10 Longtime Favorites Still Going Strong in 2009
Many of my top albums from 2009 are by some of my longtime favorite artists. So as we prepare to enter a new decade, I'd like to acknowledge the musicians who have been creating notable music since long before some contemporary country artists were even born. For example, Reba McEntire notched her first Top 10 hit in 1980. George Strait wasn't far behind when "Unwound" arrived a year later. In an astonishing feat of longevity, McEntire's Keep on Loving You and Strait's Twang both debuted atop the Billboard 200 this year, tracking sales among all genres of music. I can't even tell you how eager I am to see these two on tour together in 2010.
In the 1980s, country fans also came to know Patty Loveless and Steve Wariner. This year they each paid homage to their roots, with Loveless offering a magnificent Mountain Soul II and Wariner submitting the sterling My Tribute to Chet Atkins. Radney Foster, who found success in Foster & Lloyd that same decade before embarking on a solo career, turned in the revealing, rollicking Revival. No album in 2009 surprised me more. It's a five-star effort, in my opinion.
And I must give props to Willie Nelson's American Classic. Pairing his inimitable voice with standards that have endured for generations, nobody in country music made a classier album this year. In addition, Kris Kristofferson's Closer to the Bone is both enjoyable and enlightening. I also got a kick out of bluesman Delbert McClinton's Acquired Taste. But if you're more into rock 'n' roll, get your booty on duty and grab John Fogerty's The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again, with his lively renditions of pop and country classics. Rosanne Cash's exquisite The List follows the same idea, as she interprets material from a list given to her as a teenager by her father, Johnny Cash. I am so pleased that she ushered old favorites into a new era -- not a bad idea this time of year.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Aaron says:
Reba is timeless and has a diverse fan base. I imagine she still has many years left in her career.
Peacock Queen says:
I love George Strait. I am not surprised that he is still going strong. Reba rocks, and will rock on for a long time. I also love Patty Loveless, and wish she could be played on the radio more often. Another favorite was Pam Tillis. I wish she would come out with a new album.
Redmaz says:
Still trying to figure out what being played on the radio has to do with this, but you’re not going to learn anything by sitting around listening to Pop radio PQ. Patty’s new CD “Mountain Soul II” is currently at #12 this week on the AMA Chart(based on airplay spins). This CD spent several week at #1 so it is getting plenty of airplay. As far as Pam Tillis, what did you think of her 2007 release “Rhinestoned”? Just wondering…
Peacock Queen says:
I think she should have been played more on ALL country radio instead of subjecting the listening audience to the same stupid teenage girl songs over and over and over. Every 15 minutes, there was a shrilly voice saying “Mee eee eee eeee eeeee.” That is what I think.
Redmaz says:
You didn’t answer my questions. Also… Do you think this teenage girl you speak of is or should be played on the same radio format as Patty Loveless?
barb b says:
I would love to see a duet with
reba and carrie it would be AWESOME!!!!!!
Gina says:
Stupid teenage girls songs!!!!! Wow stupid teenage girls songs really??? Who are you calling stupid teenage girls?????? PQ WHO??????
Peacock Queen says:
I apologize to all the fans for the “stupid” teenage girls songs comment. That is not a constructive nor a respectful way to express an opinion. I was wrong to say that, and I apologize. I am just tired of being attacked on this site. No matter how polite and reasonable I try to be, I am constantly being called a name by someone, and it isn’t right. Until that comment above, I have been honest in my feelings but I have also tried to be fair, and nice, but I have been called stupid, beyond stupid, a moron, a hypocrit (even though I was being sincere at the time), loudmouth, know-it-all, and all of that was unprovoked on my part. I have also been attacked for nothing more than saying I love country music. What a thing for someone to get upset about. Now that is stupid.
Peacock Queen says:
I forgot: I have also been called immature, jealous, bitter, hater and a bully. All because I love country music, but I am not a fan of Taylor Swift’s MUSIC (not her personally, just her music). Nice.
