Not really a surprise they didn’t keep these for themselves… Trace Adkins released some absolute heaters back in the day. I grew up on songs like “Every Light In The House Is On,” “I Left Something Turned On At Home” and “(This Ain’t No) Thinkin’ Thing.” But for an artist with so many hits in his catalog (and one of the best voices in country music), Trace sure has some BIG misses too. The most obvious one is, of course, “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.” Sure, it’s become kind of a cult classic now, but there’s no arguing that the song is actually good. And to make matters worse, it was the follow-up single to his 2005 hit “Arlington,” an absolutely beautiful song that pays tribute to our fallen soldiers. But what makes “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” even more confusing is that it was written by some of the best songwriters in country music. The monstrosity was penned by Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser, along with bro-country hitmaker Dallas Davidson. Yes, the same guy who wrote “In Color” and “High Cost of Living” wrote “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” the song that’s a punchline for people who want to make fun of country music. Makes no sense. But even worse, remember “Swing” from 2006? It was Trace’s next single, and it really made me question what was going on with Trace Adkins with its nonsensical baseball metaphors. Well that one was written by…Chris Stapleton. Mind-blowing. Of course “Swing” isn’t Stapleton’s only miss: He also wrote “Crash and Burn” for Thomas Rhett, which went on to become one of the biggest pop country hits of 2015. But luckily, Stapleton was smart enough to give those songs to other artists and just sit back and watch the royalty checks roll in, instead of actually recording them himself. And he’s also written some big hits for other artists. Stapleton credits Kenny Chesney’s “Never Wanted Nothing More” with buying him his first house. And he also wrote “Your Man” for Josh Turner, along with “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright” for George Strait, and Luke Bryan’s least offensive song of the past 15 years, “Drink A Beer.” Hard to believe that same guy also wrote these lyrics: “Hey baby, do you do come here often? (Strike two) Hey baby, now what’s your sign? (Strike three) Hold on now where you goin’? (He is out) Jimmy’s out, next in line Swing, batter, batter Swing, batter, batter Swing, batter, batter, swing Swing, batter, batter Swing, batter, batter Swing, batter, batter, swing” It doesn’t end there though. The next single for Trace Adkins was also written by Jamey Johnson…and while it’s not quite as offensive as the others, “Ladies Love Country Boys” can hardly be described as a masterclass in country music songwriting like we’ve come to expect from Johnson over the years. Then came “I Got My Game On,” which was pretty terrible…and once again, written by Jamey Johnson. The biggest offender, though, was “Brown Chicken Brown Cow,” which Trace released in 2011. While it wasn’t written by Houser, Johnson or Stapleton, it WAS written by one of the best songwriters in country music: Casey Beathard, the man responsible for songs like “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” by Tracy Lawrence, “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney, and Eric Church hits like “Homeboy,” “Hell Of A View” and “Like Jesus Does.” It’s like they write these songs as jokes and artists actually turn around and record them. I’m sure the artists are glad that SOMEBODY recorded them (like I said, those royalty checks are nice), but man, how did these incredible songwriters end up penning so many terrible songs that were recorded by Trace Adkins? The post Some Of Trace Adkins’ Worst Songs Were Written By Some Of Country Music’s Best Songwriters first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Sturgill Simpson is arguably the greatest country music artist of the past decade. Sure, you’re not going to find him on the country radio charts or the country music awards shows, but for my money his body of work over the course of the past 10 years or so is second to none. Beginning with the release of his solo debut High Top Mountain in 2013, and then the game changer, Metamodern Sounds In Country Music, the following year, Sturgill found himself in the company of Grammy nominees. And then with the release of A Sailor’s Guide To Earth in 2017, Stu once again found himself in elite company with a pair of nominations for Album of the Year and Best Country Album (which he won) at the 59th Grammy Awards. He followed that up with the “sleazy, steamy rock’n’roll record” Sound & Fury in 2019, the Cuttin’ Grass bluegrass records, and then in 2021, The Ballad Of Dood & Juanita, a concept record of sorts rooted in traditional country and bluegrass stylings. His most recent project, Passage du Desir, was released last year under his Johnny Blue Skies moniker, and since he’s spent that past year or so melting faces, having more fun that he’s ever had, he recently revealed that he’s about to head back into the studio with the boys… get excited. Critically-acclaimed, universally lauded, all without an ounce of support from country radio… Sturgill has provided the blueprint for doing it your own way in country music, and did so at a time when trying to achieve success in the industry without a mainstream label behind you seemed like a fool’s errand. Now, in addition to Sturgill Simpson, we have artists like Cody Jinks, Whiskey Myers, Tyler Childers, Zach Bryan, and more who have proven you can independently achieve success in country music. And aside from his albums, we have seen Stu lend his talents to a handful of other projects whether it be vocals, guitar playing, producing, and even acting. That’s right acting… quite often actually. In fact, the Dick Daddy has spent quite a bit of time acting, and has even hinted at screenwriting in the past. Here’s a quick look at most of Stu’s filmography: 1. Orca Park (2011) Stu’s big screen debut. Unless you’re a fan of weird indie films, and even if you are, then you’ve probably never heard of this one, so here’s a little run down, according to imdb: “A high school science teacher and her sixteen year old student, run away together and take refuge behind the doors of a murky motel room in rural Orca Park, Florida. When an unhinged private investigator shows up and starts asking questions, the lover’s idyllic world plummets into a well of suspicion, jealousy and deceit.” 