Are you updated in all the news buzzing around the country music industry right now? Well, here’s your weekly bite-sized news to catch up with!

1. Music Festivals Celebrate Country Music

Several music festivals have released their lineup for a packed year of fun and celebration. It may very well be Kacey Musgraves’ year, as she drops date after date and appearance after appearance. She’s in Coachella, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, and in the Houston Rodeo Show.

Other class acts also join in on the fun like country music king George Strait, Luke Bryan, Old Dominion, Luke Combs, and Kane Brown. Marren Morris, Brandi Charli, and John Prine represent all things Americana. This year, we’re gonna see more country artists shine.

2. Steve Ripley Dies at 69

Devastating news came on the 3rd of January when the news of Steve Ripley, the founder of “The Tractors” have passed after a strenuous battle with cancer.

Ripley was not only a famed guitarist. He was also a recording artist, songwriter, producer. Moreover, he was a radio host to the popular “Oklahoma Rock & Roll series.”

3. Danielle Bradbery Wrapped Up Her “Yours Truly: 2018” Project

In an amazing flex of skill and maturity, Danielle Bradbery released a cover of three outstanding songs that have inspired her back in 2018. She opens the project with an amazing rendition of Ariana Grande’s “God is a Woman.” And she followed that up with a more mellow version of Kacey Musgraves’ hit song “Slow Burn.” She closes the project with a peculiar pick from the hip hop scene with Post Malone’s “Psycho.” The evolution of her songs in the covers can be seen and it’s amazing how much she has grown and perfected her craft. Fans are excited to see more of what’s to come! 

4. Country Artists Make a Tribute to the King of Rock and Roll

Stars across the spectrum gather together for NBC’s Elvis All-Star Tribute for the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley. Blake Shelton will host the event.  It will feature performances from Shelton himself, as well as huge country stars like Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Pistol Annies, and Carrie Underwood. The special airs on NBC on the 17th of February at 9 PM ET/PT.

5. Movie “A Star is Born” Wins Big in the Golden Globes

“A Star Is Born” came into the 2019 Golden Globes with an impressive five nominations under its belt. This includes: “Best Motion Picture, Drama,” “Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama” for Bradley Cooper, “Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama” for Lady Gaga, Best Director – Motion Picture” for Bradley Cooper, and “Best Original Song – Motion Picture” for “Shallow. 
Lady Gaga bags the “Best Original Song” award, and Gaga gets emotional with her speech thanking her co-stars and the people behind the film.