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The presence of Black musicians in country music is often overlooked but undeniable. As early as the 1920s, Lesley Riddle, a Black blues guitarist, influenced the Carter Family, the so-called "First Family of Country Music."
DeFord Bailey, a Black harmonica player, was one of the first performers to take the stage at the iconic Grand Ole Opry. His presence helped cement Nashville as a country music capital, though his contributions were later downplayed.
Thanks to the work of Rhiannon Giddens, Dom Flemons, and Justin Robinson, we now recognize the African roots of the banjo and its role in early Black folk music, contradicting popular perceptions of country's origins.
In the 1930s, Hank Williams learned from Black guitarist Rufus "Tee Tot" Payne, while decades later, Johnny Cash would take inspiration from Black musician Gus Cannon (pictured), highlighting cross-cultural mentorship in country music.
Charley Pride and Darius Rucker shattered racial barriers as two of the first Black country superstars. Their success paved the way for other Black artists in a historically exclusionary industry.
Black artists across genres have embraced country music. Legends like Ray Charles, Tina Turner, and Bobby Womack recorded country albums long before Beyoncé’s foray into the genre.
While many contemporary listeners associate Black country music with Lil Nas X's 2018 hit 'Old Town Road,' Black musicians have shaped country music since its inception in the 1920s. From instrumentation to songwriting, their contributions are foundational. Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' further highlights this legacy, challenging country's historical exclusions and bringing Black country artistry to the forefront. As more Black country artists gain recognition, there's hope for a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of the genre's rich history.
Click on to learn more about how Black artists helped make country what it is today.
Modern rap and R&B artists such as Ludacris, LL Cool J, Nelly, and Snoop Dogg have collaborated with country stars, proving that genre boundaries are fluid and ever-evolving.
Despite deep historical ties, Black artists and fans have often been perceived as disinterested in country music. This misconception has been reinforced by industry gatekeeping and racial bias.
Country music owes much to African-American traditions, from its instrumentation to its lyrical themes. Yet, for decades, Black contributions have been ignored or erased.
Linda Martell, the first Black woman to perform solo at the Grand Ole Opry, opened doors for today’s Black female country artists, who continue to push boundaries.
Today's Black country artists extend beyond a few megastars. Emerging talents like Dalton Dover, Michael Warren, and Aaron Vance (pictured) are redefining the genre's sound.
Artists like Breland, Willie Jones (pictured), and Tanner Adell mix country with trap and R&B influences. This fusion reflects the evolving nature of country music's soundscape.
Singer-songwriter Reyna Roberts blends country, rock, and pop influences, attributing her eclectic style to the diverse music she grew up with.
The country music industry has historically resisted diversity. Practices like restricting chart access, omitting Black artists from radio, and displaying Confederate flags at festivals have deterred inclusivity.
Following Beyoncé's release of 'Cowboy Carter,' Black female country artists like Reyna Roberts and Tanner Adell saw surges in social media engagement and streaming numbers.
Despite racial segregation, collaborations like Jimmie Rodgers and Louis Armstrong's 1929 recording 'Blue Yodel Number 9' reveal country's deep ties to blues and jazz traditions.
The banjo, a staple of country music, originated from West African lutes brought by enslaved Africans. Over time, it was appropriated into white musical traditions.
Hillbilly music, a precursor to country, was shaped by Black spirituals, field songs, and hymnals. Many of these influences remain embedded in country music today.
Between 1924 and 1932, nearly 50 Black musicians were featured on commercial hillbilly records, highlighting the genre's historically diverse roots.
By the 1920s, record labels split music into "hillbilly records" for white audiences and "race records" for Black audiences, reinforcing racial divides in the industry.
Lesley Riddle, Rufus Payne, and Arnold Schultz shaped country music but were overshadowed by white artists they influenced, like A.P. Carter and Hank Williams (pictured).
Despite pioneering the Grand Ole Opry, DeFord Bailey was dismissed in 1941. He spent his remaining years shining shoes, a stark contrast to the legacy he helped build.
New Black country stars like Lil Nas X, Kane Brown, and Jimmie Allen signal a return to country's diverse origins, challenging the industry's historical racial exclusions.
Sources: (National Geographic) (Time) (PBS)
The Grand Ole Opry is a legendary country music radio show and concert series based in Nashville. Founded in 1925, it has showcased country's biggest stars and shaped the genre's history.
Beyoncé’s country album faced criticism from conservatives who questioned her place in the genre. Some accused her of inauthenticity, while others resisted country music's evolving diversity.
Tanner Adell's 2023 single 'Buckle Bunny' exemplifies trap-country fusion. Her success and growing streams highlight the growing popularity of innovative country sounds.
'Cowboy Carter' made history by winning the Grammy for Best Country Album in 2025, making her the first Black woman to receive this award and redefine country music's boundaries.
How Black artists helped make country music what it is today
The innovation and influence of Black musicians in country music
MUSIC History
While many contemporary listeners associate Black country music with Lil Nas X's 2018 hit 'Old Town Road,' Black musicians have shaped country music since its inception in the 1920s. From instrumentation to songwriting, their contributions are foundational. Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' further highlights this legacy, challenging country's historical exclusions and bringing Black country artistry to the forefront. As more Black country artists gain recognition, there's hope for a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of the genre's rich history.
Click on to learn more about how Black artists helped make country what it is today.