Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Lee Ann Womack

10 songs for Mother’s Day

Lydia Picknell — Sat, 11 May 2013 19:07:20 +0000

Us here at Keepin’ it Country want to wish all the moms out there a happy Mother’s Day! Just in case you’re looking for a playlist of songs to help celebrate the weekend with your Mom, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite country songs about moms. Take a listen to our list below and let us know what YOUR picks are for mother’s day.

MAMA’S SONG – CARRIE UNDERWOOD

A personal song written by Carrie herself to her mom is our first pick for our Mother’s Day playlist. The music video features Carrie and her real life mom, as pictured to the side of this post, on her wedding day as she tells her mom that she doesn’t need to worry about her daughter, because she learned from her. “Mama’s Song” was the fourth single from Carrie’s “Play On” album, which was co-written by Carrie with Luke Laird, Kara DioGuardi, and Marti Frederikson. BONUS: The video also features Carrie’s real-life husband, Mike Fisher.

Check out the rest of our picks below:

THE BEST DAY – TAYLOR SWIFT

Our next pick for our Mother’s Day playlist is a very special song written by superstar Taylor Swift. She wrote “The Best Day” in secret for her mom while out on tour in 2007. She put together a music video featuring actual home videos, and gave it to her mom, Andrea Swift, as a surprise on Christmas Eve. It was included on her “Fearless” album to show her love for her mom. It’s been reported that when Andrea received the DVD of the music video at Christmas from Taylor that she started crying. Check out the music video and let us know if it makes you get emotional, too:

I HOPE YOU DANCE – LEE ANN WOMACK

Our third song in our playlist is the always touching “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. The crossover smash hit can be used in almost any kind of playlist, but we feel its especially powerful for a song to moms. It was originally released on March 2000, comes from her album of the same name. It was a number one hit for Lee Ann on both the country and adult contemporary charts, and won the 2001 CMA, ACM, BMI NSAI, ASCAP Song of the Year. The song was written by Tia Sillers and Mark D. Sanders. Check out Lee Ann’s “I Hope You Dance” below and let us know if you can relate it to your mom:

MOTHER LIKE MINE – THE BAND PERRY

Our fourth song for our playlist is the soothing “Mother Like Mine” from The Band Perry’s sophomore album “Pioneer.” The song was a co-write by all three siblings, and tells the story about their mom, Marie Perry. In an interview with Billboard, Kimberly Perry explains:

“That was the most honest song we wrote for Pioneer. We were relaxing, and going through some song ideas. Neil had this one line written on his phone, ‘If the world had a mother like mine.’ We are started to think about what the world would look like if our mother had raised it the way she raised us.”

LIKE MY MOTHER DOES - LAUREN ALAINA

Our fifth song is the first single released by former American Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina. “Like My Mother Does” features powerful vocals by the young singer in an obvious tribute to her mom. The song was co-written by Nathan Chapman, Liz Rose, and Nicole Williams. The video shows actual pictures and video clips of Lauren growing up with her mother. It was actually the second time the single was released, which was originally performed and recorded by Jesse Lee, but Lauren’s version was the only one to chart back in 2011. Country fans fell in love with Lauren when she performed an emotional version of the song on American Idol. Check out the music video version below and let us know what traits you have like your mother:

COAT OF MANY COLORS – DOLLY PARTON

How couldn’t we include what country icon Dolly Parton describes her favorite song she’s ever written? “Coat of Many Colors” is just one of over 3,000 songs Dolly has written over her career, but this one is especially special as it’s about her mom and how even without money she still felt beautiful thanks to a hand made coat made by her mother. It was written back in 1971, and had hit number four on the Billboard U.S. Country charts. In 2012, the song was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry list of songs that represent the United States for being culturally or historically important. Shania Twain covered a version on a 2003 Dolly tribute album, but nothing is quite like the original. Listen to Dolly’s tribute to her mother below:

