Country Pop

He made radio hits in the 1970s but later gave up music for woodworking. Now Ray Materick is back

Materick, whose Canadian radio hits included “Linda, Put the Coffee On,” “Feelin’ Kinda Lucky Tonight” and “Northbound Plane,” will play Hugh’s Room Live on Saturday. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Linda, it’s almost time to put the coffee on. When singer/songwriter Ray Materick performs at Hugh’s Room Live Saturday for the first time in over a decade, it will be with renewed interest in his most popular material, including…

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Controversial and popular country music star Toby Keith dies age 62

“Most people think I’m a redneck patriot. I’m O.K. with that,” the musician from Oklahoma once said. He won a slew of awards and 32 chart-topping hits   By Nick Krewen Special to the Star For the first decade of his career, country music superstar Toby Keith philosophically commiserated with the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield: he felt he got no respect.  That changed by the end of his life, at least…


Lee Ann Womack wants to remind us what country music is about

51-year-old Grammy winner and 2001 Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year is at the Horseshoe Jan. 24. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Jan 20, 2018 After spending the better part of a few decades building her country music career as part of Nashville’s Music Row label machinery, Texas traditionalist Lee Ann Womack is calling her own shots these days. It’s the reason why her latest project,  the exceptional…


Tim McGraw and Faith Hill woo Toronto fans with romantic production: review

Country music’s royal couple brought white picket fence values to the Toronto leg of their Soul2Soul World Tour. Nick Krewen, Music, Sat. June 24, 2017 Tim McGraw and Faith Hill at the Air Canada Centre, June 23 In movies they call it “The Big Payoff.” You’ve all seen it: the two lead characters form a bond, build up romantic tension and then seal their attraction with a lengthy kiss. On…


Taylor Swift delivers flawless performance in Toronto

  During 1989 tour stop at Rogers Centre Swift gives shout out to the Jays, sings with guest Keith Urban.   Nick Krewen Music, Published on Sat Oct 03 2015 When it comes to giving stellar performances, Taylor Swift is in a league of her own. The 25-year-old singer and songwriter delivered another flawless gem of a concert at Rogers Centre Friday for the first of two sold-out nights, a…