Month: August 2025

Two of country music’s most iconic voices, George Jones and Alan Jackson, have come together for a powerful new live version of Jones’ iconic hit “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” released in celebration of the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary.

This just-released collaboration blends two unforgettable moments that could only take place on the Opry stage. It begins with Jones’ stirring 1993 live performance of his signature hit from the Opry’s hallowed circle and transitions seamlessly into Jackson’s emotional rendition from Jones’ 2013 funeral, where he honored his hero by performing the timeless song to close the service.

“He Stopped Loving Her Today” is widely regarded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, songs in country music history. Released in the spring of 1980 as the lead single from George Jones’ album I Am What I Am, the track marked a major comeback, becoming his first No. 1 hit in six years. At the time, Jones’ career had been in decline following his divorce from Tammy Wynette.

The heartbreaking ballad tells the story of a man left by the woman he loved. When she walked away, he promised, “I’ll love you ‘til I die,” a vow she doubted, saying, “You’ll forget in time.” But he never did. He kept her letters, clung to her memory, and loved her until the day they laid him to rest.

The song not only topped the charts but also swept the awards circuit. It earned Jones a GRAMMY for Best Male Country Vocal Performance, as well as ACM Song and Single of the Year. Impressively, it won the CMA Award for Song of the Year in both 1980 and 1981.

From the moment Jackson stepped onto the country music scene, he named Jones as a major influence. His music even inspired the legend to write a now-famous note, once displayed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, thanking Jackson for “Keepin’ It Country.”

Out on November 7, OPRY 100: Country’s Greatest Songs is a one-of-a-kind album honoring 100 years of the Opry and featuring 20 never-before-released live recordings from its legendary stage. The first single from the star-studded collection was “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” performed by Ashley McBryde and originally recorded by Hank Williams in 1952. 

 OPRY 100: Country’s Greatest Songs Track Listing:

1.  “Your Cheatin’ Heart” – Ashley McBryde (2024)

2.  “El Paso” – Marty Robbins and Marty Stuart (1981 / 2024) (Full circle mix)

3.  “Crazy” – Patsy Cline (1962)

4.  “Ring of Fire” – Johnny Cash (1967)

5.  “Coal Miner’s Daughter” – Loretta Lynn (1985)

6.  “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’” – Darius Rucker (2021)

7.  “I Will Always Love You” – Dolly Parton (feat. Patty Loveless and Marty Stuart) (2007)

8.  “The Gambler” – Don Schlitz (feat. Vince Gill) (2025)

9.  “Devil Went Down to Georgia” – The Charlie Daniels Band (2015)

10. “Elvira” – The Oak Ridge Boys (1980)

11. “Tennessee Whiskey” – Luke Combs (2016)

12.“He Stopped Loving Her Today (Full Circle Mix)” – George Jones and Alan Jackson (1993 / 2013)

13.“I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” – Kelsea Ballerini (2025)

14“Forever and Ever, Amen” – Randy Travis (1989)

15.“Don’t Close Your Eyes” – Keith Whitley (1988)

16.“Fancy” – Reba McEntire (2017)

17. “Chattahoochee” – Alan Jackson (2020)

18. “Go Rest High on That Mountain” – Vince Gill (feat. Patty Loveless) (2015)

19. “Jesus, Take The Wheel” – Carrie Underwood (2018)

20.“Mama Don’t Allow / Will The Circle Be Unbroken?” – Old Crow Medicine Show, Dom Flemons, Billy Strings, and Molly Tuttle (2020)

The post New Live Version of ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ Features George Jones and Alan Jackson appeared first on Country Now.

​Country Now

Shania Twain is celebrating her 60th birthday and taking a moment to reflect on her incredible journey in a heartfelt Instagram post.

To mark the milestone, Twain shared a throwback photo of herself in what appears to be a dressing room, getting glammed up before a show. Alongside the retro snapshot, which seems to date back to the 1980s, she wrote, “Happy birthday to me! How can I be 60?”

The country music icon also expressed gratitude for her life, career, and the people who have supported her along the way.

