Search results
Jan 12, 2022 · Meet the Black singers who are expanding the horizons of country music, from Kane Brown to Allison Russell. Learn about their stories, styles and collaborations in this in-depth report by the USA TODAY Network.
- Charley Pride. 733 votes. A trailblazer in the world of country music, Charley Pride's smooth baritone voice and authentic storytelling captivated audiences throughout his exceptional career.
- Darius Rucker. 734 votes. From his early days as the frontman of Hootie & the Blowfish to his remarkable solo career, Darius Rucker has consistently demonstrated his dynamic range as a singer and songwriter.
- Kane Brown. 461 votes. A modern-day trailblazer, Kane Brown burst onto the country scene with his unique sound and style that effortlessly blends traditional country with contemporary R&B influences.
- Jimmie Allen. 189 votes. With his captivating voice and heartfelt lyrics, Jimmie Allen has quickly established himself as a rising star in the world of country music.
- Darius Rucker
- Charley Pride
- Ray Charles
- Linda Martell
- Rhiannon Giddens
- Kane Brown
- Mickey Guyton
- Lesley Riddle
- Cleve Francis
- Jimmie Allen
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
Born and raised in South Carolina, music was a huge part of Darius Rucker‘s family. The family attended church every Sunday, where Rucker heard the influence of religious music, and his father was in a gospel band called The Traveling Echoes. Rucker found the bulk of his professional success with Hootie and the Blowfish after their formation at the...
Within country music, Charley Prideis the most successful black country musician to date. After Elvis Presley, Pride is the second best-selling artist at RCA Records. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, won three Grammy Awards, and was also named the Country Music Entertainer of the Year. One of the most interesting aspects of his ...
Though most people think of Ray Charles as an R&B and soul legend, he did more for country music than they might realize. According to Willie Nelson, Charles was more effective in boosting the genre with his album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music than any other figure! One of the standout tracks from this album is “I Can’t Stop Loving You...
Born Thelma Bynem, South Carolina native Linda Martellis a pioneering African American country singer. As a teenager, Martell formed an R&B trio The Anglos, alongside her sister and cousin. During this time, she adopted the stage name Linda Martell at the urging of Big Saul, a local DJ. In 1969, Linda Martell made history by becoming the first Afri...
Americana powerhouse Rhiannon Giddensburst into the spotlight in the early 2000s with her country, blues, and folk band, the Carolina Chocolate Drops. She has since collaborated with various prominent artists such as Ben Harper and Amanda Palmer, weaving her talent into multiple genres. Giddens makes it her mission to bring to life the lost sounds ...
Though still relatively new on the scene, Kane Brownis making waves in country music with chart-toppers like “Heaven” and “One Mississippi.” His breakthrough came in 2015 when his cover of George Strait’s “Check Yes or No” went viral, eventually leading to a record deal with RCA Nashville. Subsequently, he released his debut single “Used to Love Yo...
Though not a newcomer to the country music scene, Mickey Guytonentered the national spotlight in February 2022 when she sang the National Anthem at the Super Bowl LVI. She had been actively working in Los Angeles and Nashville for nearly a decade prior. Originally from Texas, Guyton’s music incorporates R&B, gospel, and pop elements into a country ...
Part historical influence, Lesley Riddlehad an enormous impact on the beginnings of country music. The North Carolina native took up guitar in the 1920s after a work injury left him with an amputated leg in the 1920s. He made rounds as a singer around Appalachia, sharing his musical talent with the lyrical knowledge of A. P. Carter. Together, the t...
A cardiologist first, Cleveland “Cleve” Francisleft his career in the medical field to become a country musician. He was active in entertainment for less than 15 years before returning to work as a cardiologist again. In the 1980s and early 1990s, Francis recorded five studio albums, and his songs made the Billboardcharts four times. He became semi...
Another fairly new artist in the country genre, James Edward Allen is better known by his nickname Jimmie. Jimmie Allen‘s musical journey began at a young age, performing in local venues and honing his songwriting skills, eventually making his way to Nashville, Tennessee, which is often considered the heart of country music. In 2017, Jimmie Allen s...
Learn about the history and achievements of 22 black country singers who broke barriers and made their mark in the genre. From Darius Rucker to Rhiannon Giddens, discover their stories and songs.
- 6 min
- 6 min
- DeFord Bailey. DeFord Bailey was a pioneer not only for Black country singers but also for all country musicians. A world-class harmonica player, Bailey has the distinct honor of being the first country artist to be introduced on the Grand Ole Opry.
- Charley Pride. A definitive legend, Charley Pride embodies everything there is to love about country music. With talent matched only by his resiliency and character, Pride rose to fame at the height of racial tension in America and eventually earned 39 No. 1 singles, selling over 70 million albums — making him RCA's best-selling artist since Elvis Presley.
- Ray Charles. Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Charles is an artist whose music completely eclipses genre boundaries. And while, like Tina Turner, he's not known traditionally as a country singer, Charles stepped into the country music spotlight several times and left a lasting impact.
- Linda Martell. Linda Martell was the first Black woman to score a modicum of success in the country music space. Her 1970 album Color Me Country entered country's Top 40, with "Color Him Father" and a pre-Freddy Fender version of "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" reaching the same heights on the singles chart.
Mar 30, 2024 · Learn about the history and influence of Black singers and musicians in country music, from Lesley Riddle to Beyoncé. Rissi Palmer, the first Black woman to chart a country song in 20 years, hosts Apple Music's Color Me Country.
Feb 21, 2024 · Learn about the achievements of DeFord Bailey, Charley Pride, Darius Rucker, Tracy Chapman, and Beyoncé in country music. From Grand Ole Opry debut to CMA Song of the Year win, these artists have broken barriers and made history in the genre.
Learn how Mickey Guyton, Kane Brown, Jimmie Allen, Brittney Spencer and Willie Jones are breaking barriers and making history in country music. The article celebrates their achievements, styles and influences in the genre.