2. Black Hog Gut (2018) This short film was entered into the Nashville film festival, and stars Stu as “Top Hat,” who is part of a small group of Civil War veterans who suffer fear and anxiety deep in the Smoky Mountains. A small excerpt is available on YouTube, but it’s unclear if there is anywhere to actually locate and watch the short film. 3. One Dollar (2018) One Dollar only ran for one season on a CBS streaming platform, but set in a small Rust Belt town, the show centered around a series of murders and how something as simple as one dollar changing hands can connect a number of strangers to the crimes. Sturgill Simpson played the role of Cass, and was featured in 5 of the 10 episodes. 4. The Dead Don’t Die (2019) Sturgill wasn’t more than a cameo in this Jim Jarmusch film (he played a zombie with a guitar), but he did write and record the theme song for the film and was directly referenced by the characters a number of times. Like this scene featuring Adam Driver and Bill Murray: 5. Queen & Slim (2019) Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith, Queen & Slim tells the story of a couple that go on the run after a traffic stop goes south and one of them kills a police officer who is, you guessed it, played by country music’s own Sturgill Simpson. 6. The Hunt (2020) A satire that offers a comedic, yet dark take on the divide between the American Right and the American Left, this film is about a group of elites who kidnap a group of 12 working class “deplorables” to literally hunt them for sport. Stu plays the role of Vanilla Nice, one of the 12 strangers who has to try and survive this deadly game. 7. Materna (2021) According to imbd, Materna is a “closely observed psychological portrait of four women, whose lives are bound together by an incident on the New York City subway.” Sturgill played the role of Paul, an obnoxious passenger on a subway train. 8. The Righteous Gemstones (2023) What a pleasant surprise it was to see Stu in the 3rd Season of the hilarious HBO comedy series The Righteous Gemstones. The story of the uber-wealthy Gemstone family who have built an empire as over-the-top megachurch televangelists in South Carolina, Season 3 finds the Gemstone family in conflict with a cult-like militia group. Sturgill plays one of the militia members named Brother Marshall, who actually delivers and incredible performance of “All The Gold In California” in Episode 7 – “Burn for Burn, Wound for Wound, Stripe for Stripe.” It’s pretty epic. 9. The Creator (2023) A sci-fi epic from director Gareth Edwards, The Creator is your classic man vs machine dystopian war, but with an artificial intelligence component that hits a little too close to home these days. I mean, it’s only a matter of time before AI mounts up a resistance and tries to destroy us all… right? 10. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) With a cast that features heavy hitters like Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Brendan Fraser, Jesse Plemons, along with some country singers Randy Houser, Jason Isbell, and of course, Sturgill Simpson, Killers Of The Flower Moon is the most critically-acclaimed film on this list. Co-written, produced, and directed by Martin Scorsese, the screenplay is based on the 2017 non-fiction book by David Grann which tells the story of the Osage murders after oil was discovered on their tribal land. The movie received a whopping 10 nominations at the 96th Academy Awards, but was completely shut out. The post A Complete List Every Film Or TV Series That Sturgill Simpson Has Acted In first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Finally got in touch with him. Earlier this week, 13-year old DJ Daniel put out a call for help, asking for someone help him get in touch with Jason Aldean about putting on a concert for children with cancer. If you’re not familiar with DJ’s story, you may remember the heartwarming moment earlier this year when President Donald Trump surprised the young cancer patient during a joint session of Congress by making him an honorary member of the United States Secret Service. What an incredible moment President Trump's just Direct Secret Service Director Sean Curran to names DJ Daniel a Texas boy battling cancer with his dream job to become a Secret Service agent. Secret Service gained an incredible new agent. Agent Dj pic.twitter.com/A76lyomJZ8 — Chuckyfamous! (@Nem_Famous) March 5, 2025 DJ was diagnosed with terminal brain and spinal cancer in 2018, and has since undergone 13 brain surgeries, despite only being given just five months to live at the time he was diagnosed. The youngster is also a big fan of law enforcement, and has been sworn in as an honorary officer by over 1,300 different departments, including ICE and the DEA. He’s become a major celebrity in the wake of all of his recognition and the struggles that he’s faced at such a young age. But unfortunately, Daniel is facing some new struggles after his father Theodis Daniel revealed last week that DJ has three new tumors: “He does have three new tumors. It’s rough. There isn’t a class that can teach you how to deal with it. You’re hearing that your child has a nasty disease.” After the diagnosis, the White House offered their support and prayers to DJ as he faces these new challenges: “We’re lifting up Agent DJ Daniel in prayer after his dad, Theodis, shared that DJ is now facing three new tumors. DJ is one of the strongest, bravest young men—and has now been sworn into 1,351 law enforcement agencies across the country. Agent Daniel, you’re a true legend.” We’re lifting up Agent DJ Daniel in prayer after his dad, Theodis, shared that DJ is now facing three new tumors. DJ is one of the strongest, bravest young men—and has now been sworn into 1,351 law enforcement