“So glad to have kept some photos from this time in the 80s when I had no idea what was ahead of me and Shania f**king Twain didn’t exist yet,” she joked. “I can’t begin to explain how grateful I am for the life that I have. For my family, friends, fans and the inspiration I get from all of you.”

The “You’re Still The One” singer wrapped up her message with a promise to stay authentic, writing, “I’ve tried to stay true to myself along the way and that’s my intention moving forward into the next chapter.”

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The country superstar was born Eilleen Regina Edwards in Ontario, Canada on August 28, 1965. She adopted her step father’s last name later in life and the stage name Shania, which is a tribute to her stepfather’s Ojibwa heritage meaning “I’m on my way.”

Twain endured a turbulent childhood, facing abuse at the hands of her stepfather, and later, both of her parents were killed in a car accident. She then took on the role as caregiver for her younger siblings. 

After performing around Canada for several years, Twain caught the attention of a Nashville record exec and soon, she signed a record deal. 

Shania Twain quickly rose to become one of country music’s brightest stars. Today, she’s a global superstar, a five-time GRAMMY winner, and has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide.

She is best known for megahits like “Any Man of Mine,” “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” “You’re Still the One,” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” Notably, Twain made history as the first artist to release three consecutive diamond-certified albums.

Most recently, Twain released her sixth full-length album, Queen of Me, on February 3, 2023, via Republic Nashville. In April, she launched her sold-out global Queen of Me tour, which ran through November and ranked among the Top 10 highest-grossing country tours of the year.

This year also saw Shania return to Las Vegas to complete her third residency, Come On Over – All The Hits!, and she recently wrapped up a summer run of tour dates, continuing to captivate fans around the world.

The post Shania Twain Turns 60 and Reflects on Her Journey appeared first on Country Now.

​Country Now

Jordan Davis, Old Dominion, and Riley Green are heading down under to headline Australia’s premiere country music festival, CMC Rocks QLD. 

The country stars lead the just-announced lineup for the 19th edition of the festival, which is set to take place Friday March 20 to Sunday March 22, 2026 at Willowbank Raceway, Ipswich, Queensland

Carly Pearce, Tucker Wetmore, Dasha, Gavin Adcock, Tyler Braden, Hudson Westbrook, Josh Ross, Waylon Wyatt, Bayker Blankenship, Braxton Keith, Vincent Mason, Willow Avalon, Alexandra Kay, The Castellows, Jake Worthington, Elizabeth Nichols, Zach John King, and more will also take the stage. 

CMC has long served as the launchpad for country music’s rising stars, giving Australian audiences an early look at future stadium-fillers, from Luke Combs’ breakthrough performance in 2018 to Taylor Swift’s appearance in 2009, years before she became a global superstar.

“Year after year, the loyalty of this crowd blows me away. Nearly half of them are flying in from interstate and so many have been making the trip for over a decade. That kind of commitment is rare in live music and it’s why we work so hard to keep delivering world-class lineups,” Chairman of Chugg Entertainment, Michael Chugg, said. “2026’s bill is stacked with incredible talent, big international names, Aussie favourites, and the next generation coming through. It’s going to be one hell of a weekend at Willowbank.” 

“It’s so exciting to see the depth and breadth of this lineup, from massive stars making their CMC Rocks (and Australian) debut, and favourites like Old Dominion that our fans have been clamouring for since they last rocked Willowbank in 2018,” Jeremy Dylan, Festival Director, Potts Entertainment, added. “We have been working hard to give the fans an even better experience than our epic 2025 festival, and we can’t wait to be back on site in March.” 

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Attendees can enjoy an intimate Songwriters show, set in the round just like in Nashville, while campers can keep the party going at the Amazon Music After Party late into the night. Back Forty will once again showcase rising local talent at the Cowboy Campground and Great Northern House. Plus, there will be plenty of options for food and drinks throughout the festival.

In 2025, more than 26,000 fans attended the sold-out festival.

Tickets for CMC Rocks QLD 2026 go on sale at 10 a.m. AEST on Thursday, September 4, via AXS.com.au.

The post Jordan Davis, Riley Green, & Old Dominion To Headline Australia’s Premier Country Festival, CMC Rocks QLD In 2026 appeared first on Country Now.

​Country Now