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
Robin Williams Dead at 63: Country Stars React
Robin Williams has died. The iconic actor and comedian was found in his home in California on Monday (Aug. 11), his cause of death an apparent suicide, as confirmed by the Marin County Sheriff’s department.
Luke Bryan Storm Hits Pittsburgh, Fans More Than Bring a Party [Pictures]
Country fans' devotion to having a good time will never be in question, especially following the Luke Bryan concert at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on Saturday (June 21). Fans filled the stadium lot early for a true parking lot party, with several leaving in handcuffs by nightfall and hundreds more having the time of their lives.
Willie Nelson’s Luck Ranch Severely Damaged by Texas Tornado
Bad luck -- in the form of an angry tornado -- struck Willie Nelson's Luck, Texas ranch last week, leaving devastation after the storms rolled through the state.
Paul Walker Dead at 40: Country Artists React
Late Saturday evening (Nov. 30), the tragic news hit the internet hard: Paul Walker is dead. The ‘Fast and Furious ' star, 40, was killed in a single-car crash on Saturday afternoon after leaving a charity event.
Kip Moore Documentary Shows Desire to Keep Fueling the Fire
"It all starts with a song," Kip Moore echoes in his new 'Burn the Whole World Down' documentary, referencing a quote on the wall at BMI in Nashville. He's a firm believer in that saying -- in fact, it's become somewhat of a mantra for the 'Hey Pretty Girl' singer.
Luke Bryan Debuts, Hunter Hayes Returns to ToC Top 10 Video Countdown This Week
Luke Bryan only just released his new 'Crash My Party' music video, but fans didn't waste any time in getting it into the hot Taste of Country Top 10 Video Countdown. Did they beat out other dedicated fanbases to earn a Top 5 slot for their favorite hip-shaker?
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.
Blake Shelton’s ‘Boys ‘Round Here’ Makes Big Debut in ToC Top 10 Video Countdown
His video has hardly been out a week, but already Blake Shelton's 'Boys 'Round Here' clip is at the top of the Taste of Country Top 10 Video Countdown. That's not surprising, give the song's success and the fact that it co-stars wife Miranda Lambert and her Pistol Annies gang. But Shelton's new video is not No. 1.