Jelly Roll and I have something in common. We both noticed that rock artists often “decide” to do a country record, as if we can’t wait to hear what they have to say. Wrong. Stay in your own lane. We’re good. This came up in an interview he did with Taste of Country. They asked for his take on why he’s been able to crossover from rap to country. He said, quote, “I think they felt a real authenticity from it. I think people knew it wasn’t a cash grab. “Traditionally, it’s old rock dudes, and their band broke up and they’re like ‘alright, let me come do this.’ But for me they were like, ‘This is a homegrown story, this is a homegrown kid.’ I think it was like, ‘I think he deserves to tell his story.'” Jelly Roll is from Nashville. That’s the homegrown part. The crossover became official when “Son of a Sinner” clocked in as his first Number One country hit.
“Yellowstone” has become the most-watched scripted show on TV, and here’s a funny by-product of that popularity: City folk want to look like COWBOYS now. It’s an even bigger trend in the suburbs, apparently. “The Wall Street Journal” did a story on how cowboy fashion is very IN right now. One fan who lives outside New York said he started watching the show, got really into the look, and now owns five pairs of cowboy boots. They also talked to a fan in GERMANY who’s been dressing like a cattle rancher more and more, all because of the show. And the company that made the hats in season one can’t keep the replicas in stock. They always sell out. One reason is because of the site ShopTheScenes.com that sells clothes worn on TV shows. The executive producer of “Yellowstone” is a co-founder, and episodes feature QR codes to different products the characters wear. Wrangler also has its own line of “Yellowstone” stuff now. But in general, things like belt buckles, cowboy hats, and Carhartt coats are just very “en vogue”. It’s not just guys, but women too. The people at “Shop the Scenes” say they’ve sold out of the fur coat from Beth Dutton’s wedding multiple times. And it’s not cheap . . . $995.
Dolly Parton is turning 77 next Thursday . . . and the Grand Ole Opry is celebrating with a multi-day event, which will run all weekend. There will be a “larger-than-life” 77th birthday card for fans to sign at the Ryman . . . 77 hours of Dolly giveaways on Opry social media . . . and more.
Maren Morris has been in Mexico performing at Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna Weekend music festival . . . and, well, when in “bikini-land”.
Kelsea Ballerini added a spring leg to her Heartfirst Tour, and she’s bringing Georgia Webster along as the opener. It kicks off March 6th . . . and wraps March 18th.
One of the contestants on Season 27 of “The Bachelor” has a very familiar last name. 26-year-old Christina Mandrell is a Nashville-based actor and influencer, and the niece of country music legend Barbara Mandrell. The season premiere is January 23rd.
Natalia Dyer is 28. Nancy Wheeler on “Stranger Things”.
Liam Hemsworth is 33.
William Hung is 40. “Idol” reject who probably has more money than you.
Ruth Wilson is 41. Alison on Showtime’s “The Affair”.
Orlando Bloom is 46.
Shonda Rhimes is 53. “Grey’s Anatomy” creator
Patrick Dempsey is 57. Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd on “Grey’s Anatomy”.
Trace Adkins is 61. 6′ 7″ survived being shot in the heart and lungs by his second wife. He’s also the
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is 62. Selina Meyer on “Veep” and Elaine on “Seinfeld”.
Janet Hubert is 67. The original Aunt Viv on “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”.
Richard Moll is 80. Bull on “Night Court”.
