INSIDER
Willie Nelson on his new album, cannabis cookbook, Kris Kristofferson and what makes a good song
Read full article: Willie Nelson on his new album, cannabis cookbook, Kris Kristofferson and what makes a good songWillie Nelson, who is 91, will release “Last Leaf on the Tree" on Friday, his second studio album this year.
What to stream: Tyler, the Creator, 'The Substance,' Olivia Rodrigo concert film and 'The Diplomat'
Read full article: What to stream: Tyler, the Creator, 'The Substance,' Olivia Rodrigo concert film and 'The Diplomat'“The Substance” and albums by Willie Nelson and Tyler, the Creator are some of this week’s new streaming entertainment releases.
Analysis: 4 reasons Kamala Harris is coming to Houston
Read full article: Analysis: 4 reasons Kamala Harris is coming to HoustonVice President Kamala Harris is making a significant visit to Houston on Friday. It’s a trip that underscores several critical political dynamics and strategies as election day nears.
Kris Kristofferson was 'a walking contradiction,' a renegade and pilgrim surrounded by friends
Read full article: Kris Kristofferson was 'a walking contradiction,' a renegade and pilgrim surrounded by friendsKris Kristofferson led a remarkable life that might sound implausible if it appeared in fiction.
Orville Peck makes queer country for everyone. On ‘Stampede,’ stars like Willie Nelson join the fun
Read full article: Orville Peck makes queer country for everyone. On ‘Stampede,’ stars like Willie Nelson join the funIt is not easy to be an outsider in country music, but Orville Peck has made a career out of it.
What to stream this weekend: Zendaya hits aces, Orville Peck duets and Elizabeth Taylor sparkles
Read full article: What to stream this weekend: Zendaya hits aces, Orville Peck duets and Elizabeth Taylor sparklesThis week’s new streaming entertainment releases include an EP from country-turned-pop singer Maren Morris, Léa Seydoux and George MacKay lead the intriguing French sci-fi “The Beast,” and an HBO documentary lets Elizabeth Taylor tell her story by relying on 40 hours of recently discovered audio.
What to stream this weekend: Willie Nelson, Chip & Joanna Gaines, Jim Henson and Ben Platt
Read full article: What to stream this weekend: Willie Nelson, Chip & Joanna Gaines, Jim Henson and Ben PlattThis week’s new streaming entertainment releases include a new album from Willie Nelson, Benedict Cumberbatch playing a curmudgeon puppeteer in “Eric” on Netflix and home improvement gurus Chip and Joanna Gaines fix up a mid-century modern lake house on HGTV.
Beyoncé’s 'Cowboy Carter' reinforces her dedication to Black reclamation — and country music
Read full article: Beyoncé’s 'Cowboy Carter' reinforces her dedication to Black reclamation — and country musicFirst, Beyoncé arrived at the 2024 Grammy Awards in full cowboy regalia — making a statement without saying a word.
Beyoncé shares 'Cowboy Carter' track list ahead of album, mentions Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson
Read full article: Beyoncé shares 'Cowboy Carter' track list ahead of album, mentions Dolly Parton and Willie NelsonOn Wednesday, Beyoncé shared the track list for her forthcoming album, “Act ll: Cowboy Carter.”.
Toby Keith wrote all kinds of country songs. His legacy might be post-9/11 American anger
Read full article: Toby Keith wrote all kinds of country songs. His legacy might be post-9/11 American angerCountry music fans are celebrating Toby Keith's rich collection of songs in the wake of his death from stomach cancer.
Tennessee governor, music leaders launch push to protect songwriters and other artists against AI
Read full article: Tennessee governor, music leaders launch push to protect songwriters and other artists against AITennessee Gov. Bill Lee has unveiled new legislation designed to protect songwriters, performers and other music industry professionals against the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.
Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott and Chaka Khan make the crowd go wild at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Read full article: Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott and Chaka Khan make the crowd go wild at Rock & Roll Hall of FameSheryl Crow and Olivia Rodrigo kicked off the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony Friday night and Missy Elliott closed the show more than four hours later with a roof-shaking set, as the hall celebrated a strong representation of women and Black artists.
