After Beyoncé announced her upcoming country album — in a commercial during the 2024 Superbowl — discussions of Black country music artists’ contributions to the genre have been circulating. Often viewed as a genre for and by white people, country music has often excluded Black artists. In addition, the modernized genre has ignored the origins of country music.
According to the Library of Congress, country music began in the 17th century. Enslaved African Americans combined string instruments and folktale songs to create the genre. Unfortunately, slave owners saw it as a form of comical entertainment. They began utilizing blackface and the music genre to entertain themselves and others.
Although it was a comedic relief for white people, it eventually became a music genre they enjoyed. It ultimately caused them to claim the genre as their own, hiding the origins of the music. From there, modern country music continued to leave out Black artists.
In 2019, Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” was removed from Billboard’s country music charts, as it was deemed “not country enough.” Although Beyoncé is releasing a country album on March 29, 2024, this is not the first country-style song she has made. In 2016, Rolling Stone reported that the Grammys would not consider “Daddy Lessons” for country music categories.
The genre has long ignored Black people’s southern origins, pushing them into urban, R&B, and hip-hop boxes. Nevertheless, Black people continue to push the boundaries. Beyoncé is a great example, but several other Black artists are making waves in the genre as well. Here are five Black country music artists you must add to your playlist!
1. Kane Brown
Kane Brown began his career by posting covers on social media. He gained millions of followers on Facebook, urging him to create his own music. In 2014, he released the EP, “Closer.” The project was a great success, leading him to continue working on his craft. Brown has been successful in the genre, releasing three studio albums.
2. Amythyst Kiah
Amythyst Kiah has been a fan of country music since she was born, making it easy for her to identify with the sound. She loves the genre so much that she studied the Bluegrass, Old Time, Country Music program at East Tennessee State University. After graduating, she joined Our Native Daughters, an all-female country group.
Kiah has since gone solo and found great success doing so, landing a Rolling Stone feature. Kiah also received a Grammy nomination for her single, “Black Myself.”
3. Mickey Guyton
As a native Texan, Mickey Guyton has been influenced by many music genres — including country. She began working on her artistry in 2011 but gained popularity in 2020. As a result of the George Floyd and Black Lives Matter protests, Guyton wrote and recorded “Black Like Me.” The song earned her a Grammy nomination, making her the first Black woman to be nominated in the Best Country Solo Performance category.
4. Willie Jones
Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, Willie Jones is no stranger to country music. This, combined with his life experiences, brings about his country/hip-hop style. His unique ability to reclaim the genre and add a hip-hop element to it has earned him much acclaim. He is the first music artist to have a music video air on both CMT and BET simultaneously.
5. Tanner Adell
Dubbed the “New Queen of Glam Country” by BET, Tanner Adell has been making a name for herself. After utilizing TikTok to gain a following, Adell released her song “Buckle Bunny.” The title derives from a derogatory term used against women — which she was called — who dress a certain way at rodeo events.
Instead of letting the term anger her, she reclaimed it. After releasing the song, the singer went viral on TikTok, boosting her and “Buckle Bunny.” Adell has many other hit singles, including “Trailer Park Barbie” and “Honkey Tonk Heartbreak.”
Black people are responsible for various music genres we enjoy today, including rock & roll, pop, and house music. Music artists across the diaspora are working to reclaim those genres and have the community’s contributions recognized. Black country music artists continue to pave the way for the acceptance of minorities within the genre.
Who is your favorite Black country music artist right now? Let us know in the comments below.
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