In 1962, rhythm-and-blues singer Ray Charles made a bold move with his album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. Instead of traditional country instrumentation, he used big-band orchestration and strings. Initially, his record label worried this would alienate his African American fans and fail with white audiences. However, the album was a massive success, selling half a million copies in three months and earning a Grammy nomination. This success demonstrated that country music could be a fertile ground for Black artists to experiment and innovate (source: The Atlantic).
Despite Ray Charles’ groundbreaking success, Black musicians faced significant barriers in establishing themselves as mainstays in country music. Apart from Charley Pride, who became a notable figure in the 1960s, the genre’s radio stations and charts were predominantly white. By the early 2000s, a cultural shift post-9/11 led to more nationalistic song lyrics and the frequent display of Confederate flags at concerts, a trend that has only recently begun to wane. While some country musicians have criticized the industry’s regressive norms, others, like singer-songwriter Morgan Wallen, have continued to enjoy commercial success despite exhibiting racist behavior.
Yet, a new pattern is emerging. Sixty years after Ray Charles’ Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, a new generation of Black artists is once again challenging the genre’s boundaries. These young musicians are embracing a fluid and dynamic country style that blends traditional elements with contemporary Black influences, including hip-hop, trap, and R&B. Artists like Willie Jones, Rvshvd, and Breland are pushing the genre forward, much like Ray Charles did in 1962.
Willie Jones is at the forefront of this crossover renaissance, making songs that pull from country, trap, soul, and pop. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, he grew up surrounded by country music; as a teen, he was drawn to the singer Josh Turner because of the star’s similarly deep baritone. In 2012, Jones received his first dose of national attention after performing Turner’s single “Your Man” during an audition for The X Factor. But as Jones’s career launched, he was disappointed not to find artists who looked like him. “I didn’t have too many other skinfolk to relate to, honestly, in the mainstream country realm,” he said, “until I started really digging.”
Dig deep enough into the fertile soil of American music, and you’ll unearth a Black foundation. Rock and roll wouldn’t exist without the blues, which was itself preceded by Black spirituals and field hollers. Early country singers, too, were informed—and, in some cases, tutored—by Black blues musicians. The Carter Family developed their signature style after learning from the Black guitarist Lesley Riddle. As a young boy in Alabama, Hank Williams learned how to sing and play guitar from a musician named Rufus “Tee-Tot” Payne. A young Johnny Cash was mentored by the banjo player Gus Cannon. “The root of country music is blues,” Jones said, “and it’s Black as hell.”
Modern Trailblazers
- Willie Jones
- Popular Song: “Down by the Riverside”
- Unique Style: Blending country, trap, soul, and pop, Jones’s music reflects his Louisiana roots.
- Breland
- Popular Song: “My Truck”
- Unique Style: Breland’s “Cross Country” sound merges trap influences with pop and gospel undertones.
- Rvshvd
- Popular Song: “Dirt Road”
- Unique Style: Incorporating 808 trap drums with traditional country, Rvshvd resonates with both hip-hop and country audiences.
- Mickey Guyton
- Popular Song: “Black Like Me”
- Unique Style: Addressing social issues through powerful lyrics, Guyton blends traditional and modern country sounds.
- Jimmie Allen
- Popular Song: “Best Shot”
- Unique Style: Combining classic country storytelling with contemporary pop, Allen is a chart mainstay.
Willie Jones stands at the forefront of a new wave in country music, blending elements of country, trap, soul, and pop. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, he was surrounded by country music growing up and admired Josh Turner’s deep baritone. Jones first gained national attention in 2012 with his rendition of Turner’s “Your Man” on The X Factor. Despite his success, Jones felt isolated in the mainstream country scene, noting, “I didn’t have too many other skinfolk to relate to, honestly, in the mainstream country realm, until I started really digging.”
If you dig deeply into the rich soil of American music, you’ll find a Black foundation. Rock and roll wouldn’t exist without the blues, which evolved from Black spirituals and field hollers. Early country singers were often influenced and taught by Black blues musicians. The Carter Family’s style was shaped by guitarist Lesley Riddle. Hank Williams learned from Rufus “Tee-Tot” Payne, and Johnny Cash was mentored by banjo player Gus Cannon. As Willie Jones aptly said, “The root of country music is blues, and it’s Black as hell.”
Breland, born Daniel Breland, is a dynamic American singer, songwriter, and producer known for his innovative blend of country, hip-hop, R&B, and pop music. He gained widespread recognition with his viral hit single “My Truck” in 2019, which showcased his unique “Cross Country” sound. Breland’s music often explores themes of identity, culture, and modern life, earning him a dedicated following and critical acclaim. He continues to push the boundaries of genre, collaborating with various artists and contributing to the evolving landscape of contemporary music.
While white country musicians have historically gained fame and fortune by studying or appropriating the work of Black performers, Black artists have rarely had the same opportunity to experiment with the genre. By embracing playful and diverse sounds, Willie Jones and his peers are carving out their place in one of country music’s oldest traditions.
Tracks like Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” Blanco Brown’s “The Git Up,” and Breland’s “My Truck” have demonstrated that Black songwriters can create catchy, country-influenced hits. Contemporary artists such as Coffey Anderson, Chapel Hart, and Reyna Roberts have gained mainstream attention, while pop-friendly singers like Jimmie Allen and Kane Brown consistently top country charts and win prestigious awards. The collective Black Opry, featuring country, folk, and Americana artists, is also gaining recognition. These musicians blend the genre’s storytelling and sincerity with creative interpolations of blues, gospel, and soul.
