Articles written by Lisa L. Rollins

For hit-maker David Frizzell, 2012 is his year of giving back and helping others, and he hopes his "Say Hello To Heaven" single does just that for MADD.

Feb 4, 2012 - Lisa L. Rollins

Country singers Sammy Sadler and Doug Stone have joined forces on a 2012 U.S. tour that delivers the artists' hit-laden, hard-livin' songs to fans.

Jan 14, 2012 - Lisa L. Rollins

Paul Harris, known as "Digger" to The Cleverlys' fans, checks in with Suite101 about the outfit's eponymous CD that meshes hillbilly humor and bluegrass.

Jan 7, 2012 - Lisa L. Rollins

The Carolina Music Awards' 2010 Female Country Artist of the Year is making big career strides with her "Dirty Little Secret" debut single and video.

Jan 4, 2012 - Lisa L. Rollins

With the release of "Good Luck & True Love," Texas-based Reckless Kelly has solidified itself as an enduring roots country-meets-Red Dirt heavyweight.

Jan 2, 2012 - Lisa L. Rollins

After a too-long hiatus from the recording studio, country hit-maker Janie Fricke is set to release a new album, "Country Side of Bluegrass," in 2012.

Dec 31, 2011 - Lisa L. Rollins

With decades of reporting experience to their credit, two researchers traveled 31,000 miles and visited 50 states to find who really needs newspapers.

Nov 17, 2011 - Lisa L. Rollins

'Tis the season to be jolly, and country star Phil Vassar is the latest artist to gift music fans with a Christmas-themed album of classics and originals.

Nov 15, 2011 - Lisa L. Rollins

Coy Taylor has found his way from the tobacco fields of Kentucky to the charts of Nashville's Music Row, as he gears to release his first country album.

Oct 31, 2011 - Lisa L. Rollins

For a decade, Kenny Vaughan's served as the versatile and show-stopping guitarist for Marty Stuart's Fabulous Superlatives band, and now he has a solo CD.

Aug 31, 2011 - Lisa L. Rollins

Grand Ole Opry favorite and hit-country artist Connie Smith, with the help of husband Marty Stuart, will soon release her first solo album in 15 years.

Jul 31, 2011 - Lisa L. Rollins

Oklahoma's been called the home of the "Red Dirt" music movement, and popular upstarts The Damn Quails are poised to be the genre's newest "next big thing."

Jun 30, 2011 - Lisa L. Rollins

Jesse Keith Whitley's hit-country legacy is two generations deep, but the young singer-songwriter is ready to secure his own musical identity.

May 31, 2011 - Lisa L. Rollins

The hit-making Styx guitarist has penned and recorded his debut bluegrass CD, The Great Divide, with studio aid from Alison Krauss, Dwight Yoakam and more.

Feb 25, 2011 - Lisa L. Rollins

Originally released in 2003, Grammy-winning country artist and world-class guitarist Steve Wariner has re-released his holiday-instrumental CD for fans.

Dec 31, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

Parents' views about the importance of regular exercise has a lasting influence on children, says one expert, who urges families to pursue fitness together.

Dec 13, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

For the first time ever, the American Country Awards conducted what will be an annual awards show honoring the best in country music.

Dec 8, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

Move over, Country Music Association Awards and Academy of Country Music honors. The nominees for the fan-voted American Country Awards have been announced.

Nov 17, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

"Starmaker: How To Make In It The Music Business" is the new book by music-industry veteran Jim Halsey, who's worked with country's biggest stars.

Oct 30, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

During its 2010 ceremony in Nashville, four hit songwriters--the late Paul Davis, Steve Cropper, Pat Alger and Stephen Foster--joined the hall of fame.

Oct 30, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

The red-dirt country act Jason Boland and The Stragglers has burst onto the national charts and topped the Texas Country charts with its new live album.

May 4, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

Hot-country newcomer Laura Bell Bundy's debut "Achin' and Shakin'" CD, a concept album, has debuted at No. 5 on Billboard's country charts.

Apr 23, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

The sophomore CD from newcomer Jake McVey has landed the singer-songwriter a hit-music video, "Carry On," on cable's CMT network and a growing fan base.

Apr 20, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

Carrie Underwood made ACM Awards history April 18, 2010, by becoming the first female artist to win Entertainer of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Apr 20, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

Bridgette Tatum may be best known for writing Jason's Aldean's biggest hit yet. But with the release of "That's Love Yall," the singer's soft side shines.

