Black country singers are a group of musicians who have made significant contributions to the country music genre. While often overlooked or underrepresented in the industry, these artists have helped to shape and define the sound of country music, bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the genre.
The history of black country singers can be traced back to the early days of country music, when many rural communities were racially diverse and shared a love for the genre. However, as country music became more mainstream in the 20th century, black artists faced significant barriers to entry, with many struggling to gain recognition or access to industry resources.
Despite these challenges, black country singers have persevered, creating a rich and diverse body of work that includes everything from traditional country ballads to innovative fusions of country, soul, and other genres. These artists have brought a unique perspective to the genre, exploring themes of identity, race, and culture in their music and challenging stereotypes and assumptions about what it means to be a country artist.
Today, black country singers continue to make important contributions to the genre, pushing boundaries and expanding the scope of what country music can be.
1. Kane Brown
Kane Brown is a young American country singer and songwriter who has risen to fame in recent years with his unique blend of traditional country sounds and modern pop and R&B influences. Born in 1993 in Georgia, Brown began performing in his teens, posting videos of his performances online and building a following through social media.
After gaining traction with his online fanbase, Brown released his debut EP, “Closer,” in 2015. The EP’s success helped him land a record deal with RCA Nashville, and he followed up with his debut full-length album, “Kane Brown,” in 2016. The album was a commercial success, featuring hit singles like “What Ifs” and “Heaven,” and earning Brown a devoted fanbase.
In addition to his music, Brown is known for his distinctive look, including his tattoos and signature fedora. He has also been open about his struggles with race and identity, as a biracial artist in a predominantly white industry.
With his unique sound, honest lyrics, and charismatic stage presence, Kane Brown has become one of the most exciting young talents in country music today, continuing to push boundaries and challenge expectations in the genre.
2. DeFord Bailey
DeFord Bailey was an American country musician and harmonica player who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and talented performers in the history of country music. Born in Tennessee in 1899, Bailey began his music career at a young age and quickly established himself as a highly skilled and innovative player.
Throughout his career, Bailey developed a highly distinctive and original style of playing that blended traditional country music with blues, jazz, and other styles. He was also an accomplished singer and performer, and his work had a significant impact on the development of country music in the United States.
Bailey’s contributions to music have been widely recognized, and he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005. His influence can be heard in the work of countless musicians who came after him, and his legacy continues to inspire and challenge music fans around the world.
Despite his considerable talent and influence, Bailey faced significant challenges throughout his life, including racism and financial hardship. Nevertheless, he continued to produce groundbreaking music throughout his life and remains a highly respected figure in the world of country music.
3. Brittney Spencer
Brittney Spencer is a rising American country music singer and songwriter hailing from Baltimore, Maryland. Her music is a blend of traditional country sounds and contemporary R&B influences, which makes her unique in the country music industry.
Spencer’s love for music started at a young age, and she began singing in her church choir. She then honed her skills while studying music at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. She started to gain attention with her powerful and soulful voice and her ability to write emotionally honest songs.
Spencer has been praised for her ability to tell stories through her music, drawing on personal experiences and those of others around her. Her songs tackle topics like heartbreak, identity, and social justice, and she is known for her ability to connect with her audience on a deep emotional level.
Spencer has already received critical acclaim for her music and has been named as one of the rising stars of country music by publications like Rolling Stone and NPR. With her unique sound and powerful voice, she is poised to become one of the most exciting new voices in country music.
4. Milton Patton
Milton Patton is an American singer who gained national recognition for his appearance on the popular television show “America’s Got Talent.” Originally from Augusta, Georgia, Patton has been performing and writing music for most of his life, drawing inspiration from a wide range of genres, including gospel, blues, and R&B.
On “America’s Got Talent,” Patton wowed the judges and audience with his powerful vocals and emotive performances, earning high praise and advancing to the later rounds of the competition. His unique blend of classic soul and contemporary pop resonated with audiences, earning him a dedicated fanbase and helping to establish him as a rising star in the music industry.
In addition to his appearances on “America’s Got Talent,” Patton has also released several singles and an EP, showcasing his soulful voice and songwriting skills. He continues to perform and create music, connecting with audiences around the country with his heartfelt lyrics and dynamic performances. With his undeniable talent and infectious charisma, Milton Patton is poised to become one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary music.
5. Carl Ray
Carl Ray is an American country singer known for his powerful and soulful voice that infuses traditional country music with elements of blues, R&B, and gospel. He was born and raised in Oklahoma, where he developed a love for country music from an early age. Ray grew up listening to the likes of Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Johnny Cash, and these influences are evident in his music.