Leo Brooks, a Miami native with country roots, returns to South Florida for new music festival
Read full article: Leo Brooks, a Miami native with country roots, returns to South Florida for new music festivalAlready considered a hub for Latin, hip-hop and electronic music, Miami is now going country.
Missy, Willie and George Michael among Rock Hall inductees
Read full article: Missy, Willie and George Michael among Rock Hall inducteesMissy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Chaka Khan, “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius and the late George Michael have all been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Kate Bush also finally reaching the top of that hill.
New this week: 'True Lies,' Wallen and 'Creed' film fest
Read full article: New this week: 'True Lies,' Wallen and 'Creed' film festThis week’s new entertainment releases include a whopping 36-song album from Morgan Wallen, the arrival on Hulu of the best picture Oscar nominee and Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness” and CBS has a new TV series inspired by the film “True Lies.”.
The White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper and Willie Nelson lead Rock Hall of Fame nominations
Read full article: The White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper and Willie Nelson lead Rock Hall of Fame nominationsThe nominees are in, and this year’s potential Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees span a wide variety of music genres.
Missy, Willie and George Michael among Rock Hall nominees
Read full article: Missy, Willie and George Michael among Rock Hall nomineesMissy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Kate Bush, Iron Maiden, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, Sheryl Crow and the late George Michael are nominees for 2023 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a list that includes a mix of country, soul, hip-hop, metal, pop, rap-rock and grunge.
New this week: 'Reasonable Doubt,' 'Blonde' and Björk
Read full article: New this week: 'Reasonable Doubt,' 'Blonde' and BjörkThis week’s new entertainment releases include albums from Björk and Broadway's "Into the Woods,” the reunion of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy in “Hocus Pocus 2” and a Showtime documentary about Sinéad O’Connor.
Brandi Carlile, Yola, Allison Russell lead Americana noms
Read full article: Brandi Carlile, Yola, Allison Russell lead Americana nomsBrandi Carlile, Allison Russell and Yola are the leading nominees for the 2022 Americana Honors and Awards, with each one up for album of the year, artist of the year and song of the year.
Coronavirus forces cancellations in Jazz Fest's 2nd weekend
Read full article: Coronavirus forces cancellations in Jazz Fest's 2nd weekendWillie Nelson is cancelling an upcoming performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival and postponing other shows after a positive case of the coronavirus in his band.
The Lone Star State in song: 100 loud and proud Texas tracks sure to satisfy the Texas-obsessed Texan in us all
Read full article: The Lone Star State in song: 100 loud and proud Texas tracks sure to satisfy the Texas-obsessed Texan in us allAlmost no one identifies with their state the way us Texans do.
New this week: 'Clickbait,' Sturgill Simpson and Addison Rae
Read full article: New this week: 'Clickbait,' Sturgill Simpson and Addison RaeThis week’s new entertainment releases include a Sturgill Simpson's concept album called “The Ballad of Dood & Juanita” and TikTok star Addison Rae making her acting debut in a gender-flipped remake of the 1999 Freddie Prinze Jr and Rachael Leigh Cook teen comedy “She’s All That.”.
These 7 old-school Texas dance halls (still in operation!) are an absolute must for your bucket list
Read full article: These 7 old-school Texas dance halls (still in operation!) are an absolute must for your bucket listThere’s history all over the world, but the history in Texas is unique, and lucky for us, some of it is still around to enjoy.
New this week: 'The Suicide Squad,' 'Vivo' and Streisand
Read full article: New this week: 'The Suicide Squad,' 'Vivo' and StreisandThis week’s new entertainment releases include a new collection of previously unreleased songs from Barbra Streisand and the new Netflix animated movie, “Vivo,” in which Lin-Manuel Miranda is a voice actor and provides original songs.
New this week: 'In the Heights,' 'Loki' and 'Infinite'
Read full article: New this week: 'In the Heights,' 'Loki' and 'Infinite'This week’s new entertainment releases include the much-anticipated debut of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights,” a sweaty, vibrant musical about a close-knit Washington Heights neighborhood.
