How did a roadside sign lead Grammy-winner Brent Maher to uncover the forgotten story of the Orphan Train—and create an entire ‘musical novel’? A few quotes here. Full story on Substack. open.substack.com/pub/untether...

I’ve known Brent Maher for years through my work on The Judds, but his new musical novel Night of the Orphan Train is the most personal project he’s ever shared with me.
 The full piece is up on Untethered Southerner. open.substack.com/pub/untether...

This World AIDS Day, look back on the star studded 1994 COUNTRY album Red Hot + Country raising funds and awareness for AIDS research! Brooks & Dunn, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton… yes, it happened! thebluegrasssituation.com/read/1994-ai...

“The Outside” isn’t just a duet — it’s a lifeline. @adammacmusic.bsky.social breaks down the his duet with @chrishousman.bsky.social a song for anyone who’s ever been told they don’t belong in country music… or anywhere. Watch full conversation: untetheredsoutherner.substack.com/p/adam-mac-t...

@durbin.senate.gov just sold us out. What a fool to think the Republicans will keep their word on anything. apple.news/AhNi9xK8fTvW...

“Kirk & I were on different sides of most political arguments. We were on the same side of the continued possibility of American politics.” So it’s personal? B/c if you were a Black woman or transgender, Kirk would not imagine you having any role in the future of American politics.

Lots of awful layers to this, but I keep coming back to the horror of little girls going to a place where they’re supposed to be safe and carefree, and this happening. It’s just so awful.

Budapest: At least 100,000 people defied Viktor Orbán’s ban & to marched in the largest LGBTQ+ Pride event in Hungary's history

Before Garth Brooks, there was Randy Travis. Diane Diekman’s new biography, Randy Travis: Storms of Life, traces the country icon’s multi-platinum rise and legacy. We dig in on Untethered Southerner. @illinoispress.bsky.social

They've got enough money to throw us into another war, but not enough money to fund the suicide prevention hotline. Very "pro-life." Very "pro-family." So "GREAT."

@thekygentlemen.bsky.social deliver the summer’s sexiest country song — “Denim on Denim.” The duo tell me all about creating the track in a new interview on Untethered Southerner! untetheredsoutherner.substack.com/p/thekentuck...

St. Louis. #STL

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Walz announces that Rep. Melissa Hortman is dead as a result of a "politically motivated assassination"

@thekygentlemen.bsky.social just hosted a sold-out and fabulous event in Nashville to celebrate their new album, Rhinestone Revolution. We’re talking about it all on my Substack, Untethered Southerner. untetheredsoutherner.substack.com/p/thekentuck...

Just five of the nearly 300 artists on the official CMA Fest lineup identify as openly queer... Read my take on the event in the latest issue of Nashville Scene. www.nashvillescene.com/music/covers...

“It’s not an easy watch, but it’s an honest one.” Shared my thoughts on The Judd Family documentary, airing this weekend on Lifetime, on my Substack, Untethered Southerner. open.substack.com/pub/untether...

Trump's post is a federal crime. 26 USC § 7217.

I'm going to post this video every day so we never forget what the 34x convicted felon & adjudicated rapist Trump did.

Bob Bailey was fired from the PTL Club after being outed in the early ’80s—but with his parents’ support, he rebuilt his faith and career, becoming a go-to vocalist for Wynonna and Garth Brooks. Full story on my Substack, Untethered Southerner. open.substack.com/pub/untether...

Before becoming Nashville’s go-to background vocalist, Bob Bailey released three soulful solo albums in the ’80s. Now re-released, he joins me on Untethered Southerner to talk recovery, resilience, and carving space as a Black, gay man in the music industry. open.substack.com/pub/untether...

Before becoming Nashville’s go-to background vocalist, Bob Bailey released three soulful solo albums in the ’80s. Now re-released, he joins me on Untethered Southerner to talk recovery, resilience, and carving space as a Black, gay man in the music industry.

Biblical scholars now believe that if Jesus had covered up his gang tattoos, he might’ve avoided crucifixion.

