Header Main
Place Ads
Willie Nelson's 'Bluegrass' Underlines His Lifelong Relationship with the Genre“He was exceedingly cool and easy,” long-time Bill Monroe bassist Mark Hembree remembers about Willie Nelson’s presence at a 1983 recording session where Nelson sang and played with Monroe. “I never had a say in Bill's mixes, but they had Willie's guitar way up and as we listened to playback…
Artist of the Month: Willie NelsonEarlier this year legendary musician, songwriter and recording artist Willie Nelson announced his 151st studio album would be a return to bluegrass, this time reimagining 12 of his own originals with a string band lineup. Available September 15 and simply titled Bluegrass, the Buddy Cannon-produced project reinforces the career-long relationship Nelson…
"Love Is Listening," and Other Lessons Mipso Has Learned Over 10+ Years TogetherMipso’s new album, Book of Fools, pushes and pulls away from and toward the band’s sense of home, musically and geographically. There is a kinetic energy in this collaboration that is only achieved from years (10, to be precise) of hard-won work and the evolution of four people who choose…
Artist of the Month: MipsoIf one were to chart North Carolina string band Mipso's career over the past decade on a line graph, you'd see a steadily rising, ever-growing musical output and an ever-burgeoning audience for their brand of grounded-yet-dreamy folk pop. This journey through roots music has paralleled their peers – bands and…
Artist of the MonthJun 30, 2023
(Editor's Note: This conversation between Black Opry co-director Holly G and BGS executive director Amy Reitnouer Jacobs was moderated by journalist Jewly Hight and marks the culmination of our Artist of the Month coverage of Black Opry. Find more on Black Opry here.) “I just wrote this down, because I need to look at this…
Artist of the MonthJun 29, 2023
We're sad to say goodbye to June and lose the Black Opry as our official Artist of the Month, but just as the Black Opry carries on elevating Black country artists and fans through showcases, touring, and community building, we look forward to supporting their endeavors for years to come. We have one more session…
Artist of the MonthJun 15, 2023
Rissi Palmer and Miko Marks have been laying the foundation for country musicians and fans who are Black for almost 20 years. Back in the early 2000s, both experienced the trials and tribulations of being Black women in country. Despite their successes and large growing fanbase, they were separately discouraged by the ceilings and roadblocks…
Artist of the MonthJun 6, 2023
As we celebrate the Black Opry as our Artist of the Month for June, we're excited to premiere another live session from this year's Cayamo cruise. In true Black Opry fashion they hosted memorable collaborations and celebrations onboard, from Black Opry Revue writers' rounds, to a Motown vs. Stax tribute set hosted by Devon Gilfillian,…
Artist of the MonthJun 1, 2023
(Editor's Note: To kick off our Artist of the Month coverage for June, we asked legendary musician, songwriter, and co-founder of the Black Country Music Association, Frankie Staton, to discuss and explore the vital work of the Black Opry. Scroll to find our Essential Black Opry Playlist below.) Holly G wanted a safe place to not…
