Best Country Guitarists, Best Song in a Movie, and Country Music News

The first chord hits and the room lifts. That’s the magic Robbie Johnson chases with his country-flavored take on You Shook Me All Night Long—faithful to AC/DC’s fire, sparking new life with a searing fiddle solo and tasteful B3 that make crowds throw their hands up without missing the original’s bite. We dig into how Robbie and producer Danny Rader protected the heart of the song, why restraint can be a power move in the studio, and how a great mix turns memory into momentum.From there, we wander Nashville’s storied halls—Ryman, Union Station, RCA Victor—and trade stories about haunted spaces, legendary sessions, and the way a room shapes a record. Robbie opens up about a chilling encounter from his childhood, and we test the line between superstition and stagecraft. It’s a perfect bridge into a bigger theme: places, people, and production choices that define country music’s feel.We also get candid about the current landscape. Alan Jackson’s farewell celebration, Clint Black’s BMI Icon moment, and the Zach Bryan effect—why raw, imperfect recordings can feel truer than polished gloss. We unpack streaming’s role in widening country’s lanes, how Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton shifted radio’s center of gravity, and why wordplay winners like Bar, None stick. The mailbag brings sharp opinions on small venues versus stadiums, the resurgence of vinyl and liner notes, and AI’s looming influence on songwriting and sound design. Through it all, we keep returning to what lasts: honest lyrics, smart arrangements, and performances built for sing-alongs you can feel in your chest.Join us for a lively, story-rich ride that blends studio nerdiness, stage wisdom, and fan-fueled passion for the songs that move us. If you’re into country music, classic rock crossovers, haunted studio lore, and charts with teeth, you’ll feel at home here. Tap follow, share with a friend who loves a great cover, and leave a review to tell us which song you “hate to love” and why.Send us a text Support the showLinks Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/ JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/ Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/ Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze X: https://x.com/jayfranze YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze Services Consulting: https://jayfranze.com/services/ Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/ Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/ Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/ Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/

What makes a musician “the best”—flashy solos, bulletproof tone, or the quiet excellence of a session pro who lifts every track they touch? We dig into that question with a fresh list of country’s standout guitarists, then pressure-test the names you know—Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley—against a studio titan who’s played on nearly everything: Brent Mason. Along the way, we break down how electric and acoustic roles really differ, why Telecasters and chicken-pickin’ still define a lane of country, and how pedals and signal chains can even shape a vocal when the studio gets experimental.The conversation widens fast. We unpack timely headlines and onstage signals—setlist swaps, lyric tweaks, rings on or off—and why fans read those choices as chapters in a public diary. There’s tour news, a TV series blending arena stages with backstage pressure, and a reminder that new voices rise from multiple paths now: TikTok bursts, honest songwriting pivots, and the right producer pairing at the right studio. If you care about where country music is headed, these threads matter.Then we hand the mic to our listeners for a high-stakes bracket: the greatest song ever used in a movie. Purple Rain surges. Eye of the Tiger swings hard. But the final crown lands on I Will Always Love You—a rare union of perfect song, perfect voice, and an unforgettable film moment. We close with chart spotlights (mainstream and indie), a quick-hit review of tracks worth your time, and a pointer to our playlist so you can hear everything we discuss.Episode LinksJeff King: https://jayfranze.com/episode6/Carl Tatz: https://jayfranze.com/episode24/Bob Bullock: https://jayfranze.com/episode28/Jim Cristaldi: https://jayfranze.com/episode27/MaKenzie Phipps: https://jayfranze.com/episode73/Billie Jo Jones: https://jayfranze.com/episode98/Jonny James: https://jayfranze.com/episode171/Send us a text Support the showLinks Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/ JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/ Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/ Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze X: https://x.com/jayfranze YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze Services Consulting: https://jayfranze.com/services/ Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/ Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/ Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/ Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/

