WideOpenCountry

DeFord Bailey DeFord Bailey was a pioneer not only for African American Country singers but for all country musicians. A world-class harmonica player, Bailey has the distinct honor of being the first country singer to be introduced on the Grand Ole Opry. Not just the first black country singer, the first ever country musician. A rare appearance in 1974 launched the Opry's "Old Timers' Show," and Bailey received one of country music's highest honors when he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005 — 23 years after he passed away. Charley Pride One of our living legends of country music, Charley Pride, embodies everything there is to love about country music. With talent matched only by his resiliency and character, Pride rose to fame at the height of racial tension in America and eventually earned 39 No. 1 singles, selling over 70 million albums. The only artist to outsell Pride for RCA was Elvis Presley. Tina Turner She may not be known traditionally as a country artist, but Tennessee native and American icon Tina Turner's stint in country music was huge both for her and for future generations of artists. She wasn't the first black pop/R&B artist to go country, but she chose to introduce herself to the world as a country musician to show her appreciation for the genre with the Grammy-winning Tina Turns the Country On! Aaron Neville Aaron Neville was born in New Orleans and grew up around the southern and Creole influences of Louisiana. He started off singing with The Neville Brothers but eventually had a solo career. Neville's voice is high and smooth and lends itself well to R&B, but the singer never limited himself to one genre. One of Neville's most notable collaborations with a prominent country singer wasn't even for a country song. His work with Linda Ronstadt in 1989 for the Grammy Award-winning song "Don't Know Much" reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart that year. Ray Charles Ray Charles is the rare artist whose music completely eclipses genre boundaries. And while, like Tina Turner, he's not known traditionally as a country music singer, Charles stepped into the country music spotlight several times and left a lasting impact. He first began recording country songs in the late 50s, and in 1962 he released Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. Cowboy Troy Cowboy Troy was doing the whole "hick-hop" thing years before acts like Jason Aldean ("Dirt Road Anthem"), Luke Bryan ("That's My Kind of Night") and Florida Georgia Line ("This Is How We Roll") cashed in on it. Unlike artists who saw their stars rise with a hick-hop hit or two, it was never just a fad for Cowboy Troy, who started in 2001. Darius Rucker As a founding member and primary songwriter for soft rock band Hootie & The Blowfish (contrary to popular belief, the name was a combination of nicknames and Rucker was not "Hootie"), Darius Rucker co-wrote the 16th best-selling album of all time in Cracked Rear View. He always described his sound as more country-leaning and introduces the classic hit "Let Her Cry" as the first country song he ever wrote. Rucker's Learn To Live and Charleston, SC 1966 cemented him as a mainstay in country music. He'd eventually go on to record one of the most-played country songs ever, his version of "Wagon Wheel." For more check out WideOpenCountry.com

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Brad Paisley's "Waitin' on a Woman" wasn't new in 2008 when Andy Griffith appeared in its music video and a subsequent video mix sent out to country radio. A prior version of the Don Sampson and Wynn Varble composition appeared on Paisley's 2005 album Time Well Wasted and as a bonus track on a reissue of 2007's 5th Gear. However, it went from album cut to one of the best sentimental songs in recent country music history after the star of The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock assumed the role as its wise old man. "Who's the perfect person to sit next to you on a bench and tell you, 'Here's some advice, son'? Andy Griffith," Paisley explained in his spotlight interview during the 2018 Country Radio Seminar in Nashville. "I wrote him a letter. I told him, 'I grew up watching [The Andy Griffith Show]. Your show helped me raise my son. I now know how to raise a boy because of watching that show. If you want to be in the video, that would be great, but if not, thank you for everything you've done.'" In the music video, a newlywed played by Paisley waits as his young wife shops in the mall. An older married man reassures him that the right partner is literally worth the wait. The old man also figures his wife will outlive him, but waiting for her once again, this time in Heaven, will also justify his patience. The song further established Paisley as a traditional-minded country star, willing and able to dispense the sort of earthy wisdom associated with the fictitious folks of Mayberry, North Carolina. It also reconnected Griffith, whose best-known program introduced The Dillards to the masses, with a country music audience. The song became Paisley's eighth consecutive song to top Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. Its music video won the 2008 CMA Award for Music Video of the Year. "Waitin' on a Woman" Lyrics Sittin on a bench at West Town Mall He sat down in his overalls and asked me You Waiting on a woman I nodded yeah and said how 'bout you He said son since nineteen fifty-two I've been Waiting on a woman When I picked her up for our first date I told her I'd be there at eight And she came down the stairs at eight-thirty She said I'm sorry that I took so long Didn't like a thing that I tried on But let me tell you son she sure looked pretty Yeah she'll take her time but I don't mind Waiting on a woman He said the wedding took a year to plan You talk about an anxious man, I was nervous Waiting on a woman And then he nudged my arm like old men do And said, I'll say this about the honeymoon, it was worth it Waiting on a woman And I don't guess we've been anywhere She hasn't made us late I swear Sometimes she does it just cause she can do it Boy it's just a fact of life It'll be the same with your young wife Might as well go on and get used to it She'll take her time because you don't mind Waiting on a woman I've read somewhere statistics show The man's always the first to go And that makes sense cause I know she won't be ready So when it finally comes my time And I get to the other side I'll find myself a bench, if they've got any I hope she takes her time, cause I don't mind Waiting on a woman Honey, take your time, cause I don't mind Waiting on a woman