The Latest: Astros to allow 50% capacity for games in April
Read full article: The Latest: Astros to allow 50% capacity for games in AprilHouston hosts 14 games in April -- Oakland and Detroit visit for three each, the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle play four times. ___The Charlotte Hornets will allow approximately 5,000 fans to attend NBA home games beginning March 26 against Miami, or about 25% percent of the Spectrum Center’s seating capacity. That’s a 10% increase from the 3,000 fans that were allowed to attend home games beginning March 13. ___The Preakness will be run in front of a limited capacity of 10,000 fans at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 15. AdSince the pandemic was declared in March 2020, the Ad Council has mobilized the industry to launch a multi-pronged communications effort to combat COVID-19.
New this week: Billie Eilish, Billie Holiday and Superman
Read full article: New this week: Billie Eilish, Billie Holiday and SupermanThis combination photo shows promotional art for Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry, a documentary debuting Friday on Apple TV+, from left, The United States vs. Billie Holiday," premiering Friday on Hulu and Superman & Lois," a new series premiering Tuesday on The CW. (AppleTV+/Hulu/The CW via AP)Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. Ad— Based on Johann Hari’s 2015 book, “Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs,” Lee Daniels' “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” chronicles the legendary jazz singer's addiction and activism. Andra Day, who's nominated for a Golden Globe, plays Holiday in the biopic, which premieres Friday on Hulu. ET at the Amazon Music Twitch channel and will feature music from the group’s new album, “Life Rolls On,” released on Feb. 12.
Charley Pride overcame racial barriers as country music star
Read full article: Charley Pride overcame racial barriers as country music starAnd he did it by winning over millions of country music fans. Until the early 1990s, when Cleve Francis came along, Pride was the only Black country singer signed to a major label. “Then it was ‘first Negro country singer;’ then ‘first Black country singer.’ Now I’m the `first African-American country singer.′ That’s about the only thing that’s changed. Throughout his career, he sang positive songs instead of sad ones often associated with country music. Even a country singer,” said country singer Rissi Palmer on Twitter.
Willie Nelson 2020? 4 people in Vermont had ‘high’ hopes that would be the case
Read full article: Willie Nelson 2020? 4 people in Vermont had ‘high’ hopes that would be the caseA handful of people in Vermont embraced their inner Texans for the 2020 election and chose to write in one of the most notable Texas-born country singers, Willie Nelson. According to the Vermont election results, four people wrote in Nelson as their would-be presidential candidate. Of all the votes, 242,820 (or about 65%) went to Joe Biden and 112,704 (or about 30%) went to President Donald Trump. The remaining votes went to libertarian, green and independent candidates, as well as a variety of write-ins. According to NBC, Joe Biden is the president-elect with 306 electoral votes and 51% of the popular vote.
Outlaw country artist Billy Joe Shaver dead at 81
Read full article: Outlaw country artist Billy Joe Shaver dead at 81FILE - Artist Billy Joe Shaver poses backstage following his concert "Billy Joe Shaver presented by WMOT/Roots Radio" at City Winery Nashville in Nashville, Tenn. on April 1, 2017. (Photo by Laura Roberts/Invision/AP, File)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Outlaw country singer songwriter Billy Joe Shaver, who wrote songs like “Honky Tonk Heroes,” “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train” and “Old Five and Dimers Like Me,” has died He was 81. His big break came when Jennings recorded several of Shaver's songs for his 1973 album “Honky Tonk Heroes," which helped popularize the outlaw country genre and turn the maverick country artists into legends. "There weren’t another other way to be/For lovable losers, no account boozers/And honky tonk heroes like me," Shaver wrote in the title track. Shaver wrote songs that were covered by Elvis Presley, Patty Loveless, George Jones, Tex Ritter, Tennessee Ernie Ford and John Anderson.
Trailblazer Charley Pride to get lifetime achievement award
Read full article: Trailblazer Charley Pride to get lifetime achievement awardNASHVILLE, Tenn. – Trailblazing country music star Charley Pride will get a lifetime achievement award at the CMA Awards in November. 1 hits between the 1960s and 1980s, with songs like “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'” and “Is Anybody Goin' to San Antone.”Pride, 82, will accept the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award on the CMA Awards on Nov. 11 on ABC. Pride was named CMA Entertainer of the year in 1971 and won male artist of the year in 1971 and 1972. He has three Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000. Other recipients of the award include Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Kris Kristofferson.