@fancyhagood.bsky.social reimagines Chris Stapleton ’s “Where Rainbows Never Die” as a queer anthem with an assist from Mindy Smith and @maiasharp.bsky.social . Check out our full conversation on my Substack, Untethered Southerner. untetheredsoutherner.substack.com/p/fancy-hago...

As an independent, queer, country artist, @fancyhagood.bsky.social is proving that queer artists don’t need the industry’s approval to thrive. Full interview on my Substack, Untethered Southerner. untetheredsoutherner.substack.com/p/fancy-hago... 1/3

@fancyhagood.bsky.social ’s new song "Let It Rain,” is a heartfelt thank you to his ex for the lessons learned in their relationship. We’re talking love and queer visibility in country music on my Substack, Untethered Southerner. untetheredsoutherner.substack.com/p/fancy-hago...

I'm calling for an investigation into whether President Trump manipulated the market to benefit his Wall Street donors—all while working people and small businesses paid the price. Did Trump help insiders cash in on his tariff flip-flopping? It sure looks like corruption.

Donald Trump is a moron.

UPDATE: Trump just shared a video that says he’s crashing the market “purposely” (Yes, this is real)

An ass-shakin’, tension-breakin’, helluva good time with @kylieminogue.music-social.com.ap.brid.gy tonight!!! #tensiontour2025

I wish.

Trans visibility rally in Chicago!!! 🏳️‍⚧️ @indivisible.org

US Attorney General Pam Bondi tells Fox News: "I think Signal is a very safe way to communicate. I don't think foreign adversaries are able to hack Signal, as far as I know." Astonishingly dumb thing to say.

Lafemmebear’s new song, “It Always Does (Yoga Song),” lays out how Yoga helps her keep centered in spite of the anti-trans crusade being waged against her community. Full interview on my Substack, Untethered Southerner. open.substack.com/pub/untether...

Lafemmebear lays out how Trump’s anti-trans crusade will ultimately impact everyone in America. Full conversation is up now on my Substack, Untethered Southerner. open.substack.com/pub/untether...

@denitiadenitia.bsky.social is on the bill for Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony show, premiering Thursday with the @nashvillesymphony.org ! Find out why this gig means so much to her in our conversation on my Substack, Untethered Southerner. open.substack.com/pub/untether...

@denitiadenitia.bsky.social heads out this week for another run of one-of-a-kind shows in support of her new album, Sunset Drive! Check out our full conversation on my Substack, Untethered Southerner. open.substack.com/pub/untether...

I could listen to @denitiadenitia.bsky.social talk about her creative process all day! open.substack.com/pub/untether...

@denitiadenitia.bsky.social brings her Indie sensibilities into play to shake up the country/Americana template on new album, “Sunset Drive!” Check out our conversation on my Substack, Untethered Southerner. untetheredsoutherner.substack.com/p/denitias-i...

@denitiadenitia.bsky.social brings her Indie sensibilities into play to shake up the country/Americana template on new album, “Sunset Drive!” Check out our conversation on my Substack, Untethered Southerner. untetheredsoutherner.substack.com/p/denitias-i...

Read here: open.substack.com/pub/untether...

Damn. Maybe we should have had a Deep State.

I just subscribed to 5 Calls Newsletter! buttondown.com/5calls

Writing about the new CBS soap opera that's gonna make MAGA heads spin, Reba McEntire covering Dua Lipa, AND my love affair with R.E.M.

Writing about the new CBS soap opera that's gonna make MAGA heads spin, Reba McEntire covering Dua Lipa, AND my love affair with R.E.M.

Jessica: 70% of the aid we have sent to Ukraine has then been spent back in America so when he "Went and campaigned for the Democrats," he was visiting a munitions factory Hurt: I'm not an economist but…

“Trump and Vance have revealed to Americans and to America’s allies their alignment with Russia, and their animosity toward Ukraine in general and its president in particular,” writes @davidfrum.bsky.social. “The truth is ugly, but it’s necessary to face it.” theatln.tc/OBWzC38t

The way Trump talks about Putin…. How their bond has been forged through the fire of the “Russia hoax.” Trump doesn’t talk that way about most Americans. Not even most of his followers. His allegiance is to Putin.

They are Russian assets.

Donald Trump and JD Vance should burn in hell.