Ray’s career began to gain momentum in the early 2000s when he started performing at various venues across the United States. His unique style and powerful vocals quickly caught the attention of fans and industry professionals alike, and he has since released several albums and singles that have received critical acclaim.
As a black country singer, Ray has faced challenges and prejudice within the industry, but he has remained steadfast in his commitment to the music he loves. He has become a trailblazer for other black country artists and has inspired a new generation of musicians to pursue their dreams in the genre.
With his powerful voice, authentic songwriting, and undeniable charisma, Carl Ray has cemented his place as one of the most exciting and innovative performers in modern country music.
6. Jimmie Allen
Jimmie Allen is an American country music singer and songwriter born in Delaware, and raised in Delaware and Pennsylvania. He gained national recognition with his debut single “Best Shot”, which became a chart-topping hit on country radio and earned him critical acclaim for his powerful and soulful voice.
Allen’s music is a fusion of traditional country sounds, R&B, and pop influences, and his lyrics often focus on themes of love, hope, and perseverance. He is known for his infectious positivity and uplifting message, which has made him a favorite among fans of all ages.
Despite facing numerous rejections in the early years of his career, Allen remained persistent and focused on his goal of becoming a successful musician. His hard work paid off when “Best Shot” became a hit, making him the first black artist to have a debut single reach number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
Since then, Allen has continued to release chart-topping singles and has become a popular live performer, known for his energetic and engaging stage presence. He has also become an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the country music industry, using his platform to promote greater representation and opportunities for artists of color.
7. Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who first gained prominence as the lead singer of the rock band Hootie & the Blowfish in the 1990s. After the band went on hiatus in 2008, Rucker began a successful solo career in country music, becoming one of the few black artists to achieve significant success in the genre.
Rucker’s unique blend of rock, pop, and country influences has helped him carve out a distinct niche in the music industry. His soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have won over fans around the world, earning him multiple awards and accolades over the years.
In addition to his music career, Rucker has also become a prominent philanthropist and community leader. He has used his platform to support a wide range of causes, including education, health care, and the arts. He has also been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the music industry, using his own experiences as a black artist to shed light on the challenges faced by people of color in the business.
With his powerful voice, infectious energy, and unwavering commitment to his craft, Darius Rucker has become a true icon of modern country music.
8. Rhiannon Giddens
Rhiannon Giddens is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her powerful vocals and her ability to blend various genres of music, including folk, blues, gospel, and traditional African American styles. Giddens was born and raised in North Carolina and grew up listening to a wide range of musical styles, which heavily influenced her own music.
Giddens is also known for her activism and her commitment to social justice. She has used her platform to speak out against racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination, and her music often addresses issues related to race, class, and gender.
In addition to her solo work, Giddens is also a member of the Grammy-winning group Carolina Chocolate Drops, which is known for its unique blend of traditional African American music and contemporary styles. She has also collaborated with numerous other musicians, including Elvis Costello, T Bone Burnett, and Yo-Yo Ma.
Giddens has received critical acclaim for her music, and has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including a MacArthur Fellowship in 2017. She is widely regarded as one of the most important voices in contemporary folk and roots music, and her music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world.
9. Charley Pride
Charley Pride was a pioneering American country music singer and songwriter, known for his smooth baritone voice and his ability to bridge racial divides in the music industry. Born in 1934 in Mississippi, Pride grew up listening to country music on the radio and began singing and playing guitar as a young man.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Pride moved to Nashville in the 1960s to pursue a career in music. Despite facing discrimination as a black artist in a predominantly white genre, he persevered and soon found success with hit songs like “Kiss an Angel Good Morning,” “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” and “Mountain of Love.”
Throughout his career, Pride broke down barriers in country music, becoming the first black performer to appear on the Grand Ole Opry stage and earning numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the genre. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and fans.
Pride passed away in 2020, leaving behind a rich musical legacy and a lasting impact on country music history.
10. Yola
Yola is a British singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and eclectic blend of genres, including country, folk, and rock. She grew up in a small town in Bristol, England and was exposed to a wide range of music from a young age. Her parents introduced her to artists like Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, and Neil Young, which had a strong influence on her musical style.
Yola’s music is characterized by her powerful vocals and emotive lyrics, which draw on personal experiences of love, loss, and perseverance. Her debut album, “Walk Through Fire,” released in 2019, was produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys and received critical acclaim, earning her four Grammy nominations.
As a black woman in the predominantly white world of country music, Yola has faced her share of challenges and discrimination. However, she has used her platform to advocate for greater diversity and inclusivity in the industry, and to raise awareness of the contributions of black artists to the genre.
