Sometimes the biggest hits of an artist’s careers are the songs that help their fans the most. Dementia is a truly horrible disease, and the Aldean family is pulling back the curtain on their lives to share their personal experience with the illness that causes cognitive decline. If you personally know someone that’s been affected by dementia, Alzheimer’s or another progressive brain disorder, then you’re familiar with the daily battles that the disease can bring. Families have no choice but to watch their loved ones struggle with memory loss and confusion as they grow older. Currently, there’s no cure for the disease that affects 7 million Americans (according to Alzheimer’s Association). Brittany and Jason Aldean have recently been more open about how the disease has affected their family. Jason Aldean’s uncle just recently passed away after a battle with Lewy body dementia, and Brittany’s father is currently dealing with dementia as well. With all that’s been going on in their lives, Jason Aldean decided to get a bit more personal with his upcoming 20-track album – Songs About Us – which is set to release on April 24, 2026. He’s already released “How Far Does A Goodbye Go,” along with the three songs that have been called an album preview: “Hard To Love You,” “Lovin’ On Me” and “Help You Remember.” It’s clear that every song on the album will be one that’s emotionally driven. That’s especially so with “Help You Remember,” which was written with Brittany Aldean’s father in mind. Aldean and his team recently shared a video where the country star talked a little bit more about how that song came to be, and what they were going for when they went to write it: “It’s a different kind of song. It’s not like we were going in to write this fun kind of song. We went in to write it more like a ‘Live Like You Were Dying’ type of feel. This big, meaningful song. And those are hard to write, especially when our career has been built on these fun, up-tempo type things.” It’s definitely a change of pace from Aldean’s earlier work. Nothing wrong with some growth though, and considering everything that Aldean and his wife have been going through lately, it only makes sense that the 48-year-old sing about the subject matter that’s weighing heavily on his mind. He went on to admit that he wasn’t going after any radio play with “Help You Remember.” Aldean instead just focused on crafting a song that was meaningful, and that could possess the power to help those who are going through similar, difficult situations: “As a songwriter, everyone wants to go into a room everyday and you want to write this song that’s this really meaningful, big thing. You get caught in this thing of trying to churn out songs. You’re just trying to write a hit. Who’s gonna cut this? Who’s looking for this, who’s looking for that? Sometimes when you pull  from personal experience and you really sit down and figure it out, you come up with these things that are really impactful that are gonna hit a lot of people. That’s what we landed on with this song…. there is something to this thing that is really special.” The good news is that the song – written by Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan and Lydia Vaughan – has already connected with the masses. How could it not? There are plenty of families out there that have walked down the same path – or are currently walking down the same path – as the Aldeans. And the lyrics of the track, which tells the story of someone trying to help their loved one hold on to the memories that are fading, are tragically touching: “Talking in circles, saying anything I can To bring an old familiar feeling back, would it Help you remember? Would it all come back to you again? If we got in that truck right now And drove out to watch that made you smile sunset The heart knows what’s hiding Even when the mind can’t find it Even if you don’t, I still ain’t gonna stop trying, yeah To help you remember What I’ll never forget” It’s a horrible thing that the Aldean family is going through right now, but it’s great that they are being open about their journey, if only so that others out there experiencing the same or similar know they aren’t alone. “Help You Remember” probably hits close to home for a lot of people, and Brittany and Jason are hoping that it can bring some healing to others out there that are affected by dementia. “Help You Remember” – Jason Aldean The post Jason Aldean Says “Help You Remember,” A Powerful Song About Dementia, Wasn’t Written To Be A Hit: “It’s A Different Kind Of Song” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

The Red Clay Strays took a moment out of their show to shine a light on their good pal, Brent Cobb. During the Red Clay Strays last couple of shows of 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, they brought their opener and longtime friend and mentor back out on stage to perform the Lynyrd Skynyrd song “Swamp Music” with them. The performance itself was a whole lot of fun for those in attendance, but it’s actual purpose was just to get Brent Cobb back out on stage so the Red Clay Strays could surprise him. It was a special moment for everyone involved because the Red Clay Strays and Brent Cobb have a history together. You might not know that Cobb helped play a role in helping Brandon Coleman and the rest of his band make it big. When Cobb sat down with us on the Whiskey Riff Raff podcast, he told us that their friendship was birthed from a simple direct message through Instagram: “I originally met them when they were damn near fresh out of high school. Maybe they were up here (in Nashville) for something, I don’t know. They had hit me up on Instagram, and this was 2017 or 2018. They had just been listening to my music for a long time. They are really aware of the writers. They knew I had written ‘Bar, Guitar and a Honky Tonk Crowd.’ They reached out, happened to be in town and we hung out. They wanted to write. We’ve just kind of buddies.” Fast forward years later, and the Red Clay Strays are one of the biggest acts in all of country music. That being said, they haven’t forgotten about the people that helped them get to where they are today. They have a deep appreciation for the Grammy-nominated Brent Cobb and his work, which is why they carved out time in their last shows of the year to surprise Brent Cobb with the presentation of his first ever gold record. Following the Lynyrd Skynyrd cover, frontman Brandon Coleman spoke to the crowd and Cobb while someone backstage brought out the framed gold record: “Don’t go anywhere Brent. We’ve got a present for ya. Brent, you have a song named ‘Black Creek.’ You may not know this, but ‘Black Creek’ recently went gold. We want to bring this out for you and present it to ya. Look at that buddy… you deserve it.” What a moment. Cobb’s “Black Creek” went certified gold by the RIAA (sold 500,000 units) back in August, and the Red Clay Strays gave him, the song and the accomplishment the proper recognition at their Las Vegas show. You could tell that Brent Cobb appreciated the gesture very much. It’s only right that the Red Clay Strays pay back Cobb in any way that they can. He was the one that told the band not to sign any contracts too early as they began to rise in fame: “I remember the year that they kind of popped off was 2022 or whatever. The top of that year, Drew called me and he was like, ‘Man, we’re starting to get some label interest and we’re getting booking agent interest. What do you think we should do?’ It was right before they did the Elle King tour and then they had those few shows with Eric Church. I was like, ‘Man, I don’t know much, but I’d say don’t sign anything yet. Do those tours and look at your numbers right now… people can’t come to your all’s show and see you and not be blown away. Just wait until the end of those tours and compare your numbers.’ I know I’m not the only person that told them that, but they did that, and by the end of those tours, they were superstars.” @whiskeyriff “They are really students of, the same way I am, of songwriting.” @Brent Cobb @The Red Clay Strays ♬ original sound – Whiskey Riff Without a doubt some great advice for the band from Mobile, Alabama. Cool to see that now, after really taking off, the Red Clay Strays are doing what they can to return the favor. And like Coleman said, Brent Cobb deserves the gold record… “Black Creek” is an absolute banger: The post The Red Clay Strays Surprise Brent Cobb On Stage With Gold Record For “Black Creek” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Looking back at a severely underrated discography. Undoubtedly, the ’90s have been looked at as one of the most beloved eras in country music history. Of course, you have the likes of legends, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Brooks & Dunn, Shania Twain, Reba McEntire and countless others who dominated the decade and are most closely associated with the beloved era. With that being said, however, a name that seems to fly under the radar, at least when compared to the artists mentioned above, is none other than John Michael Montgomery. It’s not to say that the Kentucky native hasn’t been given his flowers in the past, namely winning Single of the Year at both the 1994 CMA Awards and the 1995 ACM Awards as well as a Best Male Country Vocal Performance Grammy nomination for “I Swear.” Additionally, he’d be honored with various forms of “best new artist” awards upon the release of his 1992 debut album, Life’s a Dance, winning the ACM’s Top New Artist Award and the CMA’s Horizon Award (which was renamed simply to New Artist of the Year in 2007). Over the course of his career, Montgomery racked up two #1 albums (Kickin’ It Up and John Michael Montgomery), twenty Top 10 singles, seven #1 hits, five certified-platinum albums and an additional gold single for the aforementioned “I Swear.” Ultimately, the “I Love The Way You Love Me” singer has remained a key artist in the storied history of the genre in the ’90s. And tonight, in Lexington, Kentucky, Montgomery will be putting an end to his touring career, performing for the final time at the Rupp Arena along with special guests, Eddie Montgomery (of Montgomery Gentry), Walker Montgomery and Travis Denning. View this post on Instagram If you recall, Montgomery announced back in 2024 on New Year’s Day that he would be slowly winding down his touring career beginning in 2024 before wrapping up in 2025. And tonight is the grand finale for the ’90s legend. “I hope everyone enjoyed bringing in 2024 and may it be a wonderful one for all my friends out there. For me it will be the start of my farewell tour as I have decided to wind down my touring career over this year and 2025. It’s been a wonderful run for me from the beginning over 30 years ago in 1992 when my first song LIFE’s A DANCE was released to radio I think either as a 45 vinyl or on a cassette tape, CDs had not quite taken over the market yet and the internet was still in its infancy. It amazes me where it is today. I’ve been fortunate and blessed to be able to do what I love for so many years so. Please join me on my journey as I say goodbye to the road life. And thanks so much for your support for the last 3 decades, it’s meant so much me. Take care and see ya out there, Love you all! From me and my road family.” In honor of the “Sold” singer’s final show tonight in Lexington, I think there’s no better time to highlight his 10 biggest hits throughout his career. Of course, this will include his aforementioned seven #1 hits as well as other Top 5 hits such as “How Was I To Know” and “Home to You.” “I Love the Way You Love Me” Release date: March 1, 1993 Peak chart position: #1 “I Swear” Release date: November 19, 1993 Peak chart position: #1 “Be My Baby Tonight” Release date: May 23, 1994 Peak chart position: #1 “If You’ve Got Love“ Release date: September 19, 1994 Peak chart position: #1 “I Can Love You Like That” Release date: February 27, 1995 Peak chart position: #1 “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)“ Release date: May 1, 1995 Peak chart position: #1 “The Little Girl” Release date: August 29, 2000 Peak chart position: #1 “Friends” Release date: September 23, 1996 Peak chart position: #2 “How Was I to Know“ Release date: June 9, 1997 Peak chart position: #2 “Home to You“ Release date: July 5, 1999 Peak chart position: #2 The post A Look Back At John Michael Montgomery’s Legendary Career In Honor Of His Final Show Tonight In Lexington, Kentucky first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

