Various artists release new Christmas music every year, hoping one might “stick” and be replayed year after year. Many of the songs I have included in this article are from my Music Spotlight artists. Some covers are unique in their own right, but I am particularly drawn to the never-before-heard originals. For those on Spotify, here is my playlist with all the songs mentioned included. The songs are in random order.
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Songstress Riley Roth has released the viral father-daughter wedding song “Give Me Away” to go along with her other heartfelt hits, “Strangers” and “When God Made You My Mama.”
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Chapel Hart has released Hartfelt Family Christmas album and tour just in time for the upcoming holiday season.
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When I was asked if I wanted to see the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band play a show on their Farewell Tour, naturally, I wanted to attend. They have long been a favorite of my husband, and I am of an age where I truly appreciate their music.
The NGDB was formed in Long Beach, California, in 1966. They toured extensively as an Americana band from 1978-1983.
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Robby Johnson is a Canadian transplant who has fallen in love with country music. Hear his latest single, “Road I’m On.”
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Preston James was the second person I ever interviewed for my Music Spotlight column. I saw him open for the iconic Tim Akers and The Smoking Section when he was just 15 years old at 3rd and Lindsley. I interviewed him when he was 16 years old and then featured him again when Preston James’ Band opened for Brian Seltzer in December of 2017.
My writing “hobby” has become a job, and I have interviewed over 500 artists. James is 24 years old, and I had no idea it had been seven years since I had followed up with him. We had to catch up before I could talk about his music.
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Noelle Toland describes her music as modern, old-school country. Although she didn’t come from a musical family, her family were huge music fans.
Toland said, “My mother introduced me to Patsy Cline. She loved singer-songwriters, and my dad loved soul music.”
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When Ashley Wineland’s song, “Tumbleweed,” came across my email, I knew from the heartfelt song that I wanted to feature the artist. The more I dug into her bio, the more intrigued I became.
I was interested in how Wineland got her start in music. She said, “I have always had a strong love for the performing arts and just telling stories, especially in front of people.”
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Lexie Hayden is a rising songstress who draws inspiration from artists like Dolly Parton, Cheryl Crow, Maren Morris, and Kacey Musgraves.
Although she wasn’t raised in a particularly musical family, her brother is an avid guitarist. While she is a gifted performer, her heart lies in songwriting, a passion she has honed since age 14.
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Rising country artist Kelli Belles, known by her stage moniker Belles, is hitting the road this fall on her highly anticipated Trust Issues Tour. The tour kicked off on October 11th in Nashville, Tennessee, at The Basement and marked the beginning of a series of performances that will span the country, including stops in Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, and more.
Belles comes from a musical family. Her grandmother, Geraldine A. “Jeri” Rizzuto, was a renowned jazz singer who performed in Chicago and throughout the Midwest. She also had a stint with the well-known Paul Moorhead Orchestra.
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