With her unique sound, authentic voice, and inspiring message, Yola is a rising star in the world of country music, and a powerful force for change and innovation in the industry.
11. Blanco Brown
Blanco Brown is an American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Brown grew up listening to a wide variety of musical genres, including country, hip-hop, and R&B. He is known for his unique blend of these different styles, which he refers to as “trailertrap”.
Brown’s breakout hit, “The Git Up,” became a viral sensation in 2019, with its catchy lyrics and dance moves inspiring a social media challenge that went viral. The song quickly topped the charts and introduced Brown to a wider audience.
Brown’s music often draws on his own life experiences, including growing up in Atlanta and spending time in the military. He is known for his positive message and uplifting lyrics, and his music often focuses on themes of perseverance, love, and personal growth.
In addition to his work as a musician, Brown is also a talented producer and songwriter, having worked with numerous other artists in the country and hip-hop genres. He is widely regarded as one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary country music, and his music continues to inspire and connect with fans around the world.
12. Lesley Riddle
Lesley Riddle was an American musician, singer, and songwriter who played a significant role in the development of country music. Born in North Carolina in 1905, Riddle learned to play guitar at a young age and began performing at local events and square dances.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Riddle began traveling throughout the South with various country music performers, including the Carter Family. He became close friends with A.P. and Sara Carter and collaborated with them on numerous songs, including “Can the Circle Be Unbroken (By and By),” one of the most iconic songs in country music history.
Riddle’s contributions to country music were extensive, as he helped to popularize the “Carter scratch” guitar style and introduced many traditional Appalachian songs to a wider audience. Despite his talents, Riddle faced discrimination and marginalization as a black artist in a predominantly white industry, and he struggled to receive recognition for his contributions to country music during his lifetime.
Today, Riddle is recognized as a trailblazer in country music history, and his legacy continues to inspire artists and fans alike. His music serves as a testament to the rich and diverse traditions that have shaped country music over the years.
13. Mickey Guyton
Mickey Guyton is an American country music singer and songwriter known for her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Born and raised in Arlington, Texas, Guyton discovered her love of music at a young age, and began singing in church and school choirs. She later moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music, and quickly gained a reputation as a talented songwriter and performer.
Guyton’s music is deeply personal and draws on her experiences as a black woman in the predominantly white world of country music. She has been a vocal advocate for greater diversity and representation in the industry, and has used her platform to raise awareness of issues like racism and police brutality.
Guyton’s breakthrough came with the release of her single “Better Than You Left Me” in 2015, which earned critical acclaim and chart success. Since then, she has released several more singles, including “Black Like Me,” a powerful anthem of racial pride and identity that received widespread attention and acclaim.
With her powerful voice, personal lyrics, and commitment to social justice and equality, Mickey Guyton is a rising star in the world of country music, and an important voice for change and progress in the industry.
14. Cowboy Troy
Cowboy Troy is an American country rapper and songwriter. Born in Texas, he is known for his unique blend of country music and hip-hop, which he has dubbed “hick hop.” Cowboy Troy’s music often incorporates elements of traditional country music, such as fiddles and steel guitars, with the beats and rhythms of hip-hop.
Cowboy Troy first gained recognition in the early 2000s as a member of Big & Rich’s MuzikMafia, a group of musicians who blended country and rock music. He released his debut album, “Loco Motive,” in 2005, which featured collaborations with Big & Rich, as well as country singers John Anderson and Vince Gill.
Cowboy Troy’s music often explores themes of rural life, American identity, and personal freedom. He is known for his catchy hooks, clever wordplay, and distinctive baritone voice.
In addition to his work as a musician, Cowboy Troy is also a talented songwriter and has co-written songs for other country artists, including Trace Adkins and Blake Shelton.
Cowboy Troy’s unique sound and style have made him a popular figure in the country music world, and he continues to push the boundaries of the genre with his innovative blend of country and hip-hop.
15. Petrella
Petrella is an American country singer who has made a name for herself in the industry through her unique blend of traditional country music and contemporary sounds. Born in Mississippi and raised in Nashville, Petrella was exposed to music at an early age and began performing in church choirs and school events.
With her distinctive voice and powerful stage presence, Petrella has captivated audiences around the world. She has been praised for her ability to infuse traditional country music with modern elements, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.
In addition to her music career, Petrella is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the country music industry. As a black woman in a predominantly white and male-dominated genre, she has faced challenges and discrimination, but has remained committed to breaking down barriers and promoting greater representation and inclusivity.
