Billy Dukes

Officials say pyrotechnics set off by the band Gurizada Fandangueira started a fire that killed 233 people in southern Brazil early Sunday morning (Jan. 27). Many more are being treated for injuries as crews dig through the debris at the Kiss nightclub in Santa Maria.

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During an over 20-year career, Billy Joe Foster worked with the biggest names in bluegrass. He shared the stage with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder and Bill Monroe and Country Gazette, and was a regular on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. After a battle with multiple sclerosis, Foster has died. He was just 51 years old.

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"Polished" is not a word one would have used to describe Parmalee after the North Carolina foursome shared their debut single 'Musta Had a Good Time' in 2012, but the rowdy country rockers' follow-up single 'Carolina' is as radio-friendly of a track as you'll find. It's not clear that either style is a perfect fit for the Thomas brothers and their bandmates.

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Brantley Gilbert celebrated his 28th birthday on Sunday (Jan. 20) by proposing marriage to his girlfriend, 'Whiskey' singer Jana Kramer. Kramer gave an enthusiastic "Yes!" meaning the two are now engaged.

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Taylor Swift fans ran away with the No. 1 spot on last week's Taste of Country video countdown, but over two dozen other artists will be aiming for that top spot this week. Will anyone galvanize their fanbase to knock 'Begin Again' out of the  Top 10? Help your favorite artist win by voting in this week's poll. 

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The votes have been tallied, and one of country music's hottest superstars has the No. 1 video this week. The other nine spots ... well, there are some pretty big names from Nashville there as well. Brantley Gilbert, the Band Perry, and Little Big Town all have new videos in the Taste of Country Top 10 Video Countdown. None of these three come in at No. 1, however. 

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Jake Owen found his niche with songs from the 'Barefoot Blue Jean Night' album, but the unidirectional theme is wearing thin with the arrival of his new single 'Anywhere With You.' There's a thread of spontaneity and nostalgia throughout all of Owen's most recent hits. He is the essence of carefree, which is refreshing... but no longer surprising. 

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Eric Church has released his most devoted love song from 'Chief' as the album's fifth single. 'Like Jesus Does' reveals the singer's vulnerabilities in a way none of his previous ballads have done. Like 'Springsteen,' reference is made to famous classic rock standards, giving the song some familiarity even before a first listen is finished. 

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Beginning this week, readers get to decide the 10 hottest videos of the week in the brand new Taste of Country Top 10 Video Countdown. On Friday (Jan. 18), the first video countdown will debut, showcasing the most popular country music videos as decided by readers' votes.

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Billy Ray Cyrus evokes sounds of the Mississippi Delta with his new single 'Hillbilly Heart.' The song leans against a big, bad, foot-stompin' guitar lick before the singer reveals his best blues voice. The result is ugly ... in a good way. 

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