Willie Nelson – ‘First Rose of Spring’ review: Country music’s most prolific octogenarian returns with super-smooth 70th album

Exploring the intersection of Jimmy Carter’s presidency and the rock and roll music that he was so fond of, Mary Wharton’s unfussy portrait of Carter, “Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President” is a vibrant film that highlights the importance of music in Carter’s life, and how he used culture (or what others in the film calls ‘soft power’) as president.

The legendary Willie Nelson, now 87 years young, becomes the first artist with top 10s in every decade --seven in all -- since Billboard's Top Country Albums chart originated in January 1964, as First Rose of Spring blooms at No. 5 on the July 18-dated survey with 12,000 equivalent album units, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. Nelson adds his record-extending 53rd Top Country A

Haim scores its first No. 1 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums chart with Women in Music, Pt. III, which bows atop the ranking dated July 11. The set starts with 27,000 equivalent al

Willie Nelson revealed that his late friend and collaborator Kenny Rogers originally wanted him to record one of his most enduring and popular songs. Nelson and Rogers collaborated on a number of projects before the latter died in March at age 81.

Charlie Daniels died Monday morning (July 6) from a hemorrhagic stroke, his publicist confirmed.

Willie Nelson's annual Fourth of July Picnic is going ahead this year, but to reduce concerns about the coronavirus the event will be virtual. Fans can tune in to the nearly 50-year-old music bash Saturday via luck.stream and williepicnic.com.

Willie Nelson’s annual Fourth of July Picnic is going ahead this year, but to reduce concerns about the coronavirus the event will be virtual.Fans can tune in to the nearly 50-year-old music bash Saturday (July 4) via luck.stream and williepicnic.com.

Willie Nelson’s annual Fourth of July Picnic is going virtual this year over concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. Fans can tune in to the nearly 50-year-old music bash Saturday via luck.stream and williepicnic.com.Tickets for the picnic are on sale at williepicnic.com.

SPICEWOOD, Texas -- Willie Nelson’s annual Fourth of July Picnic is going ahead this year, but to reduce concerns about the coronavirus the event will be virtual. Fans can tune in to the nearly 50-year-old music bash Saturday via luck.stream and williepicnic.com.

Chris Willman Music WriterNo one can accuse Willie Nelson of not acting his age… which, at 87, is an impressive feat. Throughout a recent string of albums, he’s been remarkably willing to devote much or most of the content to reflections on aging, which include looking back on regrets (or the lack of them — he did name a recent record after Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” after all) and sweeter memories, or even ahead, to the reunion of lovers beyond the grave.

Willie Nelson would love to be on the road again.But at 87, the tireless country legend isn’t letting the coronavirus pandemic keep him down.In fact, he’ll be having a busy 4th of July weekend: First he releases his 70th solo studio album, “First Rose of Spring,” on Friday.

Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. MOVIES — “ Hamilton ”: Disney Plus does not want to throw away its shot.

Country music singer Granger Smith and his wife, Amber, tragically lost their 3-year-old son, River, a year ago. The toddler accidentally drowned in the pool at the family's home in Texas with Granger only steps away.

Jana Kramer and husband Mike Caussin are taking one step forward and two steps back, years after their divorce scare caused by his explosive cheating scandals.

Chris Willman Music WriterAs the foremost Black woman in country music — and one who is still waiting to enjoy a big radio hit, despite a series of buzzy singles over the last five years — Mickey Guyton has sometimes felt she faced the “double whammy” of race and gender, to the point where she says she’s often felt like she was “walking on eggshells” in always putting on a friendly face for the genre’s gatekeepers.But the powerhouse vocalist has found newfound power in outspokenness.

Willie Nelson and Robert Earl Keen performed at former Vice President Joe Biden's Texas virtual fundraiser today (June 29) as the event's headliners.

Chase Rice is feeling the criticism from fellow country music stars after the unfortunate and arguably dangerous decision to play a concert Saturday night out in Petros, Tennessee!