Blog Posts by Wendy Geller

Toby and Krystal Keith perform together in 2004 (Photo: Frank Micelotta)Yes, she has a familiar-sounding name. Okay, okay--yes, she is the daughter of country megastar Toby Keith.

However, even if one didn't know Krystal Keith's starry lineage, it would be hard to ignore her powerhouse vocals and unique style--one she's honed with her dad, both in the studio and part of his Show Dog label roster, but also one that is unquestionably her own product.

Toby fans first became widely aware of his extraordinarily talented daughter when she blasted out the classic "Mockingbird" with him at the 2004 Country Music Association Awards. Just 19 at the time, she wowed the audience with her fiery stage presence and self-confidence.

Willie Nelson has taken his share of beatings through the decades: In his 80 years, he's been through three divorces, an allegedly unscrupulous accounting team, numerous brushes with the law, and a number of non-musical ventures yielding varying amounts of success.

Through it all, there's been a constant companion that's shared the ups and downs, and visibly weathered a beating of its own--Nelson's beloved, battered guitar, which he calls "Trigger" (after Roy Rogers's famous horse) and has credited with giving him his signature sound.

Trigger in 2007 (Photo: Frazer Harrison)

Photo: Frazer HarrisonAfter a dozen years of marriage, country singer Jason Aldean and his wife Jessica Ussery are officially finished as a couple. Aldean filed for divorce in Tennessee April 26, citing irreconcilable differences.

It had been widely reported last week that the pair were merely separated and "having problems" as part of a "private family matter."

Aldean made headlines last fall when he was caught on camera apparently making out with "American Idol" competitor Brittany Kerr. He admitted to the transgression and both he and his wife seemed committed to working on bridging the scandal together.

Photo: Ethan MillerBlake Shelton's ode to undiluted country living, "Boys 'Round Here" is steadily climbing the charts just a month after its release--and it's easy to see (or hear, that is) why. According to Shelton himself, the tune is a perfect snapshot of his upbringing in small-town Oklahoma, as well as reminds him of current pals in his hometown of Tishomingo.

That said, it may come as a surprise that the down-home song translates just as well when brought to the streets of New York City! Here's the very first look at Shelton performing it in a recording session at Electric Lady, the legendary studio founded by Jimi Hendrix in 1970.
While this famous locale has hosted artists ranging from John Lennon to John Mayer over the decades, we're pretty sure this is the first time its hallowed walls have heard "Chew tobacco, chew tobacco, chew tobacco, spit!"

Shelton's performance is part of his record label group's series The Live Room, which captures artists playing live in iconic studios around the world. You can check out more here.

Photo: Rick Diamond"People Are Crazy," indeed.

Billy Currington seems to be living out the title of his hit single these days, at least in the case of his latest tale. The country star was indicted April 24 on felony charges of making terroristic threats and abuse of an elderly person, according to court records.

The legal problems have cost Currington his slot playing the opening show at NASCAR's All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway next month. Authorities for the race confirmed to USA Today that the legal issues are the reason for his ejection. Josh Turner is slated as his replacement.

Jones back in the day (Photo: Michael Ochs Archives)The legendary George Jones, who passed away Friday at the age of 81, will be well remembered for his music--as well as the colorful stories that inspired it. Although perhaps best-loved for his aching tales of heartbreak, Jones also knew how to bring one heck of a funny story to life via song.

One of the best examples of this is 1996's "Honky Tonk Song," which relates the true story of what happened when a drunken Jones--who had a notorious alcoholic streak through much of his life--had his car keys taken away by his very fed-up wife back in in 1966.

As the story goes: The hard-living Jones had been drunk for several days, and his spouse at the time, Shirley Ann Corley, decided to physically restrain him from having any more liquor. She knew he was not in any shape to walk the eight miles into town, so before leaving the house herself one night, she hid every set of keys they owned…except one.

(Photo: Jonathan Leibson)Musical legend George Jones died in Nashville Friday at the age of 81. The singer had been hospitalized last week as a result of fever and irregular blood pressure.

Jones, a native of Saratoga, Texas, began his recording career in the 1950s and charted his first Top 10 country single, "Why Baby Why," in 1955. "The Possum" would go on to more than 160 charting singles, more than any other artist in any format in the history of popular music.

Jones's catalog is filled with beloved classics such as "He Stopped Loving Her Today," "She Thinks I Still Care," and "Walk Through This World With Me"; as well as duets with former wife Tammy Wynette such as "Golden Ring."

Jason Aldean and wife Jessica (Photo: Albert L. Ortega)Back in October of 2012, country superstar Jason Aldean was caught in a sticky situation on camera--apparently making out with "American Idol" competitor Brittany Kerr, a gal who was not his wife and mother of his two young daughters.

Aldean handled the incident with uncommon tact, addressing his followers on social media immediately following the scandal with a straightforward message about how he "screwed up" as a result of having one too many to drink.

He appeared largely forgiven--by his fans as well as his spouse, who showed up with him on CBS This Morning to discuss the incident-- in a remarkably short period of time.

However, it seems the damage may have ran deeper than initially portrayed. Us Weekly is reporting exclusively that Aldean and wife Jessica Ussery are actually separating in the wake of the scandal.