Throwback Thursday: Remembering Johnny Cash

     10 years ago today, we lost Johnny Cash.  Johnny Cash was a pillar of not only country music, but American music.  His love for the storytelling and emotion of a song was surpassed only by his love for June, who also passed away 10 years ago this year.  Johnny Cash was arguably the greatest country singer of all time, and is listed as an influence on countless artists.  He could do it all.  He worked with everyone from Elvis Presley to Waylon Jennings to Rick Rubin to Bob Dylan.  He recorded songs penned by anyone from Shel Silverstein to Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.  He sang songs about murder and drugs followed by a gospel song.  He could tell a story and break your heart like no other.  Johnny Cash IS country music.  Keep It Country Kids thanks the Man in Black for being a giant of music, and a giant of a human being.  Thank you for keeping it country, Johnny.  We miss you and June every day, and your music still lives on.

      The best way to celebrate Johnny is through his music, so here are some of my favorites.

Keith Urban "Fuse" Album Review

     When Keith Urban joined the cast of American Idol, I was worried.  The Voice took Blake Shelton from a guy standing up for true country to a fame obsessed sell-out.  Keith already leaned towards the fringe of country, but he still appealed to me because of his amazing guitar skills and dedication to honoring country music history by reaching out to work with traditionalists outside of the mainstream and donating time and money to the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Keith has always walked the line of country, pop, and rock very closely, sometimes falling one way or the other.  Fuse is still on that line, but with maybe a few more steps away from country.

Gary Allan "It Ain't The Whiskey" Single Review

     Gary Allan has announced the third single from his latest album Set You Free will be "It Ain't The Whiskey".  Gary has been on a strong run of great radio singles lately, with "Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)" and "Pieces" being two of my favorites of the past year.  Gary has set a high bar for himself, but he manages to surpass the lofty expectations with possibly his best single to date.