Petrella’s music and activism have earned her a devoted following and numerous accolades, including a nomination for Best New Country Artist at the 2021 BET Awards. With her powerful voice and unwavering commitment to her art and her community, Petrella is a rising star in the country music world.
16. Dom Flemons
Dom Flemons is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who is best known for his work in the revival of traditional African American music. Born in 1982 in Arizona, Flemons began playing music at an early age and was particularly drawn to the banjo and other stringed instruments.
Flemons is a founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, a group that formed in 2005 and became known for their innovative blend of traditional African American music with contemporary influences. With the Chocolate Drops, Flemons helped to revive and popularize traditional songs like “Cornbread and Butterbeans” and “Sourwood Mountain.”
In addition to his work with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Flemons has released several solo albums and collaborated with a range of musicians and artists. He has been recognized for his contributions to traditional music, and was named an Arizona Culturekeeper by the Arizona Historical Society in 2019.
Flemons continues to perform and record, and remains committed to preserving and promoting traditional African American music and culture. With his innovative approach and deep knowledge of musical history, he is a leading figure in the contemporary folk and Americana scenes.
17. Trini Triggs
Trini Triggs is an American country singer and songwriter. Born in Louisiana, he grew up surrounded by music and started playing guitar at a young age. Triggs first gained recognition in the early 2000s with his debut album, “Don’t You Wish You Were Me,” which featured the hit single “Straight Tequila Night.”
Trini Triggs is known for his distinctive voice, which has been compared to country legends like Merle Haggard and George Jones. His music often explores themes of love, heartache, and life on the road. Triggs is also known for his energetic live performances, which feature a mix of classic country covers and original songs.
In addition to his work as a musician, Trini Triggs is also a successful songwriter and has written songs for other country artists, including Trace Adkins and Joe Diffie. He has also appeared in several films and TV shows, including “Fire Down Below” and “Walker, Texas Ranger.”
Trini Triggs’ music continues to connect with fans of traditional country music, and his passionate vocals and heartfelt lyrics have earned him a loyal following. He remains an important figure in the country music world, and his music continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
18. Linda Martell
Linda Martell was an American country music singer who rose to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Born in South Carolina in 1941, Martell began singing in her church choir as a child, and later became interested in country music while listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio.
Martell’s career took off in 1969 when she signed with Plantation Records, becoming the first black woman to record a full-length country album. Her debut album, “Color Me Country,” featured a blend of traditional country songs and soulful ballads, and showcased Martell’s powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence.
Despite her success, Martell faced racism and discrimination in the predominantly white country music industry. She eventually left the music business to focus on raising her family, and her career remains an important but often overlooked chapter in country music history.
Today, Linda Martell is remembered as a trailblazer who helped pave the way for future generations of black country music artists. Her music continues to inspire fans and musicians alike, and serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of diversity in American music.
19. Cleve Francis
Cleve Francis is an American country music singer and former cardiologist, born in Louisiana in 1945. Francis initially pursued a career in medicine and became a cardiologist, but later decided to pursue his passion for music. He signed with Capitol Records in 1989 and released his debut album, “Finer Things in Life,” the same year.
Francis gained recognition for his smooth, baritone vocals and his ability to infuse elements of jazz and R&B into his country music. He quickly became a popular performer in the country music scene, and released a series of successful albums throughout the 1990s.
In addition to his music career, Francis is also known for his philanthropic work. He founded the Cleve Francis Fund for Health Care Education and Research, which provides funding for medical research and education. Francis is also a staunch advocate for animal rights and has supported numerous animal welfare organizations over the years.
Despite stepping away from the music industry in the early 2000s, Cleve Francis remains an important figure in the world of country music. His unique blend of musical styles and his commitment to social and humanitarian causes have made him a beloved and respected figure among fans and fellow musicians alike.
20. Rissi Palmer
Rissi Palmer is an American country music singer-songwriter and guitarist. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she grew up in Missouri and later moved to North Carolina, where she started pursuing a career in music. In 2007, Palmer released her self-titled debut album, which featured the hit single “Country Girl.”
Palmer is known for blending traditional country music with modern sounds and incorporating elements of gospel, blues, and R&B into her music. Her lyrics often touch on themes of identity, race, and community, and she has been hailed as a trailblazer for Black women in country music.
In addition to her work as a musician, Palmer is also a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the music industry. She has spoken out about the challenges facing Black artists in country music and has worked to create more opportunities for underrepresented voices in the genre.
Palmer’s music has earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base, and she continues to tour and release new music. Her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics have made her a standout figure in the country music world, and her music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
