If a passion for music and a knack for writing make a career, then color Amanda Hensel lucky. She is the product of writers -- apparently when you add two news journalists together, you get one music journalist. She currently resides in 'the live music capital of the world,' where she snagged a journalism degree from the University of Texas. Although she's grounded in Austin, Hensel's name travels -- in her short career, she has cited her passion writing for AOL Music Blog, Fringe Magazine, the Houston Press and various other publications.
Amanda Hensel
Fertilizer Plant Explodes Near Waco, Texas: Country Artists Share Thoughts, Prayers
The town of West, Texas -- 20 miles north of Waco -- was shaken by devastation Wednesday night (April 17) when a massive explosion occurred at a fertilizer plant around 7:50PM local time.
The Band Perry and the Henningsens Return to the ToC Top 10 Video Countdown
Two country family trios found their way back into the Taste of Country Top 10 Video Countdown this week! The Band Perry's 'Better Dig Two' video and the Henningsens' fan-favorite 'American Beautiful' both waltzed back in, giving Jason Aldean and Kip Moore's latest clips the boot.
Little Big Town vs. Gretchen Wilson – The Showdown
A win for Little Big Town in Friday's Showdown will be the third straight. The foursome have been hotter than ever over the past year with hit single after hit single, and they're hoping to continue that streak with their latest effort, 'Your Side of the Bed.' But first, they'll have to get past fiery fan-favorite songstress Gretchen Wilson today online and tonight on Taste of Country Nights radio
Savannah Berry Covers Taylor Swift’s ‘Safe and Sound,’ Joins Team Blake on ‘The Voice’
It's likely that Blake Shelton's fellow 'The Voice' judges are kicking themselves after the three-time reigning winner snagged country singer Savannah Berry on Tuesday night's (April 2) episode. Berry, just 17, performed a rendition of Taylor Swift's 'Safe and Sound' (featuring the Civil Wars) that impressed not only the superstars on the show, but Kelly Clarkson as well.
Kellie Pickler’s Drummer Seriously Injured in Accident
Kellie Pickler's drummer suffered serious injuries as the result of a car accident on Saturday (March 2). Gregg Lohman was traveling along Interstate 65 in Kentucky around 11:30AM when the crash occurred.
Blake Shelton Plays That Funky Music, Performs With Miranda Lambert at CRS
Blake Shelton was born in 1976, and he'll never miss an opportunity to prove that underneath his country shell, he's just a funky white boy at heart.
Carrie Underwood Strips Down for Intimate Songwriters Session at CRS
Carrie Underwood was in rare form on Wednesday night (Feb. 27), stripped down for a bare bones and relaxed version of not only her hit songs, but herself -- just Carrie. The superstar traded designer gowns for a more casual black pants, light jacket look to join top country songwriters Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey and Josh Kear for a swap of songs, performed acoustically on a small Nashville stage
Mindy McCready Dead
Mindy McCready is dead. Local law enforcement has confirmed the news, also speculating that the country singer took her own life. She was 37.
Carrie Underwood’s ‘Blown Away’ Snags Best Country Song at 2013 Grammy Awards
Carrie Underwood's 'Blown Away' picked up an early 2013 Grammy Award for Best Country Song during Sunday's pre-telecast ceremony, where 70 Grammys were handed out and songwriters Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins were on hand to accept for their country smash.
Rascal Flatts vs. Aaron Lewis – The Showdown
Rascal Flatts are on a roll. The group cracked a third-straight win yesterday and last night on Taste of Country Nights radio, leaving Mumford & Sons in a trail of country dust. Today, they'll face a new challenger in Staind frontman Aaron Lewis.