IT'S been a mixed year of country happenings this year with many highs and some lows including the deaths of Phil Everly (one half of the Everly Brothers), Master of the cajun sound Jimmy C Newman and, recently, the Ambassador of Country Music George Hamilton 1V. Vistors to the region included Suzy Bogguss, who also released her tribute to Merle Haggard album; Sheryl Crow and Don Williams. At the O2 Arena, in London, country fans gathered to attend the Country To Country Festival (C2C) with appearances from Brad Paisley, The Zac Brown Band,Dixie Chicks, Dierks Bentley,and Chris Young. Many criticised the fact that traditional country fans were not catered for.

Box-sets arrived from Dolly, featuring 99 tracks; John Denver's All Of My Memories' had 90 tracks, and an excellent offering, while The Eagles released a brilliant compilation taken from past albums. Proper Records offered The Grand Ole Opry Story, The Chet Atkins Story and Flatt and Scruggs, which contained 100 tracks and 32-page booklets with fascinating facts and discographies.

Good double CDs came from Marty Robbins, Faron Young and Johnny Rodriguez. Willie Nelson excelled with his Band Of Brothers offering, taking him back to his traditional country sounds while Lady Antebellum proved why they are at the top of the contemporary tree with 747. Artists to look out for in 2015 include The Shires, Brinley Addington, Kasey Musgrave – who won Song of the Year at the CMA Awards – The McClymonts and Danielle Love.

Saddest song involved Glen Campbell with his rendition of I Won't Miss You, which reflects on his battle with Alzheimers.

Gretchen Peters was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. My album of the year is the posthumous release from the Man In Black Johnny Cash and Out Among The Stars.

Wishing you all a healthy and Happy New Year for 2015.