Brent Mason is a first-call session guitarist. But even he can’t say what makes him so in demand

Brent Mason recalls his journey from struggling session guitarist to the Musician’s Hall of Fame, and the moment that changed ...
American Songwriter

Born on This Day in 1953, the Songwriter Who Penned George Strait’s First No. 1 and Multiple Other Massive Country Hits for George Jones and Ray Charles

Seventy-two years ago today, a hall of fame songwriter who penned hits for some of country music's biggest names was born.
Whiskey Riff

Merle Haggard Almost Didn’t Record His First #1 Hit Single, “The Fugitive” – “Made A Whole New Day For Me”

One of The Hag's most autobiographical songs, indeed. On this date in 1966, Merle Haggard released his single "The Fugitive," which would later be know as "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive," which ultimately ...
American Songwriter

On This Day in 1966, Merle Haggard Released His First No. 1 Single—a Song With Two Titles That He Almost Never Recorded

Fifty-nine years ago today, Merle Haggard released what would later become his first single to reach the top of the country ...

Frank Sinatra makes history with first No. 1 on a Billboard songs chart since 1967

Sinatra bookends Billboard chart archives, as he sang on the No. 1 song - "I'll Never Smile Again," billed as by Tommy Dorsey ...