Jimmy Carter says his son smoked with Willie Nelson on the White House roof
Read full article: Jimmy Carter says his son smoked with Willie Nelson on the White House roofHOUSTON – Former President Jimmy Carter shared a story of how one of his sons shared a joint with country legend Willie Nelson in a new documentary, “Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President.”The smoke session happened on the White House roof, according to the Los Angeles Times. In the film, Carter said that Nelson says he “shared the pot with him was one of the servants at the White House.”However, the former president said: "That is not exactly true. It actually was one of my sons.”The documentary highlights Carter’s love of music and his friendship with several musicians during his term. Carter served as president from 1977 – 1981.
Toots Hibbert, beloved reggae star, dead at 77
Read full article: Toots Hibbert, beloved reggae star, dead at 77FILE - In this May 3, 2018 file photo, Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals performs at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans. Hibbert, frontman of Toots & the Maytals, had been in a medically-induced coma at a hospital in Kingston since earlier this month. Grammy nominations for Hibbert included best reggae album of 2012 for “Reggae Got Soul” and best reggae album of 2007 for “Light Your Light.” Hibbert was ranked No. Married to his wife, Doreen, for nearly 40 years, Hibbert had eight children, including the reggae performers Junior Hibbert and Leba Hibbert. Frederick Nathaniel Hibbert ("Toots" was a childhood nickname) was born in May Pen, Parish of Clarendon.
Willie Nelson’s July Fourth picnic is virtual in virus era
Read full article: Willie Nelson’s July Fourth picnic is virtual in virus eraSPICEWOOD, Texas (AP) — Willie Nelson’s annual Fourth of July Picnic is going ahead this year, but to reduce concerns about the coronavirus the event will be virtual. Other performers expected to play include Sheryl Crow, Ziggy Marley, Steve Earle and Nelson’s fellow Texas-based singers Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen and Kinky Friedman. Some of the artists will perform at Nelson’s Luck Ranch in Spicewood, northwest of Austin. Nelson’s event started in 1972 and has been held most years since, moving around Texas and occasionally outside the Lone Star State. “First Rose of Spring” features two new tunes plus Nelson’s take on songs by Toby Keith and Chris Stapleton.
New this week: Willie Nelson, Nick race special, 'Hamilton'
Read full article: New this week: Willie Nelson, Nick race special, 'Hamilton'This cover image released by Legacy Recordings shows "First Rose of Spring," the latest album by WIllie Nelson, available on July 3. The PG-13 film was shot in summer 2016 over two Hamilton performances with the original cast, and it comes complete with an intermission. The legend Willie Nelson will release his 70th studio album, First Rose of Spring, on Friday. AP Music Editor Mesfin FekaduTELEVISIONAlicia Keys hosts Kids, Race and Unity, a Nick News special aimed at helping children understand the crisis facing America. The special debuts 7 p.m. EDT Monday on Nickelodeon, TeenNick, and Nicktoons and online on sites including Nickelodeon YouTube.
Texas venue that launched Janis Joplin’s career set to close
Read full article: Texas venue that launched Janis Joplin’s career set to closeAUSTIN, Texas – A live-music venue in Texas where college student Janis Joplin launched her singing career will not be reopening after the coronavirus pandemic lifts. The converted gas station is where Joplin, then a student at the University of Texas, performed in the 1960s. On Monday, Wilson made the closure of his venue permanent but did not provide further details. Before reopening Threadgill’s, Wilson had founded another iconic Austin music venue — the Armadillo World Headquarters — in 1973. The south Austin venue where Texas progressive country music embodied by Willie Nelson was nurtured closed after a New Year’s Eve 1980 party and was torn down to make way for an office building.
Willie Nelson hosting ‘Come and Toke It’ variety show on 4/20
Read full article: Willie Nelson hosting ‘Come and Toke It’ variety show on 4/20The world's other most-famous musical weed enthusiast, Willie Nelson, will be hosting a variety show Monday in honor of 4/20. "Come and Toke It" is being presented by Nelson and Luck Reunion. "This 4/20 at 4:20 PM CT we're bringing together artists, chefs, comedians, educators and more for 4 hours and 20 minutes of cannabis-centric entertainment hosted by Willie Nelson himself -- all from the comfort of quarantine," the description reads on a YouTube video promoting the event. "Whether you partake or not, this is your chance to live the dream," a posting on the site stated. Select videos will be featured during the Come And Toke It broadcast before Willie takes the last hit on air."
