Country Music Grows with Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey, and Post Malone

Will Taylor Swift join them? Plus a look at Zach Bryan, and remembering Toby Keith

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Alexandria Isais & Max Holler
April 24, 2024

Howdy folks,

Welcome to the 106.9 I AM Country Newsletter. Whether you’re a lifelong listener or just found us on the dial, we’re glad to be in your inbox.

Here’s what’s ahead:

  • Stars Go Country: Taylor Swift Coming Back?

  • The BEST Songs of the Early 2000s

  • Zach Bryan.. Where’d He Come From?

  • Remembering Toby Keith

First things first, it’s Listener’s Choice! Do we play too much Alan Jackson? Not enough Jon Pardi? Complete the poll and/or reply to this email and let us know.

🗳️ What Artist Should We Play More?

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Pop Goes Country

Country fever is spreading, and some of our favorite pop stars are catching the bug! Beyoncé, Post Malone, and Lana Del Rey are taking their best swing at Country.

Beyoncé’s latest album “Cowboy Carter” held No.1 on the Country Music Billboard charts along with hit song “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM”. Beyoncé claims she’s always “been country” and this is just another Beyoncé album… what do y’all think?

Post Malone is an artist who’s been granted southern hospitality by some famed country artists; collaborating with Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Billy Strings, and famous fiddle player Larry Franklin.

Is it time for Post to make country music of his own? If it sounds anything like what he’s featured on, or what he’s been teasing on his instagram, sign me up!

Lana Del Rey has even announced her next studio album, “Lasso” to release in September. “Lasso” marks her first official country LP, four years in the making with the help of Jack Antonoff.

“If you can’t already tell by our award winners and our performers, the music business is going country. We’re going country. It’s happening”

Lana Del Rey

So Post Malone, Lana Del Rey, and Jack Antonoff are all dipping their toes into the country music waters… will their friend make a return splash back into the pool?

Long before her Eras Tour days of selling out stadiums worldwide, Taylor Swift was a country star. Her first four albums were country (still up for debate), and she’s already rerecorded three under “Taylor’s Version”.

Do you think she might make a comeback to her Country claim to fame?

Would You Welcome Taylor Swift Back To Country?

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Our Favorite Songs of the Early 2000s

A pinnacle for country music, let’s take a look at some of the beloved gems of the early 2000s.

This song fires me up every time I hear it. Carrie Underwood rightfully so struck the fear of God into all unfaithful men for generations to come! Treat your woman right! Headlights are expensive in this economy.

My all-time favorite country singer, Brad Paisley of course made this list. This song is a masterpiece, the comedic whiplash I felt when Brad starts that first chorus has lasted the test of time. I laugh every time I listen to this one!

A wonderful message of how God uses all of our mistakes and failures to lead us to our person. God has most definitely blessed the broken road that led me to my lady! What a great song, thank you Jesus!

The Emergence of Zach Bryan

Navy Veteran turned Grammy Nominee, Zach Bryan is quite the interesting country artist. From self-recording YouTube videos, to 112 million views, where did this guy come from?

With 27 million views, Zach Bryan made a name for himself with the song “Heading South”

“Something in the Orange” was his true claim to fame, gaining a Grammy nomination for “Best Country Solo Performance”.

Zach Bryan doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon; he just released songs “like Ida” and “28” on April 11th. And of course, he debuted them on YouTube first.

Remembering Toby Keith

After a battle with stomach cancer, Toby Keith passed at 62 years old on February 5th, 2024.

Within four decades in the industry, Toby Keith achieved 40 million album sales, 20 #1 hits, 22 top ten tracks, and 61 singles.

His mainstream success began after the 2002 release of “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue”.

Other hits include “Should’ve been a Cowboy”, “Beer for my Horses”, and “As Good As I Once Was”.

Keith performed his final show in Las Vegas on December 14th, 2023. He demonstrated that although his health was declining, his country spirit would always remain. Check out his last performance of fan favorite, “Should’ve been a Cowboy”.

For more news and local headlines, visit Mainstreet Daily News.

That’s all, folks! We hope you enjoyed this 106.9 I Am Country Newsletter. Fill out the poll, leave a comment, or send a reply and let us know what you think!

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