agencies across the country. Agent Daniel, you're a true legend. pic.twitter.com/UH9sCOeWvE — The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 30, 2025 But Theodis said that his son is determined to use whatever time he has here on earth to help others: “We’re just going around showing people, ‘Hey, you do care for one another. Let’s give compassion and let’s try to join and help each other get through things.’” And one of the things that he wants to do is organize a country music concert to help raise money for other children like himself who are battling cancer. But he needed to call in a favor to make it happen. Daniel released a video on social media earlier asking for help getting in touch with Jason Aldean for the event: “Hey, does anybody know Jason Aldean? Because we’re trying to do a country show down here to raise money for kids with cancer.” Well Aldean was tagged in the comments on the video hundreds of times, so there’s no doubt it didn’t take him long to see it. And one of Aldean’s friends saw it too: Darius Rucker. Just a few minutes ago, Darius responded to DJ’s request to get in touch with Aldean: “Hey DJ, what’s up? It’s Darius Rucker. Guess what? I heard you. I know Jason Aldean.” And Aldean promised to get in touch with Daniel soon: “Hey, what’s up DJ? Jason Aldean here. Got your message and want to get you out to a show. Let’s talk more about doing a show or doing something to help the kids like you were talking about. We’ll be in touch, man.” Knew Aldean would come through for him. And if they need any help promoting or covering the show, just let me know. I’m always down for a concert for a good cause. Hey DJ, heard u were looking for me… pic.twitter.com/WvhJ7bBlLN — Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) June 5, 2025 The post Jason Aldean Responds After 13-Year Old Cancer Patient Honored By President Trump Asks For Help With Charity Concert first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Keeping the tradition alive. Dolly Parton and Carl Dean celebrated their first anniversary apart this year, marking the first heavenly wedding annivsary of the “I Will Always Love You’ singer’s husband. Earlier this year, Dolly Parton lost her husband of nearly 59 years, Carl Deal, who passed at the age of 82. The passing of her first and only love has taken its toll on Parton as she’s opened up that it’s hard to move on, given that she loved him from the age of 18. “Oh, you know what, I get very emotional when people bring it up. But we were together 60 years. I’ve loved him since I was 18 years old. It’s a big adjustment just trying to change patterns and habits. I’ll do fine, and I’m very involved in my work, and that’s been the best thing that could happen to me. But I’ll always miss him, of course, and always love him. He was a great partner to me.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by TODAY (@todayshow) Since Carl Dean’s passing, Parton has taken some time for herself, but given her busy schedule, she soon had to return to work. She noted that she knew Dean would want her to continue with business as usual. “He would expect me to be workin’ today, so I expect to be workin’… Of course, I will always love him, and I’ll miss him.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Parton News ☆ (@partonnews) But even with her staying busy, that does not mean that she’s not still mourning the death of her beloved husband. Parton opened up while speaking with co-anchors John Roberts and Sandra Smith on FOX News Channel’s America Reports that despite staying busy, she’s also taking the time to honor the traditions she and Dean established in their marriage, including their wedding anniversary tradition. “You know, my faith has helped me through it all, because — because I am a person of faith, even though I lost him on this earthly plane, and I will miss him every day, having to learn new patterns, new habits, but knowing that I will see him again and knowing that he’s in God’s arms now and not mine. But he’s still in my heart and in my memories. And I treasure all that. And that’s how I get through my work and my faith that’s carried me on through. But I do miss him, yes. We had — our anniversary was the 30th, just two days ago, and we got married down in Ringgold, Georgia.” Speaking of Dolly Parton, she married Carl Dean on this date in 1966. Today is her first anniversary without him. Would’ve been their 59th. pic.twitter.com/h5gUx1uGpy — VintageCountryMusic (@realcountry1953) May 30, 2025 “And we would always go down to Ringgold so — in and around our anniversary every year since we were married. And so I went down there the other day on our anniversary. And they put a big plaque up in the yard of that church where we got married. It talks about us getting married there. And we would always go and have a picnic. So, anyway, that’s where I spent my anniversary, our first — my first — our anniversary without him, the first one. So I thought, well, I have got to go back and just take a picture on that — on the same steps at that same church. And then I felt like that he — he was there with me. And I put his wedding ring around my little gold chain and wore it. And I wore my little original wedding rings and just stood there. And it was just so — it was just so sweet, and it made me. It was good for me.” After hearing her talk about this, I need a tissue. It’s so heartbreakingly sweet that she’s still honoring the traditions established while they were together. Still, I can’t imagine visiting a place with such significant meaning without your partner by your side. However, as Parton said, it appears that his spirit was strongly with her as she continued to honor the vows they made to each other. Rest in peace, Carl Dean. If you want to watch the whole interview from FOX News Channel’s America Reports, click HERE. Before you go, play the song that Parton wrote in honor of her husband after his passing. The post Dolly Parton Visited The Church She & Carl Dean Got Married At For What Would’ve Been Their 59th Wedding Anniversary: “I Felt Like He Was There With Me” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.