It’s a Family Tradition
George Jones sang it best with his song, “Whose Gonna Fill Their Shoes,” a song about the greats of country music and who would be there to take over their legacy when they’re gone. Fortunately, the children of country royalty have that covered as some of yesterday’s hottest legends are excitingly coming back to radio waves near you!
Shooter Jennings
Shooter Jennings is a familiar name amongst some of the truest of country music fans nationwide; his outlaw country sound is popular with indie country fans and, of course, his likability due to his country roots. Son of legendary Waylon Jennings and Jessi Coulter, Shooter is no stranger to country music as he spent time in his crib around legends like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristopherson.[1] Shooter has done quite well considering he is set to release his seventh studio album titled Countach, due out February 26th on Vinyl and CD March 11th! Shooter is known to be a little different, you either love him or hate him and this new cd should really take the cake with duets with Marylin Manson and Brandi Carlile! Plus it’s Waylon Jenning’s son… as if you need any more reason!
“Outlaw You”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJwCwGDqiWg
“Steady at the Wheel”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lix0oDoFb6U
Holly Williams
I have to be honest, as much as this hurts to admit, I had no idea who Holly Williams was until yesterday. Holly is the daughter of none other than Hank Williams Jr., who as you know comes from country royalty himself, son of Hank Williams Sr. I went from never knowing of her, to “in love” about five song lyrics into the first song called, “Drinking.” This song highlights the downside of alcoholism and what it can do to the one you love. For the most part, Holly’s music is calm, beautiful, and filled with lyrics about true life. For me it’s heaven as I find this music so relaxing. I am surprised she hasn’t gone farther in her career, though I think we will hear about her more before you know it!
“Drinking”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD7vlDCbj1w
“The Highway”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9HY_rYm1ls
“Mama”: Performed with Becky Williams (Holly’s Mother)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f22LUMm68Fg
Video of Holly and Daddy Hank Williams Jr. Singing Together
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGhzufWIEIk
Lukas Nelson
Another artist that I was surprised I didn’t know about was Lukas Nelson, son of the legendary Willie Nelson. Willie and Lukas not only share good genes but insanely similar voices. Lukas sounds like a young Willie Nelson. The first song I had heard Lukas sing was “Just Breathe” a duet between Willie and Lukas that makes your mouth drop the second Lukas starts singing. This duo has currently been spending a lot of time on the road together making beautiful music along the way. Lukas is set to release his new album with his band, Lukas & the Promise of the Real, this March – so make sure you head to your nearest record dealer when it comes out!
“Just Breathe”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow-Cx9IX4So
Aubrie Sellers
I stumbled across Aubrie Sellers about a week ago, and ever since I have been seeing her name pop up all over amongst the country music pages on social media. This girl has it going on. Between her gorgeous looks, her talent, and beautiful voice she should be a shoe in. However, when you realize her mother is Lee-Ann Womack – one of country music’s leading ladies – you will hear and see Seller’s strong genes shine through. Aubrie’s music is defiantly like her mother’s where she has some of those soft ballads, but can deliver a strong woman “fast beat” like none other! Her debut CD, New City Blues, just hit stores January 29th so run out and get it! In the meantime watch for this name, she’s going to be big one day soon!
“Light of Day”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDNJX30r2WY
“Losing Ground”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ6xgLhZht4
Justin Townes Earle
Justin Townes Earle is the son of alternative country artist Steve Earle, who sang hits like, “Copperhead Road,” and “Guitar Town.” Though Steve Earle had a little more of the rock sound to his country music, that is one thing you won’t find about Justin. He seems to have more of a folk classic country sound, along with lyrics that most can relate too. Interestingly enough, Justin received his name from his father who named him after Townes Van Zandt and has spent his entire life in Nashville where he grew up and still resides today. Earle has just released a new CD titled, Absent Fathers.
“Harlem River Blues”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LLqFF89UtU
“Ain’t Waitin”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9W511HVxuY
“Call Ya Momma”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA-GU9F6Q1s
Ashley Campbell
“Like a Rhinestone Cowboy,” is one of country music’s biggest classic hits by Glen Campbell, who has recently been diagnosed with end stages of Alzheimers. But leave it to Glen’s daughter, Ashley Campbell, to fill the void we were left with when Glen couldn’t sing anymore. She recorded “Remembering,” a song about living with her father’s disease where the lyrics, “We can talk until you can’t even remember my name, Daddy don’t you worry, I’ll do the remembering” show that she is singing straight from her heart. One of the coolest things about Ashley Campbell is she can play not only the guitar but the banjo! I have included a video of her father and her dueling banjos! This girl has everything it takes to be country music’s next big thing!
“Remembering”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os9qM0d9rmk
“Dueling Banjos” – with Ashley and Glen Campbell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISFgE2njlfo
There are so many new country artists coming out onto the airwaves, but I am always excited for new up and comers of country music royalty! Unfortunately, there will come a time where the legends of country music will become country angels – but not to worry. The offspring of these amazing artists have been taught well, and they are coming to country radio near you! If you like what you heard, or know of an artist or story that you would love to see in a Country Dreaming blog, please post in the comments! I would love to hear from you! In the meantime, keep supporting your country music and happy listening!
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooter_Jennings