Howard used in the 1950s to sum up country music’s appeal.

(more…)