Singer-songwriter Harper Simon likes "hippie country music." Something he is less fond of, clearly, is talking about his famous dad -- Paul Simon.

Harper tells the Columbus Dispatch, ""If [audiences] like what I'm doing, they like it. I continue to play -- and, eventually, maybe people will get bored of asking me about that."

Harper's Nashville connections on his just-released self-titled debut album are evident in tracks such as the bouncy 'Tennessee' and in the personnel recruited for much of the disc. The album's producer is Bob Johnston, whose credits include Bob Dylan's 'Nashville Skyline,' several Johnny Cash albums, and, naturally, Simon and Garfunkel.

WSM-AM Radio has been the home of the world famous Grand Ole Opry show since 1925. And starting this week, the legendary Nashville station will host another live show, 'Music City Roots: Live From the Loveless Cafe.' Emmylou Harris, Mary Ann Kennedy, Pam Rose, Annie Crane and Robin Aigner will be the show's inaugural performers, taking the stage this Wednesday (Oct. 14) at 7:00 PM CST.

'Music City Roots' will be a showcase for Americana, folk, bluegrass and traditional country artists. Hosted by beloved WSM radio personality and Opry announcer Eddie Stubbs, the show will broadcast in front of a live audience in the barn behind Nashville's famed Loveless Cafe. Upcoming performers include Sam Bush, the Grascals, Charlie Louvin, Dale Ann Bradley and many more.

When Dolly Parton speaks, people listen. So when the living legend endorsed -- then recorded with -- relatively unknown singer-songwriter Mindy Smith, audiences sat up and took notice.

"Even though Mindy is still young and new to the music business," said Dolly, "I believe she will leave her mark as one of our greatest writers and singers ever."

Born on New York's Long Island, Mindy has been in Nashville since the mid-'90s. In 2003, she recorded the iconic 'Jolene' for the Dolly tribute album 'Just Because I'm a Woman.' The following year, Dolly joined her on harmony vocals (and in the music video) for the tune, and it was featured on Mindy's debut album, 'One Moment More.'

Artist: Old Crow Medicine Show
Video: 'Wagon Wheel'
Why We Dig It: If you haven't seen these talented musicians perform live yet, here's your chance. But warning: you won't get this song out of your head all day.

Artist: The Lovell Sisters

Hometown: Calhoun, Ga.

Current Single: 'Time to Grow'
Listen to 'Time to Grow':


Why They're the Next Big Thing: Citing Nickel Creek and Alison Krauss as their biggest influences, the Lovell Sisters -- Rebecca, Jessica and Megan -- combine angelic harmonies with impressive guitar, mandolin, fiddle and dobro playing. The sisters are also accomplished songwriters, receiving the grand prize at the 2008 John Lennon Songwriting Contest for their song, 'Distance.' Their current single and title track to their new album, 'Time to Grow,' was a finalist in the 2008 International Songwriting Competition.

Artist: honeyhoney

Members: Suzanne Santo and Ben Jaffe

Current Single: 'Little Toy Gun'
[Buy it on iTunes] Watch the video after the jump.

Why We Dig 'Em: This L.A.-based duo releases their debut album today, 'First Rodeo,' which boasts a fresh mix of folk, blues, country, pop and rock. Lead singer Santo's voice is reminiscent of a more folksy Etta James (or a more sober Amy Winehouse!) Their creative 'Little Toy Gun' video is the music video directorial debut of Kiefer Sutherland, who also makes a cameo. Sutherland signed honeyhoney to his independent record label, Ironworks Music.

Artist: The Bridges

Hometown: Oxford, Alabama

Current Single: 'Pieces'
[Buy it on iTunes]

Why We Dig 'Em: Siblings Natalie, Stacey, Isaaca and Jeremy Byrd and their cousin, lead vocalist Brittany Painter, make up this folk-pop quintet with haunting harmonies. The family band co-wrote all tracks on their debut album -- and despite their young age range of 18 to 24, they site '60s and '70s influences like the Beatles and Fleetwood Mac. Their current single, 'Pieces,' also sounds wise beyond their years, with introspective lyrics and a sound reminiscent of their musical heroes.

Watch The Bridges' 'Pieces' video, after the jump.