Category: Country Music News

You may be surprised to know that the multi-million dollar country music industry started right here in eastern Tennessee! While many folks think that this popular form of music began in Nashville, it actually started in Bristol, Tennessee, where Appalachian mountain folk music has been popular for generations! Here are 3 fun things to know about the history of country music in Tennessee:

Years ago she was singing her heart out on stage at the Country Tonite Theatre. Now, she’s got a CMT award for Breakthrough Video of the Year. Former Country Tonite star Carly Pearce is making a name for herself in the country music world. From performing on our stage in Pigeon Forge to standing on the stage at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville accepting her first award, we’ve got the story on Pearce’s journey to get to where she is today.

One year after Loretta Lynn and Mickey Gilley both suffered from injuries, two of our favorite celebrity performers are doing great! Both are continuing to celebrate their love for country music. Read on to learn more about where they both are now and the injuries they went through in 2018.

2018 marks the 50th anniversary of one of the greatest country records of all time: Johnny Cash’s At Folsom Prison. Recorded at Folsom State Prison on January 13, 1968, this live album revitalized Cash’s career, reaching #1 on the country charts and #15 on the national album chart. In honor of this landmark anniversary, Country Tonite has put together a brief history of At Folsom Prison and its legacy.

The music of Hank Williams has always been an inspiration for the cast of Country Tonite. As the number one destination for country music in Pigeon Forge, Country Tonite has tried to bring William’s heartfelt emotion and stellar musicianship to our stage shows. That’s why we are excited to share the news that Hank Williams was recently awarded a Grammy for one of his lost recordings! Read on for everything you need to know about this surprising triumph.