If you're a fan of the hit television sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies, you might want to save up your pennies. The mansion seen in the opening credits of the series is on the market. Of course, you are going to have to find some of Jed Clampett's Texas Tea if you want to buy this expensive home. Originally, the Beverly Hillbillies mansion had a $350 million price tag, making it the highest priced piece of real estate in the nation. The price of the Clampett mansion was later slashed to $245 million. In June, the price decreased by another $50 million (quite the price cut)-- setting the asking price at $195 million, according to Housing Wire. Whoever purchases the Los Angeles property will wind up with quite the piece of world-class Hollywood history. Architect Sumner Spaulding built the home in 1933. According to Fortune, the original owners gave the home the name of "Chartwell," which stuck over the years. In 1986, the mansion went through a restoration that kept all of the building's original charm. The Chartwell estate sits on a 10-acre lot and features a tennis court, beautiful garden, 75-foot swimming pool and even a covered parking lot big enough to hold 40 cars. Of course, the mansion itself has even more allure. The massive 25,000 square foot home has a 12,000-bottle wine cellar, salon, ballroom, dining room, a 75-foot pool, pool house and much more. Naturally, the home only appeared in the credits of the television series that made it famous. All other shots took place on a film lot in Hollywood. READ MORE: 10 Things You Didn't Know About 'The Beverly Hillbillies' One of the reasons the Bel-Air estate is currently on the market is that the previous owner passed away on May 23, 2017. According to ABC News, Jerry Perenchio, who was once the chairman and CEO of Spanish-language broadcast network Univision, lived in the home until his death. Now the beautiful masterpiece is in need of a new owner to upkeep the fantastic piece of television history.

Country star Thomas Rhett teamed up with Crown Royal to reunite mothers of service members with their active duty sons and daughters.

If you're looking for a unique camping experience, look no further than Capitol Reef Resort in Torrey, Utah. Located in the Capitol Reef National Park, this is absolutely the "glamping" adventure you've been looking for. The accomodations are no joke. The resort offers various options depending on what you're looking for. Stay in one of their luxurious king cabins that comes with amazing views of the surrounding cliffs and comfortable beds. Different cabin sizes are available depending on if you want a king of queen bed or need a guest room. Also? Free toiletries. If you want a more authentic experience, consider staying in your own private teepee. You get your own flat screen tv, the same western furnishings that come in the cabins, and easy access to a private bathroom just "steps away" according to the website. And of course the same mountain views of the red cliffs surrounding the resort. The most authentic experience though is staying in one of the Conestoga Wagons. Available June-September only due to weather, these accomodations really let you sleep under the stars like the pioneers. But you get air conditioning and either a king bed or bunk beds depending on the wagon. You get a private bathroom separate from the covered wagon as well. The beautiful views are so incredible, it's very possible you won't want to leave your room. But if you do, there's a hot tub onsite, a heated outdoor pool open seasonally, and free wifi to keep you occupied after check-in. The Pioneer Kitchen is the on site restaurant that offers a delicious breakfast buffet and comfort food that really fits your surroundings. Your room also comes with your own coffee maker in case you sleep in past the buffet breakfast though. Scenic horseback rides will take you through the adjacent Fishlake National Forest. You'll get to see the Red Bluff, the Windgate Tunnel and even the Petrified Forest for some of the most incredible views of the red rock cliffs. The best part? No experience necessary! Tours start at $90/person for a 2-hour ride and go up as you add more time. Llama excursions are offered March-October. You'll really get a once in a life time experience as you take in the beautiful sites with your own llama. You can go on a day hike to the Water Pocket Fold of Capitol Reef National Park starting at $85/person. Or you can take it up a notch and go on an overnight trek starting at $810/person. You'll get to climb peaks in the national park, see stunning waterfalls, and learn all about the history of the area on this unique trip. Need more adventure? The resort also offers safari jeep tours. Your guides will teach you all about the geology and history of the National Park as you see it up close. Tours start at $150/person for a 4 hour tour up to the temple of the Sun and Moon viewing area. There are two additional options for $200/person for a 5-7 hour trip for those looking for a bit more time to see the sights. Whether you're looking to unwind in the heated pool while taking in the views, sleep in late in your own bedroom cabin, or experience a unique excursion, Capitol Reef Resort has something for everyone. Don't forget to stop by the gift shop to get something to remember your stay! For more like this, check out WideOpenCountry.com

