With frequent rodeos and wide open ranges that sprawl themselves across Texas, it is virtually impossible to escape the southern country aura that wraps melodies of the simple life and “achey-breaky” hearts around heat-stricken bodies. This week’s Brahma Ballads centers itself around the home-down, two-steppin’ tunes of country music.
Roger Creager
Roger Creager began his life in music at age six, but kept to himself until 20 years later. As his confidence and skill in country music increased, he dropped the corporate business career he then had to join as the pianist in a local band in College Station. From there, he formed a cover band with Justin Pollard. Creager then decided that he would branch out alone to create a future for himself. The Roger Creager Band now consists of Matt Baker (lead guitar), Troy Brown (piano), Matt Madearis (drums), Jason Swindol (fiddle, mandolin), and Stormy Cooper (bass guitar). After the forming of his new band, Creager won Entertainer of the Year by the Texas Music Awards while topping the charts with hits such as “I Got the Guns” and “A Long Way to Mexico.” His hits continue to climb up country music ratings as he collaborates different styles into his albums.
Favorite Songs:
Everclear
Cowboys and Sailors
Fun All Wrong
Miranda Lambert
As a small town girl from Lindale, TX, Miranda Lambert (singer/songwriter) began performing at age 16 in country music competitions. A year passed when she formed the Texas Pride Band who booked professional gigs. Her father then funded her for the release of her first self-titled album. With two tracks on Texas Music charts, Miranda successfully auditioned for Nashville Star, placing third, which led to a recording soundtrack with Sony. She now has three platinum albums and various prestigious awards.
Favorite Songs:
Heart Like Mine
Me and Charlie Talking
Gunpowder and Lead
Blake Shelton
Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton album art photo courtesy of blakeshelton.com
Beginning life with deep country roots, Blake Shelton, singer/songwriter, was born in Ada, Oklahoma, where he was discovered by songwriter Mae Boren Axton as a part of the line-up in Axton’s tribute show. As a young teenager, Shelton began writing his own songs and playing at various “honky-tonk” bars, which soon led him to becoming a regular on a local country music show. After recieving Axton’s advice on possibly moving to Nashville, Shelton left Oklahoma two years out of high school to pursue a better opportunity in country music. From there, songwriter/producer Bobby Braddock helped launch Shelton’s first album. His debut single “Austin” stayed on Billboard‘s Hit Singles chart as number one for five weeks. With one of the longest times served on the top of the charts, Shelton’s career exploded as he sang out hit after hit. Currently, his newest song “Honey Bee” has made its home at the top of Billboard‘s Country Singles chart, once again.
Favorite Songs:
Who Are You When I’m Not Looking
All About Tonight
Hillbilly Bone
She Wouldn’t Be Gone
