If a passion for music and a knack for writing make a career, then color Amanda Hensel lucky. She is the product of writers -- apparently when you add two news journalists together, you get one music journalist. She currently resides in 'the live music capital of the world,' where she snagged a journalism degree from the University of Texas. Although she's grounded in Austin, Hensel's name travels -- in her short career, she has cited her passion writing for AOL Music Blog, Fringe Magazine, the Houston Press and various other publications.
Amanda Hensel
Lady Antebellum Perform Last Set Before Hillary Scott Gives Birth at 2013 Taste of Country Festival – Pictures
On Saturday night (June 15), Lady Antebellum took the stage for the last time before Hillary Scott becomes a mother. The trio stunned the crowd at the first-ever Taste of Country Music Festival, ending the three-day event in a way only they could.
Hunter Hayes Proves Why He Deserved an Invite to Hunter Mountain at 2013 ToC Fest – Pictures
It's only a coincidence that Hunter Hayes played Hunter Mountain -- where the 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival officially set up camp -- on Saturday afternoon (June 15), but he owned the crowd as if the rolling green hills had actually been named for him.
Taylor Swift Shows Her Many Colors Live on Red Tour in Texas – Exclusive Pictures
Taylor Swift doesn't have thick skin, she tells Taste of Country (after all, no good writer does) -- a trait only amplified during her live show, where she seems most at home. The 'Begin Again' superstar took the stage in the capital city of Austin, Texas on Tuesday night (May 21) wearing her heart on her sleeve and showing it off song by song, story by story.
Country Artists Drop in at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards – Pictures
The 2013 Billboard Music Awards, which aired live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday night (May 19), brought out the biggest singing stars from all genres -- including country.
Fertilizer Plant Explodes Near Waco, Texas: Country Artists Share Thoughts, Prayers
The town of West, Texas -- 20 miles north of Waco -- was shaken by devastation Wednesday night (April 17) when a massive explosion occurred at a fertilizer plant around 7:50PM local time.
Kellie Pickler’s Drummer Seriously Injured in Accident
Kellie Pickler's drummer suffered serious injuries as the result of a car accident on Saturday (March 2). Gregg Lohman was traveling along Interstate 65 in Kentucky around 11:30AM when the crash occurred.
Blake Shelton Plays That Funky Music, Performs With Miranda Lambert at CRS
Blake Shelton was born in 1976, and he'll never miss an opportunity to prove that underneath his country shell, he's just a funky white boy at heart.
Carrie Underwood Strips Down for Intimate Songwriters Session at CRS
Carrie Underwood was in rare form on Wednesday night (Feb. 27), stripped down for a bare bones and relaxed version of not only her hit songs, but herself -- just Carrie. The superstar traded designer gowns for a more casual black pants, light jacket look to join top country songwriters Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey and Josh Kear for a swap of songs, performed acoustically on a small Nashville stage
Mindy McCready Dead
Mindy McCready is dead. Local law enforcement has confirmed the news, also speculating that the country singer took her own life. She was 37.