Secret History of Country Music

Ricky Van Shelton, where are you? This week, Billy Dukes looks at (1:53) Ricky Van Shelton

John Denver didn't just make 1 mistake that led to his death in 1997. He made two or three that compounded quickly. Each one was so simple, yet so stubborn. During this episode of Secret History of Country Music, host Billy Dukes (2:35) looks at John Denver's legacy before turning to his death and (3:25) how it was covered at the time. Was alcohol a factor? (6:30) The final investigation was definitive. Then, (8:35) Adison Haager joins for a deeper Q&A.

Chris Stapleton

Very few people knew George Jones didn't have long to live. But he did. This episode of the Secret History of Country Music explores the "White Lightning" singers last show on April 6, 2013 in Knoxville, with (4:40) audio drops from George Strait and Alan Jackson and from the show itself! Then, some of the (5:14) tributes and a revisit of his Nashville memorial and tribute show. (7:15) Billy Dukes and Adison Haager will explore the events a bit further during a moderated Q&A that you can weigh in on at staff@tasteofcountry.com.

Introducing the Secret History of Country Music Podcast. Adison Haager and Billy Dukes discuss the stories behind country music's most interesting people, memorable songs and unforgettable moments.

We think Secret History fans will love our new artist interview podcast, Taste of Country Nights, On Demand. Search and follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

You don't get to be a great teller of sad stories without living a few and Willie Nelson has certainly lived a few. In 1991, his oldest son Billy died, something Nelson understandably considers to be the hardest moment of his life. This episode of the Secret History of Country Music Podcast finds Adison Haager and Billy Dukes exploring the life and death of William Hugh Nelson Jr., and a dark time in Willie Nelson's life. For a full list of sources, visit:

This episode of Secret History of Country Music started with an observation that led to a total understanding of who Miranda Lambert is as a singer, songwriter and woman. Taste of Country's Adison Haager and Billy Dukes explore "The House That Built Me" as a way of understanding who she truly is. For a full list of sources, visit: https://tasteofcountry.com/miranda-lambert-cries-during-concerts-secret-history-of-country-music-podcast/

George Strait has more No. 1 hits than any artist, is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and generally considered to be a Mount Rushmore artist. So why has he only played the Grand Ole Opry once in 40 years, and why has he never been asked to be a member. For a full list of sources, visit: https://tasteofcountry.com/george-strait-grand-ole-opry-secret-history-of-country-music-podcast/

Carrie Underwood was on a plane when she made a decision that changed the course of her career. The sweet, 22-year-old midwesterner had just won American Idol and was choosing songs for her debut album when a song began that was the true antithesis of everything she knew and believed in. For a full list of sources, visit: https://tasteofcountry.com/carrie-underwood-before-he-cheats-secret-history-of-country-music-podcast/

Was it the voice? Was it the songwriting? No, the secret to Alan Jackson's success lies in his rebellious nature. Yep, we said it ... Alan Jackson was one bad mo-fo. For a full list of sources, visit: https://tasteofcountry.com/alan-jacksons-secret-history-of-country-music-podcast/

Eric Church didn't really get fired from the Rascal Flatts Tour in 2006. He got himself fired. That's important to remember when you hear about his "banishment" and a list he's said to carry with him of all the people that did him wrong. For a full list of sources, visit: https://tasteofcountry.com/eric-church-fired-rascal-flatts-secret-history-of-country-music-podcast/

June 3rd is Bobbie Gentry Day as it's the day her most famous character jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge in "Ode To Billie Joe." Fifteen years later, the superstar

When Blake Shelton was announced as the country music coach on 'The Voice' in 2011, few people got it. He was a mid-level star in a high profile relationship. He was kind of funny but mostly sarcastic. His TV time to that point was hardly indicative of a what you'd expect from a star hiding in the shadows. So what was NBC thinking and how has The Voice changed his life? Taste of Country's writer / producer team of Adison Haager and Billy Dukes sort it all out. For a full list of sources, visit: https://tasteofcountry.com/blake-shelton-the-voice-secret-history-of-country-music-podcast/

Introducing the Secret History of Country Music Podcast. Adison Haager and Billy Dukes discuss the stories behind country music's most interesting people, memorable songs and unforgettable moments.