Country music has deep roots in American history, often linked to the southern United States. However, did you know that black country singers have played a big role in shaping this genre?
These talented musicians have influenced the sound, style, and soul of country music in many ways. Let us take a look at 15 black country singers who have made a lasting impact on country music.
Best black country singers
Here are some of the best black country singers that you must know:
Charley pride
Charley Pride is one of the most famous black country singers. With his deep, smooth voice, he became one of the top country musicians in the 1960s and 1970s.
His songs like “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” and “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” were huge hits. Charley Pride broke down racial barriers and paved the way for other black country singers in country music.
DeFord bailey
DeFord Bailey was a pioneer in country music, especially known for his amazing harmonica skills. He could make his harmonica sound like trains and animals, creating a unique and memorable style.
He was one of the first black country singers and performed regularly on the Grand Ole Opry in the 1920s and 1930s. His influence is still felt in country music today.
Ray Charles
Ray Charles is mostly known for his work in soul and R&B, but his 1962 album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music was a game-changer for country music. He mixed country with soul, making the music appeal to a broader audience.
His version of “I Can’t Stop Loving You” became a classic, showing that country music could cross over into different genres.
Linda Martell
Linda Martell was one of the first Black women to enter the country music scene. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, she brought her unique voice to country music with songs like “Color Him Father” and “Before the Next Teardrop Falls.”
Linda Martell’s work opened doors for future Black female artists in a genre that was mostly dominated by white performers.
Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker, who was the lead singer of the rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, made a successful move to country music in the 2000s. His hits like “Wagon Wheel” and “Alright” brought a fresh sound to the genre, blending country with elements of rock and pop.
Darius Rucker is one of the most well-known black country singers today.
Kane brown
Kane Brown is part of a new wave of black country singers. With his unique style that blends different genres, Kane Brown has become a big name in modern country music.
His hits like “Heaven” and “What Ifs” have topped the charts. Kane Brown’s success has helped bring more diversity to country music, showing that the genre continues to grow and change.
Tina turner
Tina Turner is best known as a rock and pop icon, but her roots are closely tied to country music. Growing up in Tennessee, Tina was influenced by the country sounds around her. She released a country album, Tina Turns the Country On! in 1975.
Tina Turner’s ability to cross genres helped bridge the gap between different styles of music, including country.
Cowboy troy
Cowboy Troy brings something different to country music by blending it with hip-hop. He calls his style “hick-hop,” and his songs like “I Play Chicken with the Train” have introduced a new energy to the genre.
Cowboy Troy’s music has helped bring country music to a younger and more diverse audience.
Aaron Neville
Aaron Neville is known for his work in R&B and soul, but he has also made his mark on country music. His 1993 album The Grand Tour features covers of classic country songs, showing off his ability to blend different genres. Aaron Neville’s smooth and soulful voice adds something special to country music.
Dom Flemons
Dom Flemons is a multi-talented musician and a founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops. He has spent much of his career exploring the African American roots of country music.
Dom blends folk, blues, and country to honour the past while creating something new. His work highlights the important contributions of black country singers to the genre.
Charley Crockett
Charley Crockett is a modern artist with deep roots in country and blues. He has become a leading figure in the Americana movement. Charley’s music, with its rich storytelling and unique sound, reflects the diverse influences of black country singers on country music.
Rhiannon Giddens
Rhiannon Giddens, another member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, has played a big role in bringing attention to the Black roots of country music.
Her solo work blends folk, country, and blues, and her powerful voice and thoughtful lyrics have made her a respected figure in the music world. Rhiannon’s work shows how deeply connected country music is to other genres.
Mickey Guyton
Mickey Guyton is a rising star in country music and one of the few Black women in the genre today. Her songs like “Black Like Me” and “Heaven Down Here” tackle themes of race and identity, challenging the traditional narratives of country music.
Mickey Guyton is paving the way for more diversity in the genre and pushing country music forward.
Cleve Francis
Cleve Francis, a former cardiologist turned country singer, made a splash in the early 1990s with his smooth voice and heartfelt songs.
His albums, like Tourist in Paradise and Walkin’, mix traditional country with his own unique style. Cleve Francis helped open the door for future black country singers.
Sister rosetta tharpe
Sister Rosetta Tharpe is often called the “Godmother of Rock and Roll,” but her influence on country music is also huge. Her guitar playing and gospel-influenced vocals helped shape the sound of early country music.
Many artists across different genres were inspired by her work. Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s contributions to music history are still celebrated today, showing just how intertwined country music is with other forms of American music.
Conclusion
The impact of Black artists on country music is huge, even if it is not always recognized. From pioneers like DeFord Bailey and Charley Pride to modern stars like Kane Brown and Mickey Guyton, these musicians have helped shape the sound and soul of country music.
Some Questions
Why aren’t Black artists’ contributions to country music well-known?
Black artists’ contributions are often overlooked because country music has been traditionally associated with white rural communities. However, Black musicians have been key in shaping the genre.
Who was the first Black artist on the Grand Ole Opry?
DeFord Bailey was the first Black artist to perform on the Grand Ole Opry in the 1920s. His harmonica skills made him a star in early country music.
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