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Actor Robert Duvall is undoubtedly one of the greatest performers of our time. After a celebrated career as an icon in Hollywood, Duvall might be best remembered for many of his western and southern film roles -- A Night in Old Mexico, Lonesome Dove, Tender Mercies and Wild Horses to name a few. Duvall spent most of his time growing up in Annapolis, Maryland as his father was an admiral in the Navy. Though he realized early on that he was interested in the performing arts, Duvall briefly followed his father's footsteps to serve his country. After graduating from Principia College with a Bachelor's degree in Drama, he joined the Army but he only served for a year. In 1955, Duvall moved to New York City to pursue an acting career. He was in good company too, his classmates included Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman, and James Caan. He was even roommates with Hoffman and Hackman. For the next four years, Duvall had a steady career on the stage before his television debut on Armstrong Circle Theater. A few years later he made his film debut as Boo Radley in To Kill A Mockingbird. Duvall went on to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1983 film, Tender Mercies as Mac Sledge, a country music singer recovering from alcoholism. In the film, he tries to rebuild his life in Texas. Across his career he has been nominated for six other Oscars for his roles in Coppola's The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, The Great Santini, The Apostle, A Civil Action, and The Judge. He's won two Emmy Awards and four Golden Globes including one for his role in the classic miniseries Lonesome Dove. Duvall told the Wall Street Journal that playing former Texas Ranger Captain Augustus "Gus" McCrae is his favorite role he's ever played. To say that he has had an incredibly diverse career is an understatement. Similar to Meryl Streep, Duvall really can jump from one role to something completely different and master it completely. He played General Robert E. Lee (who is rumored to be a distant relative on his mother's side) in Gods and Generals. He even played soccer coach opposite Will Ferrell in the comedy Kicking & Screaming. From Oscar-nominated films to campy comedies, the man has done everything. Including going to space as an astronaut in Deep Impact. These days, Duvall has chosen to live life at a slower pace away from the chaos of Hollywood. He lives with his fourth wife, Luciana at their horse ranch in Virginia. Duvall met his wife in Argentina (fun fact, he's a skilled tango dancer) and they've been together since 1997. Duvall spends all of his time at their ranch in Northern Virginia’s Fauquier County unless he has to fly to Los Angeles or New York for work purposes. For over 25 years, he has commuted from his 360 acres in the beautiful hills of Virginia. But with all of that property and a 270-year-old farmhouse to call his own, can you blame him? According to TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport, the scene is right out of a book. "This 360-acre gentleman’s farm (as he puts it) is the next stop before heaven! It boasts beautiful fields, hundred-year-old willow trees, an incredible pond and a stone manor that made me feel like I was on the set of 'Gone With the Wind.'" WideOpenCountry.com

