Latest Country music News

'Gravy Day' is an Australian tradition inspired by an unlikely Christmas song by Paul Kelly

Dec. 20, 2024 14:25 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — To many Australians, Saturday is more than just Dec. 21. It's “Gravy Day,” all because of a lyric in one of the most unlikely Christmas songs ever written. “How to Make Gravy,” written by singer Paul Kelly, has become a holiday classic in Australia over the...

For airports, background music no longer is an afterthought

Dec. 19, 2024 10:41 AM EST

SEATAC, Washington (AP) — Background music is no longer an afterthought at many airports, which are hiring local musicians and carefully curating playlists to help lighten travelers’ moods. London’s Heathrow Airport built a stage to showcase emerging British performers for the...

Kane Brown 'gave everything' on his new album, 'The High Road.' The journey home meant experimenting

Dec. 16, 2024 23:38 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — Kane Brown is in his new home studio just outside Nashville, preparing to have the first sit-down conversation about his fourth studio album, “The High Road.” It's a fitting title, because pounding the pavement is something he's more than familiar with. A few short days ago,...

Rock pioneer Brenda Lee shines in new documentary. 'I just wanted to sing'

Dec. 16, 2024 11:49 AM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — Come and take a trip to the giddy birth of rock ‘n’ roll through the eyes of one of its pioneers — Brenda Lee. The “I'm Sorry” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” hitmaker who shared stages with both Elvis Presley and the Beatles is a guide to...

2024 in pop culture: In a bruising year, we sought out fantasy, escapism — and cute little animals

Dec. 11, 2024 13:49 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — I’ll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to link the fantasy hit “Wicked” to the delightful Moo Deng. But, hear us out — there’s something the two have in common as the year draws to a close. Escapism....

Celebrity birthdays for the week of Dec. 15-21

Dec. 09, 2024 10:33 AM EST

Celebrity birthdays for the week of Dec. 15-21: Dec. 15: Singer Cindy Birdsong of The Supremes is 85. Drummer Dave Clark of the Dave Clark Five is 82. Drummer Carmine Appice of Vanilla Fudge is 78. Actor Don Johnson is 75. Actor Melanie Chartoff (“Rugrats,” ″Parker Lewis...

AP's top songs of 2024: 'Texas Hold 'Em,' 'Not Like Us,' 'Igual Que Un Ángel' and more

Dec. 05, 2024 11:31 AM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — Ten of the best songs of the year, as determined by Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman, in no particular order. “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey It is not only the biggest song of the year, but one of the longest-reigning No. 1s of all...

Celebrity birthdays for the week of Dec. 8-14

Dec. 02, 2024 09:36 AM EST

Celebrity birthdays for the week of Dec. 8-14: Dec. 8: Singer Jerry Butler is 85. Flute player James Galway is 85. Drummer Bobby Elliott of The Hollies is 83. Actor Mary Woronov (“Eating Raoul,” “The Munsters” films) is 81. Actor John Rubinstein (“Family,” ″Crazy Like...

Celebrity birthdays for the week of Dec. 1-7

Nov. 25, 2024 09:50 AM EST

Celebrity birthdays for the week of Dec. 1-7: Dec. 1: Actor-director Woody Allen is 89. Singer Dianne Lennon of the Lennon Sisters is 85. Bassist Casey Van Beek of The Tractors is 82. Singer-guitarist Eric Bloom of Blue Oyster Cult is 80. Drummer John Densmore of The Doors is 80....

Chris Stapleton wins 4 CMA Awards, but Morgan Wallen gets entertainer of the year

Nov. 21, 2024 00:03 AM EST

Chris Stapleton took home four Country Music Association Awards and hardly left the stage on Wednesday night, while an absent Morgan Wallen was shut out all evening until taking the night's biggest prize, entertainer of the year. Stapleton's wins included song of the year and single...