SOMEBODY’S HERO – JAMIE O’NEAL

The next song on our list is a single by Australian country artist Jamie O’Neal about her mom. In the song, co-written by Jamie with Shaye Smith and Ed Hill, she describes how her mother might not be the kind of hero you hear about on the news, but that to her she’s her own superhero. “Somebody’s Hero” is from her second album “Brave,” and peaked at number three on the Hot Country Charts. It was her sixth country top 40 hit. The video, directed by Trey Fanjoy, has a cameo by Jamie’s own daughter. Check out the official music video below:

IT’S YOUR SONG – GARTH BROOKS

The first male singer on our Mother’s Day playlist is the one and only Garth Brooks. Written by Pam Wolfe and Benita Hill, was released back in 1998 as the only single from Garth’s live album. In the single, Garth shares how his career and his life have been influenced and motivated by his mother. It was pitched to Garth after Benita had heard about his mother’s struggles with throat cancer. It’s an emotional song for Garth, who can be heard choking up at the end as he thinks about his mother. Check out the live version below:

IN MY DAUGHTER’S EYES – MARTINA MCBRIDE

With what is perhaps the most-played song for Mother’s Day in country music, Martina McBride‘s pretty single is more from a mother to a daughter, but we had to include it because of how gorgeous and heart felt it is. Released back in November 2003 on RCA Nashville, it was a crossover hit for Martina on both the country and Adult Contemporary charts. The song only had one writer – James T. Slater, but was co-produced by Martina with Paul Worley. It was the third single from her “Martina” album and is still one of her top hits today. Check out the live version below and let us know if you have it playing for Mother’s Day this year:

THE BABY – BLAKE SHELTON

We couldn’t complete our Mother’s Day playlist without the most memorable country tribute to mom. The single was written by Michael White and Harley Allen, was a huge for Blake Shelton back in 2003, becoming his second-ever number one hit. It held its place on top of the charts in the number one spot for three weeks. “The Baby” was the lead-off single from his sophomore album “The Dreamer.” While the music video remains simple – only showing Blake in a blue room with video being projected, its the lyrics that are touching. The story follows the story of a young man growing up and how he will always be his mother’s baby, even until the day she dies. Watch the music video below:

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That’s our list for Mother’s Day for 2013. Do you think we missed something? What’s the most played song on your playlist on Mother’s Day? Let us know here, on Facebook, or on Twitter!

PHOTOS: Loretta Lynn 50th Opry Anniversary

Lydia Picknell — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:31:33 +0000

The Grand Ole Opry_® presented by Humana_® honored one of its most beloved members, Loretta Lynn, last night with a show celebrating her 50^thOpry Anniversary. Leading up to Lynn’s closing performance, several of her friends took the stage throughout the night to honor her in words and song.

Among those performing their own hits as well as songs popularized by the guest of honor were Lee Ann Womack (“I Know How”), Crystal Gayle (“Don’t Come Home A- Drinkin’”), Miranda Lambert (“Honky Tonk Girl”), and Pistol Annies (“Fist City”), who made their Opry debut while Lynn sat cheering the group on from the front row of the Opry House.

After Lynn took the stage and performed her hits “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like My Daddy Anymore” and “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” Trace Adkins joined Lynn for the Conway Twitty/Lynn duet smash “Lead Me On.” Womack, Gayle, and the Pistol Annies then all filed on stage to join their musical hero in a rousing version of her signature song “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

Before Lynn’s final song of the night, Johnathon Arndt of the famed Johnathon Arndt Gallery of Jewels along with Opry vice-president and general manager Pete Fisher, presented the Opry member with a congratulatory gift of a limited Johnathon Arndt 18 KT. pink gold and diamond Swiss timepiece. Lynn responded to the gift and to multiplest anding ovations from the crowd, saying:

“The greatest moment of my life was when they inducted me into the Grand Ole Opry. That’s a feeling you only feel once in a lifetime. And I’m glad I did.”

Check out some of the pictures from the night and let us know what your favorite album of Loretta’s is. Remember to click on the images to see them full-sized! All pictures are courtesy of the Opry / Chris Hollo.

(l-r) Pistol Annies, Crystal Gayle, Loretta Lynn, LeeAnn Womack.

Trace Adkins, Loretta Lynn.

See more pictures below:

Pistol Annies

(l-r) Ashley Monroe, Angaleena Presley, Miranda Lambert.

