Country

The 20 best songs of 2024

Here are the year’s most outstanding tracks – from Fontaines DC to Beyoncé via Kendrick Lamar – as voted for by 26 Guardian music writers

Ben Beaumont-Thomas and Laura Snapes

06, Dec, 2024 @6:00 AM

Post your questions for Billy Bob Thornton

The Oscar-winning actor, writer, director, musician and star of Bad Santa, Armageddon and The Man Who Wasn’t There is ready to answer your questions

Andrew Pulver

15, Nov, 2024 @4:49 PM

Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables review – Dolly digs deep

Ranging from archive recordings sung with departed elders to new tracks made with young relatives, the country star’s latest project is nothing if not exhaustive

Lisa Wright

15, Nov, 2024 @12:00 PM

Beyoncé cosplays as Pamela Anderson in election day music video

Singer, who has recently endorsed Kamala Harris, releases first music video since 2021 for Cowboy Carter song Bodyguard and calls on Americans to vote

Ben Beaumont-Thomas

05, Nov, 2024 @3:29 PM

Dolly Parton: ‘I was sorry when Dolly the sheep died – though I don’t want to be cloned’

As she launches a new LP and her own wine, the country legend answers your questions on her tough childhood, how she recorded Jolene, and why she’ll never retire

As told to Rich Pelley

31, Oct, 2024 @3:00 PM

‘Who am I voting for? America!’ Chris Stapleton on patriotism, politics and being country’s great crossover star

With southern-gothic storytelling and a soulfully diverse sound, the Kentucky singer revolutionised the double-denim country scene. But as the US election hots up, he’s staying out of the culture wars

Chris Godfrey

25, Oct, 2024 @4:00 AM

Chris Stapleton review – bringing southern comfort to the Manchester drizzle

An unexpected army of cowboys are treated to the country superstar’s remarkable range and expertly crafted songs, which make up in soul what he lacks in showmanship

Daniel Dylan Wray

17, Oct, 2024 @9:30 AM

Jelly Roll: Beautifully Broken review – country’s newest superstar grapples with fame and addiction

As the gravel-voiced singer achieves mainstream success, his music is moving further from his back-country roots – but the grit in his lyrics lifts it above standard pop fare

Alexis Petridis

10, Oct, 2024 @11:00 AM

Post your questions for Dolly Parton

As she releases a new album – and a range of wine – the country music legend can provide answers about almost anything in her 60-year career

Ben Beaumont-Thomas

07, Oct, 2024 @3:06 PM

Leon Bridges: Leon review – deliciously soulful confection with added country

(Columbia)
The musician’s emotional fourth album borrows liberally from the past but the themes are modern and the sound utterly timeless

Damien Morris

05, Oct, 2024 @1:00 PM

Country music star Garth Brooks accused of sexual assault in civil lawsuit

Brooks, who previously filed lawsuit against hair and makeup artist, calls allegations false and intended to extort

Lois Beckett in Los Angeles

03, Oct, 2024 @10:54 PM

Kris Kristofferson: 10 of his greatest songs

From his most enduring hit inspired by Sinatra to the song that enabled him to stop working for a living, we pick some highlights from the late singer’s long career

Michael Hann

01, Oct, 2024 @8:43 AM

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