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Russell Smith, the gritty-voiced singer, witty songwriter, and co-founder of roots-rock band Amazing Rhythm Aces, died Friday at age 70 after a lengthy cancer battle. In a heartfelt Facebook post by the Amazing Rhythm Aces, known for their pop-country Top Twenty hit, “Third Rate Romance,” Smith was remembered for his “soulful voice and artfully crafted lyrics [which] helped develop the signature Amazing Rhythm Aces sound that defined an era and transcended genre labels.”

Smith was born in Nashville, raised in Lafayette, Tennessee, and launched his music career in Memphis. Blending country music,...

In 1993, the year that saw the worldly debuts of future stars Scotty McCreery, Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown, country music’s reigning royalty included duo Brooks & Dunn, the now-solo Wynonna Judd and newcomer Billy Ray Cyrus. One artist who would continue to rack up hit after hit throughout the year was Oklahoma’s Reba McEntire, who logged two huge Number One hits in ’93, but shared the spotlight on them with another singer. In August, Linda Davis, who was singing backup with McEntire on the road, joined her on the deliciously dramatic “Does He Love You,...

By the late 1970s, a lengthy battle with drugs and alcohol had earned country music legend George Jones the pejorative nickname “No Show Jones,” as his concert and public appearances became more erratic and unpredictable. But on February 17th, 1998, with those struggles mostly behind him, the singer debuted his own music/talk show on Tnn, the Nashville Network, welcoming longtime friends and rising country stars of the era in a relaxed and informal setting.

The George Jones Show began as a series of six hour-long specials with an episode featuring...

Dolly Parton's brother, Floyd Estel Parton, has died.  According to his obituary, published via the Atchley Funeral Home in Tennessee, Floyd passed away on Thursday, Dec. 6 at the age of 61. His cause of death was not revealed. Described as a true "Renaissance man," Floyd had an array of talents and areas of expertise. Per the obituary, he was an "avid outdoorsman" with an "abundant knowledge of nature," as well as an "incredible cook." He also shared his famous family members' love of music. He wrote the hit "Rockin' Years," which was recorded by his sister Dolly and Ricky Van Shelton. The song was even nominated for Best Country Vocal Collaboration at the 34th...