Between Hell And Hallelujah

Must see TV! On the Paramount+ streaming service, it’s the new documentary, “Wynonna Judd: Between Hell and Hallelujah.” Such a well-done production. The show takes you backstage as Wynonna Judd decides the fate of the Judds’ farewell tour following the death of her mother.

The photography and storytelling are top drawer! The Judd family is complex, and the reasons why Naomi killed herself are still a mystery, beyond her well-documented battle with depression. This production has the music, and it has the behind-the-scenes fun and drama. Really a must see, as is the new Ed Sheeran documentary on Disney+.

We need more of these music documentaries. Artists should maintain 100% control of the footage, that way they can feel safe. But don’t you wish we had footage of the great “A-Team” players making the hits in Nashville with Brenda Lee and all the Bradley/Sherrill/Collins/Killen recording sessions? The “Get Back” documentary was so wonderful as a piece of history. Get the artists to do this.

Some big triumphs this week, among them:

Willie Nelson breaking into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Willie is a badass rock and roller! Friends with Snoop Dogg and all the “smoke.” Like Dolly and Johnny, Willie is a one-of-a-kind star with a unique voice and unique playing style. They make it official November 3rd at the Barclays Center in New York.

Taylor Swift fans in Nashville are watching The Weather Channel very closely! There’s a chance of rain during her three-night stint at Nissan Stadium this weekend. Friday night’s show is in the little danger area, while Saturday not so much. Sunday maybe a little chance of rain. A bit of rain is fine, but if thunderstorms get in the area, they have to shut down for fear of lightning. When the new, two billion-dollar stadium is built in Nashville, there will be no more of these worries.

The songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally got some great news this week. They’ve earned nine Tony nominations for their work on Broadway’s newest musical, “Shucked.”

Country music faces are everywhere from “American Idol” with Luke Bryan to the USA Network and Blake Shelton on “Barmageddon.” Blake and friends were in town all week at Ole Red making 10 of the crazy shows.

Slash and Dolly Parton are appearing on the new Chris Janson record, called “21 Forever,” and Luke Combs this week is taking over Chicago’s Soldier Field. A Country music artist at Soldier Field ... that’s always a story.

A half million people will be in Nashville’s downtown section this weekend … everything from Taylor Swift to soccer. Some of the city fathers wanted the town to become an Atlanta. Be careful what you wish for. Nashville is now the town of $1,000 a night hotel rooms.

The millionaire stars of Country music are everywhere from Broadway to Vegas to Ukraine. Pretty amazing times!