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The Paramount Network TV series Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner as John Dutton, Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton, Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton, Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton, and Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler follows the Dutton family, who owns the largest contiguous ranch in the United States. The show is about the Dutton ranch's fight to keep its borders intact come hell or high water as a Native American Indian Reservation, land developers, rival ranching families, and Yellowstone National Park all try to encroach onto the land. The hit modern western has a star-studded cast and has been airing for three seasons, but here are some things you probably didn't know about the show. It Streams for For Free Yellowstone is not available on Netflix or Hulu, however, you can stream the entire first season on the Paramount Network website for free. The second season and third season can be purchased on Amazon Prime. A fourth season has been ordered but has not yet aired. Its Network Has Identity Issues The drama series airs on the Paramount Network, which has gone through several iterations as a channel. From 1983 to 2000 it was called The Nashville Network (or TNN). From 2000 to 2001 it was rebranded to The National Network. From 2001 to 2003 it was called "The New TNN". In 2003 the network rebranded as Spike TV and pivoted from country themed TV shows to men's programming. In 2006 the network dropped the "TV" from its name and became known simply as Spike. Then, finally, someone in Hollywood came to their senses and, in 2018, the network became known as The Paramount Network. The Show Shoots in Several States -- and NOT Wyoming Though the Paramount Network show takes place in Montana it is shot in both Montana and Utah. Some shooting locations include Park City, Utah, the Chief Joseph Ranch in Montana, and Darby, Montana according to IMDb. Its Stars Have Worked Together Before Prior to appearing together in Yellowstone, Wes Bentley and Danny Huston previously appeared together in season four of American Horror Story. Dave Annabel and Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton on the show, also previously appeared together in the show Brothers and Sisters. Meanwhile, Yellowstone lead and Oscar-winner Kevin Costner, who plays John Dutton on the show, and Ian Bohen had already done another western together. They both appeared in the 1994 film Wyatt Earp. Not only that, but they played the same character. Costner was the titular lead in the film while Bohen played the younger version of Wyatt Earp. They Have Super Hero Alums Both Danny Huston and Kevin Costner have been in DC Universe superhero movies. Danny Huston appeared as the antagonist in the first Wonder Woman film while Kevin Costner played Superman's adoptive father, Jonathan Kent, in Man of Steel.

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Steven Tyler and Martina McBride sing Cryin' at 2016 CMA Music Festival RareCountry SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsBKd0n_pW2othMnDteJ0pA ABOUT RARE COUNTRY: Rare Country is the fastest-growing country music website today. From chart-t

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Haven't we all imagined being a ranch hand for the Dutton family? You can now show your love for the Dutton family with a Yellowstone Dutton Ranch hat and Beth Dutton shirt. Amazon has Yellowstone fan merchandise out, and we haven't been this excited about TV show apparel since Friday Night Lights Dillon High football shirts. You too can look like Kayce Dutton with your lookalike hat. Our dream boys Kevin Costner and Luke Grimes sure do look good in their Dutton Ranch hats, but so would you. Grab something from off this list, and you'll look like the cutest ranch hand in Yellowstone. See more at wideopencountry.com

Actor Tommy Lee Jones is about as Texas as it gets. The Oscar-winning actor has made no attempts to hide his southern accent throughout his film career, and his gruff disposition has made him a Hollywood icon who can play comedy as well as drama seamlessly. The Texan never abandoned his roots in the Lone Star State, or the ranch lifestyle he was raised on, which could be why he was inspired to move back after years working in the film industry. Jones was born in the small town of San Saba outside of San Antonio. His family relocated as his father worked in the oil fields in Midland. When the industry took his family overseas, Jones moved to Dallas to attend the prestigious all-boys prep school, St. Marks School of Texas. St. Marks got Jones to experience new things from acting in plays to becoming an incredibly talented athlete. He was able to play football at Harvard, where he not only started getting into acting but was able to graduate with honors. Jones famously roomed with future politician Al Gore during his college days as well. After school, he moved to New York City, where he started performing on the stage. Jones is an incredibly serious guy, so it only makes sense that that's how he began his acting career. While he certainly has a reputation for being as moody as some of his characters, there's no doubt that he'll go down in history as one of the most memorable actors of his time. His career kicked off when he booked the role of Mooney, Loretta Lynn's husband in Coal Miner’s Daughter opposite Sissy Spacek. He went on to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Fugitive opposite Harrison Ford. Jones even won an Emmy for his role in the miniseries Lonesome Dove, his first role that got to show off his horse-riding skills from his time on the ranch. Younger fans might know him from his role fighting aliens opposite Will Smith in Men In Black. Jones is an accomplished polo player, something he is still passionate about today. In fact, according to Texas Monthly, he funds two polo teams, which include Jones and his wife Dawn, professional players, and their fifty horses. They split their time during the year between his polo farm in Palm Beach, Florida, and his San Saba polo ranch. The house on the Texas ranch is over 150 years old, which shows how much Jones admires the history of his 3,000-acre piece of real estate. Jones told Texas Monthly that he lives the good life out there between the polo fields and cattle they have on the property. “In the summers, we’ll work cattle, and then at about seven o’clock at night, we’ll start playing polo. We’ll play until about nine, and then when we’re done, we put the meat on the fire and watch the dark come. It’s a good life. Everyone is happy.” For more, check out WideOpenCountry.com

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