An all-time classic. By and large, most Christmas music these days is pretty commercial, and honestly, forgettable. But over the years, legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson have put out some absolutely beautiful, and timeless, holiday originals. And one of the best is Willie Nelson’s “Pretty Paper,” which he wrote in 1963, and was first made famous by Roy Orbison when it peaked at #15 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Willie later recorded his own version of the song in 1964 and again in 1979 for his own Christmas album. In the lyrics, Willie references a man selling “pretty paper, pretty ribbons” alone on the sidewalk, and as it turns out, there actually was a disabled street vendor Willie knew from his time as a radio DJ in Fort Worth who did just that. Though he regrets never stopping to actually talk to the man whom he would walk by every single day on his way to work, the image of seeing him on the sidewalk always stuck out to Willie long after he moved from Texas to Nashville to pursue a career in country music. The Local Paper Identifies The Mystery Man He specifically remembered the man announcing, “Pretty paper! Pretty paper!”, to get the attention of people walking by, which is where the instantly recognizable title and lyrics came from. For many years, the man’s identity was a mystery, but in 2004, Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnists were finally able to identify the man who inspired such an iconic song. They had put the word out to their readers to see if anyone had any information regarding the man or might’ve recognized him, as a lot of them had shopped at Leonard’s Department Store over the years and remembered seeing him there. None of them knew his name, but quite a few people reported that he traveled from Santo, in Palo Pinto County, to downtown Fort Worth to sell his goods. As it turns out, a man named Bob Neely, a nearby rancher from Santo, called one day when he found out they were inquiring about his neighbor, Frankie Brierton. Bob says you could always hear him crawling up and down Houston or Throckmorton streets on all fours. Eventually, the paper got in contact with Frankie’s daughter, Lillian Compte, who lived in Conroe. She had no idea the song was about her dad, or that anyone would be asking about him, seeing as he had passed away in 1973: “It’s a pretty song. I just never thought of it being about my father. He sold pencils. He crawled around on his hands and knees. But we never did without.” Frankie had suffered from a spinal disorder as a child, and learned to crawl when his spine was weakened as a result. He would travel to Fort Worth, Dallas, and Houston to sell his goods at the State Fair of Texas and the Stock Show in Fort Worth. Eventually, the landlords in downtown Fort Worth wanted to ban street vendors and missionaries in front of stores. Charlie Ringler, a former store manager at Leonard’s, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the Leonard family allowed all of them to stay as long as they were actually selling something: “Some people wanted them moved out, but we never moved them. We couldn’t turn them away. As long as they were selling pencils or something, that was fine.” As it turns out, on a rare, snowy Christmas Eve in the Stockyards, the red headed stranger was doing some last minute Christmas shopping and decided that he was going to buy wrapping paper from the man when he left the store. Willie Nelson Finds Inspiration On Christmas Eve When he walked back outside, the snow had picked up, and he circled Leonard’s to see if he could locate Frankie. He never did, and it’s still something he thinks about to this day. Willie actually wrote a book about the man he saw in Fort Worth, where he imagines what would’ve happened if he’d actually gotten to know him: “And all these years, I’ve wondered about the man that inspired that song. A poor soul who was selling wrapping paper by the side of the road, singing to lift his spirits and stay warm.” While I’m sure it would’ve been amazing to meet the man and get a chance to hear his story in first-person, something about the mystique and mystery of it all is really special too. The song itself is another refreshing reminder this holiday season from the great Willie Nelson about what’s important… and I don’t think the writers of “Jingle Bells” or “Frosty the Snowman” can come close to that. And if you’ve always wanted to put a face to the man who inspired such an amazing song, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram has one in this article, where there’s more detail about Brierton’s story. Lillian also explained that her father earned a living without government assistance, also selling pencils at the Fort Worth Stock Show, the State Fair of Texas in Dallas and on Main Street in downtown Houston. Though he faced extra challenges in his life that most of us will never come close to understanding, she never saw him as anything other than her father. Her son, Rick Compte, says that he loved and admired his grandfather, and joked about how much he loved attention: “You might say that he really liked attention.” Unfortunately, Brierton never knew that “Pretty Paper” was inspired by him, but I have to imagine his family is incredibly proud of the fact that, not only did he work hard his entire life to provide for them despite the bad circumstances he dealt with physically, but he is the muse for one of Willie Nelson’s most beloved songs, and one of the greatest Christmas songs ever written. You can’t do much better than that… Willie’s performance of “Pretty Paper” at Austin City Limits in 1993 is one of the best: “Pretty Paper” The post Daughter Of Man Who Inspired Willie Nelson’s Christmas Classic “Pretty Paper” Says He Never Knew The Song Was About Him: “He Crawled Around On His Hands And Knees, But We Never Did Without” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.