Apr 18, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

Established hit-songwriter Anthony Smith has unleashed the first single from his long-overdue sophomore CD on his newly created Krankit Records label.

Apr 16, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

With nearly 40 years of successful music-making to his credit, bluegrass instrumentalist-turned-country star Marty Stuart will soon release his 14th studio album.

Apr 4, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

Children are inherently active, says one exercise-science professor, which aids parents in helping their kids establish movement-filled routines for lifelong health.

Mar 29, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

Josh Turner's new CD, "Haywire," may very well be his biggest album to date, thanks to its multi-week No. 1 single, "Why Don't We Just Dance."

Feb 26, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

Georgian Matt Kennon got his big break in Nashville when Randy Travis cut one of his songs. Now, he's building a solo career with his first Top-40 country hit, "The Call"

Feb 14, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

She's starred on Broadway and scored a Tony nomination, but for aspiring country artist Laura Bell Bundy it's all about the music these days.

Jan 26, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

This Kentucky-reared singer-songwriter reveals a myriad of country, pop and Christian influences on his debut CD, which boasts rock producer Jeff Glixman at its helm.

Jan 11, 2010 - Lisa L. Rollins

From Carrie Underwood to Reba McEntire, there's no shortage of country-music contenders in this year's Grammy Awards contest, which will broadcast live in January 2010.

Dec 21, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

The pop-infused country artist has won almost every prize music has to offer, from an MTV Award to the coveted CMA Entertainer honor, and more Grammy wins are likely.

Dec 18, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

In 1997, music critic Tom Piazza was assigned by the Oxford American to profile bluegrass legend Jimmy Martin. From that assignment comes the author's "True Adventures."

Dec 13, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

Drawing on real life and making their childhood dreams come true, musicians Kristy Osmunson and Kelley Shepard turned duo Bombshel into a chart-climbing act in 2009.

Dec 12, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

Most country fans know "Big Kenny" Alphin as one-half of the hit duo Big & Rich. But on his new solo CD, he demonstrates his musical freedom via inspired reflection.

Dec 6, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

The country-music community has lost one of its treasures, with the Dec. 1 passing of Lone Star State native "Big Bill" Lister, known as "Radio's Tallest Singing Cowboy."

Dec 3, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

Guy Gilchrist illustrates the popular 'Nancy' comic series that's read daily by some 70 million worldwide. But there's an inspired country-music side of the artist, too.

Nov 17, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

Country star Brad Paisley had the most CMA nominations in 2009, but teen queen Taylor Swift was the big winner at the close of this year's CMA Awards on Nov. 11.

Nov 13, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

The sometime-TV host and author of the classic How to Cook Everything has a new book on shelves, Food Matters, and a desire for people to make healthier food choices.

Oct 23, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

The Cash surname is royalty in country music circles, but its legacy didn't start, nor end, with The Man in Black. Johnny's brother has long carried on the hit tradition.

Oct 22, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

He's a pop culture icon and one of country's perennial favorites, and following an Oct. 15, 2009, news announcement, Garth Brooks was open for questions.

Oct 16, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

Saying he "already (feels) taller," modern-day music icon Garth Brooks has announced that he will return to performing after a nine-year retirement.

Oct 15, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

Country stars Martina McBride and Trace Adkins have joined forces to take their hit-country songs on the road in the 2009-2010 concert-touring season.

Oct 5, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

Many physically disabled youth miss out on adaptive-recreation opportunites as part of their lifestyle, but the creators of Camp ENRGY hope their template will catch on.

Sep 28, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

Country singer-songwriters know there's more to hit music than tunes about cheatin' and love gone wrong, as evidenced by the format's full supply of songs for a rainy day

Sep 27, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

Not unlike cowboy singers before him such as Chris LeDoux and Garth Brooks, Aaron Watson is a performer devoted to the live-show experience, and his new CD/DVD proves it.

Sep 20, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

Formerly known as the Christian Country Music Awards, the annual ICM Awards show will feature stars such as Randy Houser, Jason Crabb and Craig Morgan at its 2009 event.

Sep 17, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins

The music memorabilia of traditional-country's Charlie Walker has been donated by his widow to the Center for Popular Music at Middle Tennessee State University.

Sep 15, 2009 - Lisa L. Rollins