A fan hug mid-song. A chart where Megan Moroney owns the moment. Dolly Parton’s quiet resilience. We chase the heartbeat of country right now and get brutally practical about how artists truly break through—and stay there—when the spotlight moves on.We start with a listener-fueled rundown of the Top 12 women in country, using each pick to explore story, sound, and why certain songs stick. From Gabby Barrett’s early radio push to Trisha Yearwood’s six-year return and Miranda Lambert’s new edge, we dig into visuals, production choices, and the fan-first decisions that build true loyalty. Lainey Wilson’s “walk offstage to hug a day-one” moment turns into a masterclass on brand gravity: authenticity you can feel from the cheap seats.Then we pivot into the mechanics: mainstream and indie charts, “country club” production vs band-in-the-room grit, and how sonic choices align—or clash—with the story you’re selling. That sets the stage for an on-air deep dive into Jay’s new book, Stand Out or Fade Out. Expect tactical advice on unifying your online image, building trust through consistency, and the proven cover-to-original strategy for short-form video. We also go inside the studio: producers vs. engineers, who actually elevates an artist’s voice, and the small, unglamorous moves—like an intern who quietly finished painting a wall—that earn the big breaks.Threaded through it all: Dolly’s health updates and record-setting chart legacy, a guitar pick gifted mid-show, and the reminder that reputation beats raw talent when careers get real. If you want a roadmap that blends heart, craft, and practical steps you can use tomorrow, this one’s for you.Send us a text Support the showLinks Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/ JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/ Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/ Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze X: https://x.com/jayfranze YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze Services Consulting: https://jayfranze.com/services/ Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/ Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/ Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/ Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/

Big lights, bigger grit. That’s the pulse running through our conversation with country-rock artist Jonny James—a former college football player who built a million-stream career the hard way: booking his own shows, designing his own merch, and recording between a home base in Indiana and sessions in Nashville. Jonny takes us inside the moments that shaped his sound, from pop-punk roots and Eric Church’s rule-bending to the raw ache of writing Shotgun in the Sky after losing his father-in-law. The result is a voice that straddles red dirt swagger and rock energy, and a live show that pivots from intimate acoustic to full-throttle electric depending on the room.We dig into process, not just polish. Jonny explains why melody usually comes first, how wordplay turns scenes into songs, and what 75 Hard has done for his voice and stage stamina—pre-show runs, no drinks until the last chord, and sharper, stronger sets. He shares the origin of his fan-favorite baseball jersey “cape,” the realities of opening for legends from Night Ranger to the Oak Ridge Boys, and the art of reading a crowd without losing yourself. Family is the throughline: coaching early baseball after a midnight gig, carving creative time around mill shifts, and teaching his kids that work beats talent when talent doesn’t work.Then there’s the whiskey. Born from a smoked old fashioned and refined through relentless tastings, Jonny’s 80-proof bottle carries applewood-cherry smoke and a subtle cinnamon edge—no syrupy shortcuts. We talk partnerships, scaling from local distilleries to full ownership, and the grind of distribution as an independent spirits brand. It’s the same DIY ethos as the music: build the thing, earn the fans, keep going when the easy path says stop.Episode LinksJonny James: https://www.officialjonnyjames.com/Send us a text Support the showLinks Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/ JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/ Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/ Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze X: https://x.com/jayfranze YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze Services Consulting: https://jayfranze.com/services/ Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/ Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/ Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/ Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/

A trunk ride with Billy Gibbons, a pair of “blessed” boots, and the moment a lyric became a band name—this one has stories. We sit down with American Mile’s Eugene Rice for a fast, funny, and unfiltered tour through the making of a modern Southern rock band built on grit, harmony, and a never-quit work ethic. From a Vermont town of 1,500 to SoCal stages, Eugene traces the path: sleeping in rehearsal spaces, selling a bike to buy an RV, and logging 200+ dates a year—often in four-hour marathons that would break most bands. He breaks down how “American Mile” emerged mid-take with producer Keith Nelson (Buckcherry), why a bison ended up on the merch table, and how thrift-store scarves became a signature stage move that also solved the hated-iPad problem.We get into sound and influence—Allman Brothers and Skynyrd bones with modern threads from The Black Crowes and Blackberry Smoke. Eugene spotlights the B3 and harmony vocals as secret sauce, plus the rotating “fifth member” who steps in for showcases. Then it gets practical: the economics of LA gigs, the reality of casino anchors, and why a vintage guitar day job keeps the dream alive and the tone honest. He opens the hood on the business too—band democracy, equal pay, and a vesting path to ownership that rewards the grind—while telling road-war stories about blown control arms, stolen catalytic converters, and welding fixes that saved shows.Underneath the laughs and lore sits a clear message: the American dream is still there if you work for it. Mentors matter. Systems matter. Saying yes matters. If you’re building a band, a creative career, or any longshot, you’ll leave with playbook-level tactics and renewed fight. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a push, and drop your best road hack or stage trick.Episode LinksGale Bird: https://www.americanmilemusic.com/Send us a text Support the showLinks Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/ JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/ Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/ Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze X: https://x.com/jayfranze YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze Services Consulting: https://jayfranze.com/services/ Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/ Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/ Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/ Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/

