Craig Havighurst

The Havana seven-piece is a passion project of Raul Malo, lead singer of The Mavericks and son of Cuban exiles. Malo brought the band to Nashville in hopes they'll launch a career and build a bridge.

Atkins climbed from humble beginnings to become a major record producer and one of the most famous guitarists of his era. Ten years after his death, he's the subject of continued adoration — and a new exhibition at Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Last week the government raided the Gibson Guitar Corporation for the second time in two years over allegations the company knowingly acquired wood protected under U.S. environmental law to make its instruments.

Almost 40 years ago, celebrated country singer-songwriter Tom T. Hall surprised his record label by creating a children's album, Songs of Fox Hollow. Now, Hall has teamed up with some of Nashville's independent roots-music scene to remake the time-tested classic.

Nashville singer Shawn Camp has had numerous Top 10 hits, but they've all been sung by other country stars, including Garth Brooks, Josh Turner and George Strait. Sixteen years ago, Camp had his own shot at country music stardom, but his second album was shelved -- until now.

Blue Highway founding member and 10-time IBMA dobro player of the year Rob Ickes has just released an album of jazz duets with pianist and grade-school music teacher Michael Alvey, titled Road Song.

Steve Cropper shaped the Memphis soul sound as a guitarist and songwriter for Stax Records. Felix Cavaliere fronted the hit-making group The Rascals. They ran in the same music circles for decades, but only now have they made their first album together.

Mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile has long been at the vanguard of progressive bluegrass music. But his new work is his most ambitious yet: Part chamber music, part song cycle, "The Blind Leaving the Blind" is a four-movement, 40-minute suite for bluegrass instruments.

Country singer Charlie Louvin was one half of the Louvin Brothers, popular in the 1950s. Now 80, Louvin is experiencing a late career revival. He's adored by younger audiences, and sings with the likes of Elvis Costello, Jeff Tweedy on his new CD.

It's been more than three years since one of the Dixie Chicks told a London audience that she was "ashamed" President Bush was from the group's home state of Texas. Some predicted the group would suffer long-term consequences because of the comment. Now their summer tour is coming up short in some cities.