While driving down an East Texas country road I spotted this scene. The autumn trees and the late afternoon sun made these golden bales of hay shine just a little bit more. Fortunately I had my camera with me. (c) James Q. Eddy Jr.

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Ella Langley leads a record-breaking country boom on the charts

NPR | By Stephen Thompson

Published August 6, 2026 at 3:40 PM CDT

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This week's Billboard Hot 100 chart is full of country-music crossovers. Stephen Thompson of NPR Music reports.

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Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson is a host, writer and reviewer for NPR Music and Pop Culture Happy Hour. He appears frequently on All Songs Considered and NPR newsmagazines.