Nashville's songwriting community suffered a devastating loss with the passing of Brett James, a prolific songwriter who gave up medical school to pursue his passion for music. With 27 number one hits among his 500+ released songs, Brett's legacy includes classics like "Jesus Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood and "When the Sun Goes Down" by Kenny Chesney. His story reminds us how the unexpected paths we choose can lead to extraordinary impact.We dive into the ongoing story of Farm Aid, Willie Nelson's fundraiser supporting farming communities facing economic pressure. The recent Minneapolis concert featured legends like Neil Young, John Mellencamp, and Bob Dylan, continuing a tradition that has responded to agricultural crises since the 1980s. Similarly, Luke Bryan's Farm Tour celebrates a decade of bringing music to rural America while collecting food donations for those in need.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we explore artists who sound like others or from different eras. From Lainey Wilson echoing Miranda Lambert to Harry Connick Jr. channeling Frank Sinatra, these musical connections reveal how influence travels through generations of performers. Listeners share their own observations, creating a compelling tapestry of how country music continually evolves while honoring its roots.Current artist updates include Lainey Wilson canceling a show due to vocal issues, Brett Eldredge announcing his holiday Glow Live Tour, and Thomas Rhett expecting his fifth child. We also track both commercial and independent country charts, highlighting newcomers making waves alongside established stars.Whether you're a dedicated country fan or just curious about the genre's current landscape, our blend of news, artist spotlights, and chart updates offers something for everyone. Join our growing community of listeners who appreciate authentic conversations about the music that moves us.Send us a text Support the showLinks Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/ JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/ Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/ Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze X: https://x.com/jayfranze YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze Services Consulting: https://jayfranze.com/services/ Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/ Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/ Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/ Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/

What happens when a childhood nickname becomes a musical identity? Josh Gale and Sean from the band Gale Byrd join us to share how football fields in Texas, marsh sunsets in Charleston, and the everyday struggles of marriage have shaped their distinctive sound.The conversation dives deep into the creative heartbeat of this Charleston-based band. Josh reveals how his football nickname "Gale Bird" eventually became their band name, while Sean explains the meticulous production process that transforms their raw inspiration into polished tracks. Most touching is the story of how Josh's wife Melissa, silenced by childhood criticism, found her voice again through marriage and now stands as a vital part of their musical identity.Charleston's natural beauty plays a starring role in their creative process. The marshlands, harbor sunsets, and coastal atmosphere provide both inspiration and therapy for the band members. This connection to place infuses their music with an authentic spirit that fans immediately recognize. After a decade-long hiatus to focus on raising families, Gale Bird has returned with a renewed sense of purpose, crafting songs that speak directly to the heart of adult relationships.Their upcoming single "Roses" carries a powerful message: "Don't hold your roses till the funeral, take every chance to tell her she's beautiful." Written nearly a year before recent tragic events made headlines, the song's reminder about life's fragility feels uncannily timely. Through honest storytelling and melodic craftsmanship, Gale Bird creates music that encourages listeners to cherish relationships while navigating life's complexities.Episode LinksGale Bird: https://galebird.com/Send us a text Support the showLinks Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/ JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/ Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/ Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze X: https://x.com/jayfranze YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze Services Consulting: https://jayfranze.com/services/ Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/ Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/ Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/ Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/

