Jim Hannaford
Entertainment Writer
Jim Hannaford is an Entertainment Writer for Hook & Barrel, covering music, entertainment, and food. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, he has written for newspapers, magazines, and websites throughout his career and has contributed regularly to Hook & Barrel since 2019.
His feature stories for the magazine include profiles of Toby Keith, Billy F. Gibbons, Luke Bryan, Guy Fieri, Kid Rock, and Trace Adkins, and he has written dozens of articles for Hook & Barrel's Jamming Out! series. At Mississippi State University, he served as Entertainment Editor of The Reflector and Editor of Thursday Magazine.
Music
Kashus Culpepper: Southern Sounds, Navy Roots and Life Outdoors
Alabama native Kashus Culpepper went from Navy construction work to viral songs and major concert stages. He talks about his Southern musical roots, life on the road and the childhood fishing trips he still misses.
Music
Skip Ewing on Wyoming, Horses and His New Album ‘Dragonfly’
Country singer-songwriter Skip Ewing found more than a new home in Wyoming. Ranch life, horses and the outdoors helped reshape his outlook—and ultimately led him back to making music on his own terms.
Music
Aaron Lewis Reveals the Wake-Up Call Behind 'Give My Country Back'
In an exclusive interview with Hook & Barrel, Aaron Lewis explains why his new album Give My Country Back is the most honest record of his country career.
Music
49 Winchester's 'Change of Plans' Shows a Band Hitting Its Stride
49 Winchester stretches its alt-country sound on Change of Plans, mixing grit, romance, rock and soul.
Entertainment
Nate Hosie Interview: The Emotional Story Behind His Signature Face Paint & Music
How does Nate Hosie juggle life on stage while staying true to family and faith? Let him tell you!
Jamming Out
49 Winchester’s Stunning Ozzy Osbourne Cover and New Album Details
Besides having a really cool name that outdoorsmen can appreciate, the Virginia-based group, 49 Winchester, led by Isaac Gibson, stays close to home as it moves ahead musically.
Jamming Out
As Non-Typical As It Gets: Meet The Droptines Band
It’s time to get the drop on the hard-working, alt-country Texas band that’s on the point and rising no matter what song they are cranking out! Plus, they’ve got a band name that every deer hunter in the world can relate to!
Music
Scotty Hasting: Wounded Vet Turned Country Singer is GRATEFUL
An Army vet's journey from being shot 10 times in Afghanistan to taking the stage at the Grand Ole Opry.
Celebrities
Jordan Davis: He's All About Mallards and Ballads
If this country star isn't on stage or with his family at home, he's in a duck blind. From the bright lights and eardrum-rupturing stage to the quiet of the backcountry.
Music
Brandon Lake: Fame and the South Carolina Farm
Christian music star Brandon Lake enjoys the best of both worlds with his rural escape in South Carolina providing solace from his time on stage under the spotlight.
Entertainment
Whiskey Myers Drops 7th Album: 'Whomp Whack Thunder'
The East Texas band is making some noise with their new album, plus find out why lead singer Cody Cannon can't stand cities.
Music
Brandon Lake Talks 'Hard Fought Hallelujah' and 'King Of Hearts'
He's one of the biggest contemporary Christian artists around, and his star is on the rise.
Celebrities
Inside Jordan Davis’ Duck Blind: How a Hunting Legacy Built His Biggest Hits
A future shaped by childhood hunting and fishing trips for the country music star who almost lives a double life on and off the stage.
Music
Fly Fishing & Country Music With Olivia Wolf
Explore the unique sound of Olivia Wolf, blending country, rock, and folk with strong bluegrass influences from her childhood.
Music
Canaan Smith's 'Chickahominy' Looks Back Toward Home
Learn about Canaan Smith's new album 'Chickahominy,' inspired by memories from his childhood along this Virginia river.
Music
Olivia Wolf On Her Debut Album 'Silver Rounds'
Discover the music of Olivia Wolf, a Nashville artist creating timeless sounds with her debut album, Silver Rounds.
Music
Marshall Tucker Band’s Doug Gray: 54 Years of Southern Rock and Why He Almost Quit
A sliding doors moment led to Doug Gray spending his life under the spotlight and selling out venues across America well into his 70s.
Entertainment
Muscadine Bloodline Jam Session
Learn how Muscadine Bloodline's fate took a dramatic turn when they received a surprise offer from Post Malone to join his stadium tour.
Entertainment
Forever Redneck Tyler Farr On Music & Hunting
Learn about Tyler Farr's extraordinary breakthrough in country music and how his passion for hunting played a key role in his success.
Celebrities
Have Coffee & Beer With Uncle Kracker
Uncle Kracker sat down with Hook & Barrel to talk about his new album, Coffee, beer and how he escapes the bright lights of the stage with his love for fishing.
