WOW! Look Who's Voting Red And A Trumpster!

🔥 LET'S GO! JASON ALDEAN just came on stage at President Trump's rally in Georgia, and threw MAGA hats to the crowd "I couldn't miss a chance to be here for my favorite president, President Donald Trump, here in our backyard." "So obviously midterms are coming up, man. It's a big, big time. November 3rd, I encourage everybody to get out and VOTE!" VOTE like your life depends on it. Because it does 🇺🇸

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) October 24, 2026

Remembering A True American Oridinal!

While I enjoy country music, and liked Dolly Parton, I can't say that I was a fan.

I did see her perform live, in person once. It was at The Borgata in Atlantic City at the hotel's cavernous Event Center. It was not the best venue but if you wanted to see Dolly, you had to be prepared to share her with thousands of others. She was a legendary performer and, like many others, I wanted to see her perform live.

And guess what? Even though she appeared on a vast stage in a casino complex with bars dotting the auditorium and alcohol flowing freely and even though my seat was nowhere near what could be called the orchestra, she was in total command of the evening and she was wonderful.

She looked the way you expected her to look. She performed with all the musical accompaniment and bells and whistles you'd expect. She was in fine form, sounding exactly as you'd expect her to sound. She was responsive to the audience throughout and yes, she sang every song you wanted to hear -- all the hits!

That was Dolly Parton.

She was pure entertainment. The glitter, the glamour and the showbizz were all there but they were combined with just the right amount of down home folksiness you'd expect from Dolly. 

Her career was exceptionally well-managed but that was a testament to Dolly herself -- her savvy, her smarts, her good instincts and her professional discipline. I get the feeling she expected the best of her people every minute of every day just as she delivered the same. 

There was never a hint of scandal surrounding this woman. She never allowed herself to be drawn into partisan politics nor did she lecture her audience from the stage or via other avenues. A woman of great faith, she conveyed a sense of generosity, kindness and caring without a scintilla of righteousness.

A complete American success story, there's no doubt she loved this nation and its people and was the grateful embodiment of her own American journey, complete with all its tribulations and triumphs.

Dolly Parton was an American original!

When They Tried To Get Her To Go Political

Dolly didn't play. Sure she had her opinions, but she selflessly valued the opinions of her fans, all of them, more. She wasn't just a once-in-a-lifetime talent, she displayed a once-in-a-lifetime humility that too few share. https://t.co/2QpXIgGjsF

— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) August 26, 2026

It failed! Miserably!

One Of The Greatest: Heaven Has Found Its Voice

 From the Grand 'Ole Opry:

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to a true country music icon, Opry member Dolly Parton. 

There is no doubt Dolly’s mark on the world, and on us here at the Grand Ole Opry, will be deeply felt for generations to come. She taught us to always lead with kindness, generosity, and compassion. 

May her legacy live on through her songs, the lives she touched, and the countless artists she inspired. 

There will never, ever be another one like her. We will always love you, Dolly.

President Trump Remembers Dolly Parton

 

Announcing The Passing Of A True American Legend

THIS Is The Way To Sing THE Song, BRAVO!

Singing sensations Dan & Shay gave us a poignant beautiful National Anthem at the US soccer game that also resulted in a big USA win. What a wonderful, heartfelt moment!

As someone who’s been singing the National Anthem at rodeo events for over 20 years, I’ll just say….
There’s a way it was intended to be sung, without your own spin. This was 💯the way! Bravo! pic.twitter.com/MgX0XMfO7I

— Leslye ♥️ Texas (@LMozisek) June 13, 2026

He's A FIGHTER; No Question About That!

Good Song 🎶 @MrWhiplash_ pic.twitter.com/7qF33LMUar

— Whiplash347 (@MrWhiplash_) December 28, 2025

Our Very Favorite Christmas Music

Did someone say CHRISTMAS MUSIC?

When it comes to Christmas music we prefer pop sounds or what some might call "easy listening". Of course, we also like country music because country and Christmas just seem to be a perfect fit.

