Matthew Wilkening is the founding Editor in Chief of UltimateClassicRock.com and UltimatePrince.com.
Matthew Wilkening
Jeff Bates, ‘One Day Closer’ – Song Spotlight
Jeff Bates rings in the new year with 'One Day Closer,' the title track and first single from his upcoming album of inspirational country songs.
Chiming guitars and gentle piano gently unfold behind Bates' trademark deep baritone as he questions pretty much everything, while remaining confident that all his answers will be waiting for him in heaven.
George Strait Named 2010’s Biggest Country Tour
The 'King of Country' George Strait narrowly edged out Brad Paisley for the title of 2010's top earning country tour. With able assistance from support acts Reba McEntire and Lee Ann Womack, Strait earned $41.6 million dollars last year, just ahead of Paisley's $40.7 million take from his H2O world tour.
Faith Hill, ‘Give In to Me’ (From ‘Country Strong’) – Song Spotlight
Faith Hill is back with 'Give In to Me,' a new song from the 'Country Strong' soundtrack. Hill hasn't released a song that wasn't tied to the holidays or televised football since 2007, so you may ask yourself, what made her come out of hiding for this project? Well, it turns out her husband, Tim McGraw, is one of the stars of the film.
Chase Rice Talks ‘Buzz Back,’ New Music and His Love of Garth Brooks
As anybody who watched 'Survivor: Nicaragua' this season can tell you, finalist Chase Rice gave his budding country music career a swift kick in the butt with his performance of his new single 'Buzz Back' on the show's live reunion episode.
In Taste of Country's exclusive interview with Rice -- which we previewed last week with some 'Survivor' chatter -- we talk to the former University of North C
Barbara Mandrell – Country Music Legends
Since this Christmas Day marks country singer, actor and multi-instrumentalist Barbara Mandrell's 62nd birthday, we thought we'd take a moment to honor this trailblazer, who was pretty much the biggest female star in the industry in both the 1970s and '80s.
Chase Rice Dishes on ‘Survivor’ Celebrity, Strategy and Shaving
Aspiring country singer Chase Rice made national headlines this month by coming within one vote of winning the million dollar grand prize on 'Survivor: Nicaragua.' In addition to a fantastic runner-up cash prize, Rice got the chance to debut his new single, 'Buzz Back' (which you can read about and listen to right here) on the nationally televised reunion show.
Chase tells us about his new single,
Randy Montana, ‘1000 Faces’ – Song Spotlight
Randy Montana does his songwriting dad proud with his new single '1000 Faces,' the second track released from his forthcoming debut album. The young singer, whose father Billy Montana wrote hits for artists such as Garth Brooks, had his own first single, 'Ain't Much Left of Lovin' You,' reach the charts earlier this year.
Chase Rice, ‘Buzz Back’ – Song Spotlight
'Survivor: Nicaragua' finalist Chase Rice has released the official version of 'Buzz Back,' a song he recently played on the popular show's reunion special. The musical guide to overcoming a hangover, via the tried and true "hair of the dog" method, is slated to be released as a single on iTunes any day now.
Crystal Bowersox, ‘Farmer’s Daughter’ – Song Spotlight
2010 'American Idol' runner-up Crystal Bowersox angrily declares that she's no longer a 'Farmer's Daughter' on the first single from her just released debut album of the same name. The song deals with the always-touchy subject of childhood abuse, something Bowersox reportedly dealt with while growing up in Ohio.
Rascal Flatts, ‘Mary Did You Know’ – Song Spotlight
Rascal Flatts fans are getting a last-minute surprise from their favorite trio: an all-new studio recorded version of the modern Christmas classic 'Mary Did You Know.' The song travels back in time to ask the Virgin Mary if she was aware of just who her son would turn out to be. (Hint: the Baby Jesus!)