The STORYTELLER’S STORYTELLER: The Heart and Soul of Country Music
The history of country music is paved with great storytellers. Few would argue against the fact that great storytelling is the core of every great country song ever recorded. In this edition of your favorite weekly newsletter, Honky Tonk Hansson introduces you to the best of the best and explores what made this specific STORYTELLER so special. Read on to discover what we can all learn from this legendary artist.
Also in this issue: One of the most-streamed artists in contemporary country music is, of course, Zach Bryan. While his hits are ubiquitous, I have hand-picked ten of Zach Bryan’s lesser-known tracks that truly deserve your attention, complete with a unique playlist for your listening pleasure.
Ideas and feedback are always welcome at [email protected] (just hit reply!)
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IN / OUT and About
IN right now:
Dolly Parton turns 80! That’s right—her birthday is January 19, and the Grand Ole Opry will host a massive celebration on the 17th. You’re the best, Dolly! There will never be anyone quite like you. Happy Birthday!
Dolly Parton (Wikimedia Commons)
Megan Moroney has revealed the full 15-song tracklist for her third studio album, Cloud 9, set for release on February 20. The album features high-profile collaborations with Ed Sheeran on "I Only Miss You" and Kacey Musgraves on "Bells & Whistles."
Ella Langley is dominating TikTok and Instagram with her viral hit "Choosin' Texas." Ella kicked off 2026 with massive social media momentum, and you can bet there is plenty more where that came from.
OUT right now:
Dolly Parton is unable to attend the celebrations at the Opry in person. Our prayers are with you, Dolly!
🚀 STORYTELLING
To Become a GREAT SONGWRITER: Put a Tennis Shoe on Your Head
The heart and soul of country music is the ability to craft GREAT STORYTELLING. The best to ever do it was the late, great Tom T. Hall. He wrote thousands of songs for himself and others. Even "The King" himself, George Jones, spared no superlatives when discussing him: “By far the all-time greatest songwriter/storyteller that country music has ever had.”
Since another legend, Johnny Cash, once said, “Read The Storyteller’s Nashville by Tom T. Hall. Everything you need to know is in there,” that’s exactly what I did. The book is funny, insightful, and inspiring, a must-read for anyone interested in the fundamentals of country songwriting.
Here’s a tip for the aspiring storyteller. Tom T. Hall wrote:
“I used to get up in the morning and put a tennis shoe on top of my head. I'd sit there on the side of the bed, thinking, ‘I bet I'm the only songwriter in Nashville sitting on his bed with a tennis shoe on top of his head. I must be some sort of a unique person. So I'm going to get a cup of coffee and a cigarette and write a unique song.’ Hey, nobody around to lock me up. And I wrote some unique songs.”
Modern motivational coaches might call it "affirmation," but adding a tennis shoe certainly makes for a better story. Learn from the best. Tom T. continued:
“I heard a line in a movie that summed up my philosophy, for all my shortcomings and my ignorance and my faults. In the movie, somebody said you have to be careful about killing all the demons, because you might kill the angels, too. I would tell the people around me, ‘You've got a job to help me do what I do, but don't protect me from myself. Whatever I'm doing, I'm making a living at it. If you start guarding me against my instincts, if you kill my demons, you might kill my angels. So leave my muse alone.’”
Listen closely, folks. That might be the best advice you’ll ever get. Don’t let the bastards get you down.
Bobby Bare summed it up perfectly: “Tom T. Hall captures the language, the mentality, and the soul of our people better than anybody who ever wrote a song.”
🎼 PLAYLIST
Honky Tonk Hansson: Best of Tom T. Hall
I have compiled a playlist of my favorite Tom T. Hall songs to serve as a reminder, or a gateway, into the universe of the greatest storytelling ever told. Listen here!
🛒 MERCH WATCH
STYLE: There WILL BE SIGNS… of Real Turquoise
People often ask me how to create the perfect personal country style. There is no single answer because style is, well... personal. But I can tell you this: authentic turquoise jewelry always does the trick, even if it’s just a subtle pinky ring.
Get yours straight from the source at Native American Jewelry:
https://www.nativeamericanjewelry.com/collections/all-jewelry
Im not going to tell anyone if I won the lottery, but there’ll be signs.
🎼 PLAYLIST
Photo: Trevor Pavlik
Zach Bryan is currently one of the most-streamed artists in country music. While his biggest hits are extremely well-known, I’ve selected ten of his deeper cuts that are well worth your time. This list features songs that aren’t necessarily topping the Spotify charts but are essential listening. Give them a spin!
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