And yes, we do still collect and play CDs and like to listen to a whole album of music. But we also have special songs we like on each of our favorite collections. No contradiction there. It's just the way we like to roll, or spin. So, having admitted our preferences, here are some of our favorite Christmas music collections of all time listed ins no particular order:

Seth MacFarland's Holiday for Swing

MacFarland croons in an upbeat and updated style that proves intoxicating. Fun numbers include Snow (from White Christmas), Little Jack Frost Get Lost and Warm In December.

Alabama's Christmas (The Red Album)

This original collection of Christmas songs stands at the pinnacle of holiday collections and includes the haunting Santa Claus (I Still Believe In You), Thistlehair The Christmas Bear and Christmas In Dixie.

Louis Armstrong and Friends Christmas Collection

A compilation of numbers featuring the inimitable Louis and collected from various sources. We particularly like Christmas Night In Harlem, Christmas In New Orleans and Satchmo's distinctive interpretation of White Christmas. 

Loretta Lynn's White Christmas Blue

The late great queen of country music in a relatively recent collection (2016) that includes Lynn's original title song as well as her Country Christmas and To Heck With Ole Santa Claus. Great fun!

Michael Buble's Christmas

Another upbeat pop album full of Buble's interpretation of classics. Bublé is paired with some fine artists here and just about every song is first rate. When it domes to the Great American Songbook, it's hard to top this guy.

Elvis' Ultimate Christmas Collection

This two disc set contains 30 of Elvis' best including three bonus tracks. Some songs are duplicated as they feature Elvis in Christmas duets. Of course you'll find Blue Christmas in this collection as well as If Every Day Was Christmas and It Won't Seem Like Christmas (Without You). 

George Strait's Fresh Cut Christmas

King George with a Christmas album that exudes Texas charm and hospitality. It includes the captivating Up On A Housetop and Deck The Halls but omits a favorite of ours, Christmas Cookies. That one can be found on another collection.

Diana Ross' Wonderful Christmas Time

Two albums were brought together for this compilation which was released recently and includes the title song as well as Someday At Christmas and I Heard The Bells. Some non-Christmas gems have also been slipped in including Amazing Grace and His Eye Is On The Sparrow. These are two of our favorite spirituals any time of the year.

Alan Jackson's Honky Tonk Christmas

Only Alan Jackson could bring Christmas and Honky Tonk together and make the pairing seem smooth and sensible. You'll enjoy the title song as well as If We Make It Through December and Santa's Gonna Come In A Pickup Truck.

Brooks and Dunn's It Won't Be Christmas Without You

The supreme country duo with nearly a dozen songs including Hangin' 'Round The Mistletoe, Santa's Comin' Over To Your House and Who Says There Ain't No Santa. 

Clint Black's Looking For Christmas

Every song on this album is a Clint Black original and you're bound to enjoy the title number as well as The Kid, Christmas For Every Boy And Girl and Till Santa's Gone (Milk And Cookies). This collection is whimsical and delightful.

Grand 'Ole Opry: Ringo's Dream Comes True!

An Important Statement From Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood’s statement on performing at President Trump’s inauguration:

“I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration… I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”

VIDEO: Now 80 Golden Years, Still Rockin’ Christmas!

Country Music Star Gretchen Wilson Backs Trump!

Country music star Gretchen Wilson: “The Democratic Party left us. I’m voting for President Trump and JD Vance.”pic.twitter.com/eDbKRDfjLW

— Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) September 7, 2024

A Good Concert To Advance A Worthy Candidacy!

 

Before He Became An Outlaw, A Legend, An Icon . . .

Willie Nelson in 1962, before the world knew him as one of the leaders of Outlaw Country. pic.twitter.com/JnnAHllxqN

— George Stroumboulopoulos 🐺 (@strombo) March 27, 2024

Remembering Singer/Songwriter Toby Keith

We had the privilege of seeing Toby Keith live and loved every minute of his performances. We've also got all his albums!

Our Very Favorite Christmas Albums!

Did someone say CHRISTMAS MUSIC?

When it comes to Christmas music we prefer pop sounds or what some might call "easy listening". Of course, we also like country music because country and Christmas just seem to be a perfect fit.