(l-r) Steve Buchanan – President Grand Ole Opry Group, Trace Adkins, LeeAnn Womack, Crystal Gayle, Angaleena Presley, Loretta Lynn, Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, Pete Fisher, vice-president and general manager Grand Ole Opry

Pistol Annies Making Opry Debut for Loretta Lynn

Lydia Picknell — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:49:46 +0000

A very special night is planned at the Grand Ole Opry to help celebrate Loretta Lynn‘s 50th anniversary at the Opry. Loretta, who joined the Opry on September 25th, 1962, will be joined by Miranda Lambert, Lee Ann Womack, Trace Adkins, and the Pistol Annies will make their Opry debut on the special night. Also making her appearance is Loretta’s sister, Crystal Gayle.

“There is no one at the OPRY, in Country music, or on Earth, quite like Loretta Lynn,” said Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher. “Her influence as a recording artist and songwriter reaches across musical genres, cultures, and generations. She’s earned her place among America’s musical icons, and we look forward to celebrating 50 years of Opry membership with her next month.”

The show will take place on Tuesday, September 25th – her exact 50th anniversary date. Tickets are available at opry.com.

Video Picks Of The Week: February 12, 2012

Jeanna D. — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:58:19 +0000

Hey country music friends…

It’s time for our “Video Picks of the Week!”

Music Video

This week’s music video is Lee Ann Womack, “I Hope You Dance.” The song was the lead single from her 2000 album of the same title, and a number one, cross-over mega hit.

One word comes to mind for me with this song… masterpiece. It is one of my favorite songs of all-time and definitely makes my top five. The lyrics and message are amazing, Womack’s voice is beautiful as always, and the video is very sweet.

“I Hope You Dance” is just one of those times in music when everything aligns together and is perfect.

Continue reading to check out our live performance and cover song video picks…

Live Performance

This week’s live performance video is Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson performing Reba’s signature song, Fancy, for CMT Crossroads in 2007. This duet is one of the best live performances I have ever seen. I love when Reba and Kelly sing together. Besides the fact that they are two of my favorites, their unique voices blend so well together and are second to none. Plus, they are both consummate performers with shining personalities. Their Crossroads episode is seriously one of the best ever done. If you have not seen it, check CMT or Palladia for a re-airing of it. Amazing is an understatement. You will not be disappointed.

Cover Song

This week’s cover song comes from unsigned artist, Hayley Stayner. I found Hayley browsing Youtube. She has a lot of country covers that you should check out on her channel. Here she is performing David Nail‘s “Let It Rain.” You can also purchase her EP on iTunes.

Hayley’s Info:

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/hayleystayner
Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/country601cutie

Thoughts? Suggestions? Sound off in the comments!

Until next time…

Little Big Town, Lee Ann Womack featured on “Holiday Notes from Home”

Elise Stawarz — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 22:48:27 +0000

DVR Alert! Tonight at 8:30 EST/7:30 CST GAC is airing a very special program, “Holiday Notes from Home,” to honor servicemen and women and their families. While we’re always up for tuning in for a good cause, featured performers include country music favorites Little Big Town and Lee Ann Womack, making this an even higher priority on our must-see TV list.

The performance itself was a way to give back to military families. Filmed in October on the Grad Ole Opry stage, the event was free to the public and priority was given to military families. Now, “Holiday Notes from Home” will are on The Armed Forces Radio and Television Network, in addition to GAC.

Tune in tonight, then let us know what you thought of the show in the comments!

Lee Ann Womack Working On New Album

Jeanna D. — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:19:11 +0000

Lee Ann Womack headed back into the studio this week to start work on her new record. It has been three years since Womack’s last album, Call Me Crazy, which spawned the hits ‘Last Call’ and ‘Solitary Thinkin’.

When asked about her upcoming music, Womack shared:

“I have so many ideas and so many things that I want to try on our way to creating this music. You realize after a few albums, every record matters, and I want to make sure each one really says something special and represents what this music can be in a way that stands out.”

In between working on her upcoming project, Womack will also play some select tour dates throughout the end of the year. You can check out her website for more information regarding the upcoming shows.