When does a country star get "canceled," and does it even work? In this eye-opening episode, Jay and Tiffany dive into eight notorious country music controversies—from Morgan Wallen's racial slur captured on a doorbell camera to Jerry Lee Lewis marrying his 13-year-old cousin (which rock music rejected but country music... accepted?). Their candid exploration reveals the strange double standards that exist within different music communities.Beyond cancel culture, we uncover a startling radio industry revelation: 38 of the top 40 most-played country songs weren't even released this year. This leads to a fascinating discussion about why music executives consistently prefer safe, proven sounds over innovation, and how artists like Garth Brooks and Zach Topp initially struggled because they didn't sound like "everything else on the radio."The conversation shifts to exciting industry developments with Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks preparing a Christmas duet album, Jake Owen returning to old-school country sounds, and rising star McCoy Moore who received life-changing advice from Luke Combs when he was just 16. We also highlight Hardy's darker artistic direction with his aptly-named upcoming album "Country, Country, Country."Our question of the day—"Who is an artist more people should know about?"—sparks passionate responses from listeners, with multiple nominations for Chapel Heart and several mentions of previous show guests deserving wider recognition. The episode concludes with thought-provoking mailbag questions addressing everything from live album authenticity to AI's growing role in songwriting, where Jay reveals industry secrets about how "live" recordings are often doctored and fixed before release.Whether you're a dedicated country fan or simply curious about the inner workings of the music industry, this episode offers honest insights into what really happens behind Nashville's curtain. Listen now to join the conversation about authenticity, innovation, and the future of country music.Send us a text Support the showLinks Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/ JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/ Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/ Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze X: https://x.com/jayfranze YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze Services Consulting: https://jayfranze.com/services/ Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/ Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/ Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/ Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/

The lines between success and snubs blur in our deep dive into the 2025 CMA Award nominations. Morgan Wallen simultaneously celebrates three wins while feeling overlooked in other categories, perfectly capturing the industry's complex relationship with commercial success. Miranda Lambert makes a triumphant return with her first album in five years, while Jelly Roll and Post Malone find themselves surprisingly excluded from major categories despite their massive impact on the genre.We explore Nashville's reputation as "the 10-year town," where overnight success is rarely the reality. Jay shares a compelling story about an intern who painted his way to opportunity, demonstrating how persistence and initiative often matter more than talent alone in this industry. The conversation resonates with anyone pursuing creative dreams against long odds.Our Question of the Day sparks passionate debate as listeners share the songs they believe tell the best stories. From Harry Chapin's heartbreaking "Cat's in the Cradle" to Billy Joel's narrative masterpiece "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," we rank the ultimate storytelling songs with help from our engaged audience. The discussion reveals how deeply these musical narratives connect with listeners across generations.The show rounds out with fascinating country music developments – Dolly Parton and Zac Brown's collaboration, Jason Aldean's candid reflections on post-Vegas trauma, and the MTV VMAs finally recognizing country music after 40 years. Our weekly chart countdown highlights both mainstream hits and indie gems worth discovering.Whether you're a dedicated country music fan or simply appreciate authentic industry insights, this episode delivers entertaining conversation, thoughtful analysis, and a reminder of music's power to tell our most meaningful stories. Join the conversation at jayfranze.com and share your own perspectives on what makes a song truly unforgettable.Send us a text Support the showLinks Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/ JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/ Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/ Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze X: https://x.com/jayfranze YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze Services Consulting: https://jayfranze.com/services/ Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/ Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/ Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/ Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/

Taylor Swift's wedding planning takes center stage as we unveil the potential 13-artist lineup rumored to perform at her upcoming nuptials. From long-time collaborators like Colby Caillat to surprising connections with Kenny Chesney, we explore why each artist made the speculative list—and who's conspicuously missing. The real story might be Von Ray, who gave a young pre-fame Swift her first stage opportunity, creating the kind of authentic connection that wedding playlists are made of.Nashville's entertainment scene continues evolving with Ashley McBryde's announcement of "Redemption Bar," a sober-friendly establishment on Broadway focusing on mocktails while still maintaining the city's trademark soul. This innovative concept arrives just as drinking seems to be falling out of favor with younger generations, suggesting a potential shift in Music City's nightlife culture.We spotlight rising star Zach Topp, whose authentic honky-tonk sound is winning over fans looking for that classic 90s country feel. With his declaration "I ain't in it for the hype," Topp demonstrates he's building a legacy rather than chasing fleeting success—music that respects tradition while embracing storytelling's future.The highlight of our episode became an enthusiastic debate about which artist delivers the best live show, with passionate nominations pouring in for legends like Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Swift. We weighed factors from production value and costume changes to raw performance energy, ultimately crowning a surprising winner that sparked both agreement and controversy.Want to join the conversation? Connect with us at jfrenzy.com and tell us who YOU think puts on the best show in country music. Your picks might just make it into next week's episode!Send us a text Support the showLinks Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/ JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/ Contact Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/ Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze X: https://x.com/jayfranze YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze Services Consulting: https://jayfranze.com/services/ Books Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/ Merchandise Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/ Support Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/ Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/