Willie Nelson Tried to Walk Away in 1972 — What Came Next Changed Country Music

Even legends reach a breaking point. In 1972, Willie Nelson—still years away from becoming the long-haired outlaw icon of country music—came dangerously close to walking away for good. He was exhausted by the Nashville machine, worn down by years of being overlooked, and frustrated by constant pressure to reshape his sound into something more “radio-friendly.” … Read more

The Night the Crowd Fell Silent: Jelly Roll’s Rawest Moment on the CMA Stage

The 2025 CMA Awards were packed with big vocals, surprise collaborations, and moments designed to dominate headlines—but nothing landed with the emotional force of Jelly Roll’s unguarded breakdown onstage, a moment so raw it seemed to drain the air from the room. What began as a high-voltage duet with Keith Urban slowly transformed into something … Read more

When the Spotlight Shifted: Carrie Underwood’s Family Creates an Unforgettable Moment

Some nights in music are built to overwhelm—flooded with lights, roaring crowds, and choruses sung by thousands of voices at once. And then there are nights that become unforgettable for the opposite reason. This was one of those nights. More than 18,000 fans filled the arena expecting what Carrie Underwood has delivered for years: powerhouse … Read more

9 Major Country Stars Who Missed the 2025 CMA Awards

We knew Blake Shelton would miss the CMA Awards, and weren’t surprised to not see Morgan Wallen. However, the list of stars who skipped in 2025 is much longer than anyone expected. Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes Read More: Country Stars Who Skipped the 2025 CMA Awards | https://tasteofcountry.com/country-singers-skipped-2025-cma-awards/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral Morgan Wallen If Morgan Wallen didn’t make his feelings about the CMA … Read more

Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty’s Son Bring a Classic Duet Back to Life

In the 1970s and early ’80s, Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty were country music’s ultimate duo. With timeless hits like “After the Fire Is Gone,” “Lead Me On,” and “Feelins’,” they didn’t just top charts—they built a musical bond that defined an era. Their chemistry was electric, their harmonies unmatched, and together they earned multiple Grammys and countless awards as the Top … Read more

Carrie Underwood Surprises Fans with Emotional Duet and Hug with Reba at Secret Netflix Show

Talk about a legendary night! On Friday, September 22, 2017, fans at the Grand Ole Opry got more than they bargained for — a surprise-filled celebration honoring Reba McEntire’s 40th anniversary since her Opry debut. And let’s just say… country music royalty showed up. The evening already boasted an impressive lineup with Reba and Vince … Read more

A Lifetime in One Song: Inside the Final Studio Session of Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard

The Last Laugh: Inside the Final Studio Session of Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard In a quiet studio far removed from spotlights and expectation, two pillars of country music came together for what neither of them knew would be their final moment on record together. Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard—artists whose names are inseparable from … Read more

When a Song Turns Into Farewell: Willie Nelson and Lukas Nelson Share a Moment Beyond the Stage

Some recordings are made to entertain. Others are crafted to impress. And then there are the rare ones that feel almost sacred—moments where music stops being a performance and becomes something closer to a confession. The song that seemed to stop time — Willie Nelson and Lukas Nelson singing “Always On My Mind,” face-to-face, in … Read more