Joan says:
Tim Mcgraw, the MOVIE he was in, The Blind Side will go OVER the 200 MILLION mark this weekend. Also congrats to Tim, in his 10 weeks since he released his album it has went OVER 500,000(Gold) by about 40,000. That means in a shorter time period he has out sold Toby, George, Reba, BRAD, and even Kenny Chesney GH album that came out way earlier this year.
Joan says:
Watch her delete the comment on Tim, if I was a betting person would win big time with that bet. ITS NOT FAIR, Tim’s accomplishments DON’t for the msot part get reported on CMT or other country news site cause he has the unfortunate postion to be with one of the worst labels that don’t report his news an accomplishments. Kenny’s label releases info when he sneezes and everything else. SO CMT your not playing fair ignoring Tim and his fans just cause his label doesn’t put out them daily press releases. THERE has NOT been ONE article about Tim’s accomplishment of the BEST SELLING Country Artist of the DECADE, NOT one article about how successful the movie has been, or even the numbers regarding his sales of his latest album.
mand14 says:
Peacock Queen I think we’ve all been called some of those names. I know I have. it really does need to stop. you can’t even comment on anything that you like without being bashed about it by 3875635 different people. I get eaten for being a Taylor Swift fan.
anyway, something related to this article..I will say out of these 10 artists I like George Strait the most. good music.
Will says:
Joan. I don’t think you realize, but you are being disrespectful to the other artists mentioned. I am not sure if you are the same person that posts on Carrie and Taylor topic blogs, but there is a Tim fan that complains a lot on their stories about artists except for those two are getting attention. Then there’s this article, recognizing some legends, and you complain about how your specific artist doesn’t get enough attention. Please think about what your posts say. They are sometimes rude, even hypocritical.
Will says:
Peacock Queen. We all have limits. It was very mature of you to apologize. I am also sorry to you and mand14. There is sooo much unnecessary negativity and immaturity sometimes, especially when Carrie and Taylor are mentioned. Things are said and people get hurt. It is horrible the name calling. Hopefully it will go away when people realize that they are talking to real people online.
Finally back to the article. I love George Straight, but my favorite has to be Reba. I really hope she releases Maggie Creek Road. I think she is releasing I keep on loving you after CMG has run its course
GSTOPFAN says:
I love George Strait and as far as I’m concerned he’s the best singer in the world.
Cory says:
Reba and Martina rocks! They should work together more often.
J.R. Journey says:
Reba’s return to the good graces of country has surprised me, but I’m glad to see her still relevant. No surprise Strait is still in there, he’s just a given anymore.
I like nearly every album you’ve mentioned, and most are already in my collection.
Krys says:
Reba is the best and i’m so happy she returned to full time singer, i love her sitcom, but such a wonderful voice and personality can’t be on hold, i love her new album and i’m looking forward to see her and George on tour this new year!!
Peacock Queen says:
Thanks, Will and Mand14. Yes, I was wrong, and I hate that I did that. A moment of anger and weakness on my part. Mand14, I know exactly what you have experienced and it isn’t right. It won’t come from me. If you like don’t particularly care for an artist that I think is great, hey, that is alright with me. You don’t have to like what I like in order to be a fine person, so I agree. It needs to stop. I saw where someone who isn’t even an American and is new to country music got hammered because she posted a comment on Carrie Underwood that wasn’t glowing. I do not believe this person meant to be offensive at all, but she took a real beating. That isn’t right. If you are a fan of the music, then be a fan. Educate, don’t berate!
Anyway, back to this article. I love the “long-timers” and wish them much success in the future. I don’t get tired of my favorites. I love Charlie Daniels, Emmylou Harris and Vince Gill, and would like to read what they are up to these days on this site, so hint, hint!!! I did see Charlie’s car insurance commercial. Hysterical, as always.
Deb says:
I am a huge Reba fan. I can’t wait for the Reba-George concert! Country music has such a story to share!
shirley says:
You are starting 2010 off all wrong. Carrie underwood should be at the top and please stop promoting taylor awift she is horrible.
Redmaz says:
Still waiting to hear from Peacock Queen. Thanks.
lacey says:
reba is so preety she is beautiful