Black History Month: The History and Growth of African – American Country Artists

Country music has a complicated history of primarily white male artists who wrote both coded and outright racist lyrics in their songs. In fact, coded racist lyrics still persist in country music today with tracks like Try That in a Small Town by Jason Aldean. However, with the success of the Daddy Lessons team up with Beyoncé and The Chicks on the CMAs, along with Tracy Chapman winning song of the year for Luke Combs’ cover of Fast Car and Beyoncé’s new country record, there as been some articles written on the broadening of country music to include more African-American artists. Having said that, there is a history of African-American country artists and current African-American artists who are kicking down doors in country music. Here are some to check out:

Charley Pride: Is Anybody Going to San Antone

Probably the most well known person on this list, Charley has had roughly 30 number one country hits and was part of the country music renaissance in the 1970s. Every country music fan knows of Charley Pride and how well his rich voice paired with traditional country arrangements. An icon of country music Pride recorded music up to 2017, before he passed away in 2020. A true country legend who made a lasting imprint on the genre.

Linda Martell: Bad Case of the Blues

Coming into prominence around the same time as other great women country artists like Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn, Linda Martell moved from R&B in the late 60s to much country success in the 70s. From roughly 1969 – 1974 Martell put out a mix of traditional country covers and original material. The mix of soul/R&B and traditional country twang in her vocal is amazing and her songs are instantly compelling. She does not get the credit she deserves and is an amazing artist.

Lesley Riddle: John Henry

We are going allllll the way back in country music. Riddle was performing in the late 1920s / early 1930s and was traveling around America with The Carter Family country band documenting regional songs. His style not only influenced The Carter Band, but also influenced country music more generally. He stopped recording music ing ht 1940s, but briefly returned to recording in the mid 60s. An interesting man who was a foundational country artist.

Darius Rucker: Beers and Sunshine

We are now in contemporary country. Known mostly for Hootie and the Blowfish, Darius Rucker’s solo career has definitely leaned into country. His latest record bridges country and pop with kind of a rootsy country, where his earlier country music is as traditional as it gets. It is a great fusion for some fun country.

Yola: Shady Grove

Better known as part of the country music all women supergroup The Highwomen, Yola has been taking country music by storm in recent years. Her excellent guitar work with her smoky country vocal makes for interesting tracks with emotional depth. Yola marks a modern country where she moves effortlessly between modern pop and traditional country themes and arrangements. It is an interesting hybrid that many successful modern country artists are cashing in on.

The War and Treaty: Blank Page

Nominated for best new artists at this year’s Grammys, The War and Treaty have a mix of gospel, soul and country in their work. Harkening back to amazing country duos like Johnny Cash and June Carter, The War and Treaty have an amazing charisma and connection that comes through their music. I have always said that all great country has a touch of gospel and blues to it. In fact, Johnny Cash has had a number of gospel records. This is a fantastic band who is expanding the horizons of country music.