And yes, we do still collect and play CDs and like to listen to a whole album of music. But we also have special songs we like on each of our favorite collections. No contradiction there. It's just the way we like to roll, or spin. So, having admitted our preferences, here are some of our favorite Christmas music collections of all time listed ins no particular order:

Seth MacFarland's Holiday for Swing

MacFarland croons in an upbeat and updated style that proves intoxicating. Fun numbers include Snow (from White Christmas), Little Jack Frost Get Lost and Warm In December.

Alabama's Christmas (The Red Album)

This original collection of Christmas songs stands at the pinnacle of holiday collections and includes the haunting Santa Claus (I Still Believe In You), Thistlehair The Christmas Bear and Christmas In Dixie.

Louis Armstrong and Friends Christmas Collection

A compilation of numbers featuring the inimitable Louis and collected from various sources. We particularly like Christmas Night In Harlem, Christmas In New Orleans and Satchmo's distinctive interpretation of White Christmas. 

Loretta Lynn's White Christmas Blue

The late great queen of country music in a relatively recent collection (2016) that includes Lynn's original title song as well as her Country Christmas and To Heck With Ole Santa Claus. Great fun!

Michael Buble's Christmas

Another upbeat pop album full of Buble's interpretation of classics. Bublé is paired with some fine artists here and just about every song is first rate. When it domes to the Great American Songbook, it's hard to top this guy.

Elvis' Ultimate Christmas Collection

This two disc set contains 30 of Elvis' best including three bonus tracks. Some songs are duplicated as they feature Elvis in Christmas duets. Of course you'll find Blue Christmas in this collection as well as If Every Day Was Christmas and It Won't Seem Like Christmas (Without You). 

George Strait's Fresh Cut Christmas

King George with a Christmas album that exudes Texas charm and hospitality. It includes the captivating Up On A Housetop and Deck The Halls but omits a favorite of ours, Christmas Cookies. That one can be found on another collection.

Diana Ross' Wonderful Christmas Time

Two albums were brought together for this compilation which was released recently and includes the title song as well as Someday At Christmas and I Heard The Bells. Some non-Christmas gems have also been slipped in including Amazing Grace and His Eye Is On The Sparrow. These are two of our favorite spirituals any time of the year.

Alan Jackson's Honky Tonk Christmas

Only Alan Jackson could bring Christmas and Honky Tonk together and make the pairing seem smooth and sensible. You'll enjoy the title song as well as If We Make It Through December and Santa's Gonna Come In A Pickup Truck.

Brooks and Dunn's It Won't Be Christmas Without You

The supreme country duo with nearly a dozen songs including Hangin' 'Round The Mistletoe, Santa's Comin' Over To Your House and Who Says There Ain't No Santa. 

Clint Black's Looking For Christmas

Every song on this album is a Clint Black original and you're bound to enjoy the title number as well as The Kid, Christmas For Every Boy And Girl and Till Santa's Gone (Milk And Cookies). This collection is whimsical and delightful.

Broadway's Shucked To Take Hilarity On The Road!

It isn't often these days that a show comes to Broadway with an original story and original music and lyrics -- not the musicalization of a book or a movie or a previously produced play. No, we're talking something completely original. And that's exactly what Shucked is -- a show which was in development for many years and was finally brought to Broadway where it was always meant to be.

We saw a recent performance and absolutely loved it! Featuring a book by Tony Award winner Robert Horn (Tootsie), a score by the Grammy® Award-winning songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and directed by Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this corn-fed, corn-bred American musical says it's "sure to satisfy your appetite for great musical theater." And it must be doing something right because it's enjoying a successful run at the Nederlander Theater (through January 14) and will soon be touring throughout the country.

Shucked is about a small town that depends totally on its vibrant corn crop -- until the crop, mysteriously, stops producing the town's lifeblood. What happened and why? And how does Shucked get it mojo back? Well, that's what this corn huskin' tale is all about. 

