Music News - The Magazines That Shaped the Music Industry

Music news as we know it today developed out of the early magazines that caught onto the growth of the popular music industry early on in the 20th Century. Melody Maker was one of the first, introducing itself in 1926 (around the same time that the first electric guitars and amplifiers began to emerge) and targeting musicians. However, as music became more and more popular the music magazines of the day began to target the general public and the introduction of new, rival magazines hit the shelves.

The 1950s is when the real battle started with Melody Maker going head to head with the new kids in town, the NME, an amalgamation of previous titles Musical Express and Accordion Weekly by new owner and music promoter Maurice Kinn. Previously more interested in jazz, Melody Maker was a late convert to the advent of rock and roll, but as the sixties swung in favour of bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, the ground was set for big readership figures for both publications.

The 1960s also saw the coming of more politicised voices to the publication of music news with the launch of the Berkley Barb in 1965 and Rolling Stone in 1967. Criticism of the Vietnamese war, the publication of Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and the counterculture revolution of the 1960s sat next to The Beatles, Jimmy Hendrix and Jim Morrison cover stories.

All The Country Music News You Can Use

There is always something new happening in country music. The stories and songs that come out of Nashville are ever-changing. Country music news keeps you up to date on the happenings of all your favorite performers. By keeping on top of stories, you can always stay in the loop.

There are times when the world of music and sports collide. Such is the case for artists Miranda Lambert and Jason Aldean. Both have recently become shareholders of one piece of stock belonging to the Green Bay Packers. This honor is extremely rare and means that the two are welcome now to attend shareholders meetings, tour the locker rooms, watch the team at practices and gain access to conversation with the head coach of the team. While the individual stock Lambert and Aldean own is only worth about $250 each, the ownership of it offers high value perks that most people will rarely have the chance to enjoy in their lifetime.

Speaking of Miranda Lambert, she will be holding a Paws for the Cause charity event concert for the fifth year. Proceeds will benefit the MuttNation Foundation, which promotes animal welfare by assisting in the creation of no-kill shelters all around the country. Some other initiatives the foundation supports are adoption drives, low-cost spay and neuter clinics, along with making a concerted effort to eliminate the euthanasia of healthy animals. Once held in Tyler, Texas, the benefit has grown too large to continue being held in its prior venue and has been relocated to Beaumont. The move will offer accommodation for many more spectators, raising even more money for this worthy cause.

Country Music News Livens Up With New Album Releases

While country music album releases didn't exactly go into full blown hibernation during the Winter of 2011, the airwaves did seem to suffer a cold weather slow down when it came to introducing new songs. Many people who keep up with country music news, though, are celebrating a change of season with spring's inclusion of numerous country album releases. Radio deejays and scores of fans alike are excited about current and upcoming releases from shining stars Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill and Josh Turner, along with getting-there Lee Brice and newcomer Kip Moore.

The ladies on that list have generated a lot of anticipation, garnered partly from their pre-album singles that warmed up the winter months, and the fact that it had been awhile since fans were graced with the golden vocal chords of these country queens. It had been since 2009 that Underwood last gifted fans with an album, and 2005 since Hill had blessed the country music world with her talent by way of an album.

Other excitement is from former Commodores and pop soloist Lionel Richie, whose aim to pay honor to his southern roots and upbringing is found in "Tuskegee," an album that features him performing some of his best loved songs with a bevy of country's favorite performers. Duets on "Tuskegee" include "Dancing On The Ceiling" with Rascal Flatts, "Sail On" with Tim McGraw, "Hello" with Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, "My Love" with Kenny Chesney, "Easy" with Willie Nelson, "Lady" with Kenny Rogers, "Just For You" with Billy Currington and "Endless Love" with Shania Twain.