Ricky Van Shelton, where are you? This week, Billy Dukes looks at (1:53) Ricky Van Shelton’s Dear John letter but then stretches back to explore (3:34) who he really was. What’s your favorite Ricky Van Shelton song? A few years after his last hit, fans would learn of his (5:30) infidelity and (6:33) how he literally battled the devil. We’re not kidding.

Finally, (8:05) where is Ricky Van Shelton today. Then the Q&A with TOC’s Adison Haager. Thanks for following and please leave a rating and review.

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’s might have to wait another 12 years to be eligible for the Country Music Hall of Fame. Or he might be eligible in 2023. Billy Dukes (2:10) explores how influential Stapleton was for 12 years before anyone knew his name. (3:12) If an artist needed a change or something big, they called on him and they called often.

Then, Adison Haager joins to (6:30) help explain Stapleton’s magic, (11:00) turning point and (12:46) the complex case of his future Hall of Fame candidacy.

Also discussed in this episode: Thomas Rhett, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Scotty McCreery, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Josh Turner, Darryl Worley, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift and more.

This podcast is also available on YouTube https://youtu.be/1ZlTru_Qk3g

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 [email protected].

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/