These modern artists honor the roots of country music while pushing its boundaries, integrating elements from hip-hop, R&B, and soul. Their contributions underscore the genre’s rich cultural tapestry and inclusive potential, ensuring its evolution remains dynamic and vibrant.
10 BLACK WOMEN IMPACTING THE COUNTRY MUSIC GENRE
Mickey Guyton is a powerful advocate for racial and gender equality in country music. For nearly a decade, she faced challenges in the predominantly white male industry. Despite the obstacles, Guyton’s determination led to her breakthrough with her debut album, Remember Her Name. The album features “Black Like Me,” a poignant ballad released after the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, earning her a Grammy nomination. In 2020, she received a standing ovation for “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” and became the first Black woman to host the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2021. Guyton’s activism and talent continue to inspire change in the industry.
“I realize that change starts with us. It starts with me. It starts with you. It starts with this entire industry. Whether you are gay, straight, white, Black, Latino…whatever,” Guyton told CMT. “It starts with all of us. In order for us to really see change, we’re going to have to stick our neck out on the line to make sure that happens.”
Rissi Palmer has significantly influenced the music landscape, amplifying underrepresented voices. As one of the most successful African American country musicians, Palmer’s impact is profound. In 2007, she became the first Black woman to chart a country song since Dona Mason in 1987 with her hit “Country Girl.” Despite challenges, Palmer has become a prominent figure, serving as a CMT Hot 20 Countdown correspondent and a Recording Academy representative. She hosts Apple Music’s “Color Me Country,” spotlighting Black, Latino, and Indigenous artists, and has performed at prestigious venues like The White House and the Grand Ole Opry.
Palmer also received two Grammy nominations in 2022 for Best Children’s Music Album with her songs “Little Black Girl, Little Black Boy” and “I Just Can’t Sit Down,” a duet with the Latin duo 123 Andrés.
The world was introduced to Miko Marks in 2007 with her country-pop record, “It Feels Good.” After a 13-year hiatus due to a lack of support, she made a powerful comeback in 2021 with “Our Country.” This album blends country, Southern rock, gospel, and R&B, and addresses issues like police brutality and racial injustice. In the same year, Marks and her collaborators, The Resurrectors, released the EP “Race Records.” She returned to her roots with the 2022 LP “Feel Like Going Home.” Marks was inducted into CMT’s Next Women of Country class of 2022, debuted at the Grand Ole Opry, and joined CMT’s Equal Access Development program. She will tour with Rissi Palmer in the spring.
Here are 10 Black women country music singers and a link to their most popular song:
- Mickey Guyton
- Bio: Mickey Guyton is a trailblazing country singer known for her powerful voice and advocacy for racial and gender equality. Her debut album, “Remember Her Name,” addresses social issues and earned her a Grammy nomination.
- Popular Song: Black Like Me
- Rissi Palmer
- Bio: Rissi Palmer is a pioneering country artist who became the first Black woman to chart a country song in over two decades with her hit “Country Girl.” She hosts Apple Music’s “Color Me Country,” highlighting underrepresented artists.
- Popular Song: Country Girl
- Miko Marks
- Bio: Miko Marks is known for blending country, Southern rock, gospel, and R&B. After a long hiatus, she returned with the critically acclaimed album “Our Country,” addressing issues like racial injustice.
- Popular Song: Feel Like Going Home
- Yola
- Bio: Yola is a Grammy-nominated British singer-songwriter whose music spans country, soul, and Americana. Her powerful voice and storytelling have made her a standout artist.
- Popular Song: I Don’t Wanna Lie
- Tina Turner
- Bio: Known primarily for her rock and pop career, Tina Turner has also made contributions to country music with her distinctive voice and dynamic performances.
- Popular Song: Country My Way
- Reyna Roberts
- Bio: Reyna Roberts is an up-and-coming country artist known for her energetic performances and strong vocals. Her single “Stompin’ Grounds” has garnered significant attention.
- Popular Song: Stompin’ Grounds
- Kandace Springs
- Bio: Kandace Springs is a versatile musician blending jazz, soul, and country. Her song “Tennessee Time” showcases her unique style and musical talent.
- Popular Song: Tennessee Time
- Rhiannon Giddens
- Bio: Rhiannon Giddens is a renowned folk and country artist, known for her work with the Carolina Chocolate Drops and her solo career that highlights historical narratives and social issues.
- Popular Song: Julie
- Valerie June
- Bio: Valerie June combines folk, blues, and country in her music. Her distinctive voice and eclectic style have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
- Popular Song: Call Me A Fool
- Brittney Spencer
- Bio: Brittney Spencer is a rising star in country music, known for her soulful voice and poignant songwriting. She is gaining recognition for her fresh take on the genre.
- Popular Song: Sober & Skinny
The resurgence of Black artists in country music signifies a transformative era, echoing the groundbreaking work of pioneers like Ray Charles while forging new paths with innovative blends of contemporary genres. As artists like Willie Jones, Breland, and Mickey Guyton push the boundaries of what country music can be, they are not only redefining the genre but also reclaiming its deep-rooted connections to Black musical traditions. This new wave of talent is a testament to the genre’s rich cultural tapestry and its potential for inclusivity and evolution. By honoring the past and embracing the future, these musicians are ensuring that country music remains vibrant, diverse, and relevant for generations to come.