Don’t miss out: Willie Nelson is performing a free show on a streaming service
Read full article: Don’t miss out: Willie Nelson is performing a free show on a streaming serviceWillie Nelson joined Luck Reunion for a free live-streamed show that would have been this year’s Luck Reunion concert. The concert was previously canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak. The concert is from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and you can stream it on http://luckreunion.com/tilfurthernotice and https://www.twitch.tv/luckreunion.
WATCH: Willie Nelson cries on stage during Houston Rodeo performance
Read full article: WATCH: Willie Nelson cries on stage during Houston Rodeo performanceHOUSTON – Closing out night two of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Willie Nelson delivered an outstanding performance in front of more than 70,000 fans on Armed Forces Appreciation Day. I can’t believe I just saw Dr. James Allison play on stage with Willie Nelson!! Total surprise pic.twitter.com/ZBJ4aIJgBe — Luis Valencia (@Luis_E_Valencia) March 5, 2020The singer was also joined on stage by his son Lukas Nelson. 1) Tonight, I watched Willie Nelson perform at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Willie Nelson the GOAT!🐐 pic.twitter.com/briI2c498Q — Noah Outlaw (@OutlawNoah) March 5, 2020Willie Nelson shed a tear after singing “Always On My Mind” at the Houston Rodeo.
Here’s how you could win a chance to meet Willie Nelson and see him perform at his Texas ranch
Read full article: Here’s how you could win a chance to meet Willie Nelson and see him perform at his Texas ranchIs meeting Willie Nelson on your bucket list? Fundraising website Omaze would like to send you and a friend to Nelson’s Texas ranch to see him perform along with 50-plus artists at his Luck Reunion festival. The winner of the sweepstakes will get a round-trip flight to Austin and stay at a 4-star hotel nearby. For example, if you donate $100 you get entered 2,000 times. Click here to enter and to learn more information.
LISTEN: Get to know and hear the music of the 17 acts who will play at RodeoHouston this year
Read full article: LISTEN: Get to know and hear the music of the 17 acts who will play at RodeoHouston this yearSome of the group’s most popular songs include “Drinkin’ Problem” and “Make A Little." The Australian singer’s most popular songs include “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and “The Fighter” featuring Carrie Underwood. His most recent release is “We Were.”March 17: Gwen StefaniGwen Stefani will make her RODEOHOUSTON debut on Pop night. Stapleton’s most popular songs include “Tennesse Whiskey” and “Broken Halos” His most recent release is "Second One To Know” created in collaboration with The LEGO Group. Bryan’s most popular songs include “Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day” and “Play It Again” His most recent release is “What She Wants Tonight.”
'On the Farm Again' Woman makes hay replica of Willie Nelson
Read full article: 'On the Farm Again' Woman makes hay replica of Willie NelsonIn this Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019 photo, a hay bale sculpture called Will-Hay Nelson stands in a field on Tolers Ferry Road in Huddleston, Va. (Emily Elconin/The News & Advance via AP)HUDDLESTON, VA – Country singer Willie Nelson frequently sings about traveling and seeing things he may never see again. Chances are he had never before encountered a 15-foot-tall hay sculpture of himself — guitar and iconic pigtail braids included — like the one a Virginia woman recently created. Huddleston native Beth Bays has been making giant hay bale sculptures for the last eight years. But her latest work, “Will-Hay Nelson," really struck a chord in the community upon its debut in November, Bays told news outlets. Seems like the hay sculpture may always be on his mind.
Willie Nelson says he's not smoking, but is still using pot
Read full article: Willie Nelson says he's not smoking, but is still using potSAN ANTONIO, TX – Willie Nelson may have given up smoking, but he hasn't stopped using marijuana. While in San Antonio last week for two performances, the 86-year-old country music legend told KSAT TV that in an effort to take better care of himself, he no longer smokes. “That said," she said “Willie does what he wants, when he wants, when it comes to smoking." One thing though Nelson won't be giving up is touring. “This is my home."