Yeah, Shucked is corny. But it's also clever, surprising, timely and laugh out loud funny. You'll have to listen closely because the one-liners (even in the songs) come at you faster that a road runner. If you saw the scene from Shucked on the recently televised Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade you know what we're talking about. And Alex Newell totally brings the house down when she sings the defiant, tuneful "Independently Owned." In fact, all of the members of the young, exuberant Shucked cast are wonderful.

And here's the thing we loved most about this show -- Shucked is not overly impressed with itself. It doesn't pretend to be delving into the meaning of life. It doesn't try to be slick or sophisticated. It aims for down home authenticity, and it succeeds. But please don't get the idea that Shucked is dim witted -- far from it! The production values are first rate and this show provides a good dose of social commentary while managing to nonetheless serve it all up with a plenty of heart. 

Be sure to get tickets when it some to a city near you!

Italian American Heritage Month: Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw

Samuel Timothy "Tim" McGraw is Italian American?

Yes, he certainly is. His mother is the former Betty D'Agostino and his maternal grandparents were both Italian. McGraw, who has been honored by the National Italian American Foundation, credits his Italian roots with many of the values he embraces today, including his love of and devotion to family. His mother's side of the family, he explains, originated in Naples and Balogna. He was very close to his Italian grandfather, John Joseph D’Agostino (the son of Daniel Agusta D’Agostino and Elizabeth Isabella DeSilverstri.)

Of course, McGraw (the son of the late major league baseball standout Tug McGraw) is one of the most famous country stars of all time as well as an accomplished actor.

In 1966, Betty D'Agostino was a high school student who lived in the same apartment building as Tug McGraw, who was playing baseball for a minor league team in Jacksonville. When she became pregnant with McGraw as a teen, D'Agostino's parents sent her to Louisiana to live with relatives.

Through his father, McGraw has two half-brothers, Mark and Matthew, and a half-sister named Cari. He also has two younger half-sisters, Tracey and Sandra, through his mother's marriage to Horace Smith.

McGraw grew up believing Smith was his father, and used this stepfather's surname until meeting Tug. At age 11, McGraw discovered his birth certificate while searching in his mother's closet to look for a picture for a school project. Following the discovery, he learned from her who his biological father was and she took him to meet the elder McGraw for the first time.

Tim McGraw rose to fame after the release of his second album, Not a Moment Too Soon (1994), which featured five singles that reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, including the No.1 hits Don't Take the Girl and Not a Moment Too Soon. 

McGraw has had 12 studio albums reach No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and 30 singles reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. His most famous songs include I Like It, I Love It, It's Your Love (featuring Faith Hill), Just to See You Smile, Something Like That, My Best Friend, My Next Thirty Years, Live Like You Were Dying, I Need You (featuring Faith Hill), Highway Don't Care (featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban), and Humble and Kind. 

McGraw has won three Grammy Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music awards, and 11 Country Music Association awards. As an actor, McGraw has appeared in films like Friday Night Lights (2004), Flicka (2006), The Blind Side (2009), Country Strong (2010) and Tomorrowland (2015) and in the television series 1883 (2021-Present).

Still don't believe Tim McGraw is Italian? C'mon! Just gaze into his eyes!

THIS Country Music Act Is Tearin' Up The Charts!

Dan + Shay - Save Me The Trouble (Official Music Video)

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM: https://DanAndShay.lnk.to/biggerhouses LISTEN TO SAVE ME THE TROUBLE: https://DanAndShay.lnk.to/savemethetr...

I can tell by the way That you’re stirring your drink Oh we’re already playing with fire Said that you had to go Bout an hour ago Baby you’re such a beautiful liar Feels like a movie I’ve already seen So right now I’m begging you please Why don’t you save me the trouble Keep those pretty blue eyes to yourself Why don’t you save me the trouble Give that heartache to somebody else If you’re the kinda girl that’s only gonna wanna love and leave A guy like me Alone in this bar drinking double Why don’t you save me the trouble Save me the trouble baby Now the closer I get To the red on your lips I can feel myself falling all crazy Cuz just a little kiss and I could never get you out of my mind So before you go wreck my whole life I know you know that I ain’t strong enough To tell girls like you no, no it ain’t in my blood so just save me the trouble #DanAndShay #BiggerHouses #SaveMeTheTrouble