It’s called Nashville Insider. The real people who sing, who love America – the heart and soul of our music brings you their story. There has never been a show that has connected like this. It’s not just country music fans – you’ll get to know some real people who love the music and, above all, love this great country.
Nashville Insider is a fast-paced syndicated country music entertainment news series with new episodes airing each week. This exciting program gives the Nashville Insider viewers a sneak peak at all things country music. We go behind the scenes to provide access to fans’ favorite artists and country music’s hottest events. We deliver the latest in trending headlines and social media. We provide up-to-the-minute reporting, making Nashville Insider the go-to-source for country music news and information, and the only TV series of it’s kind from the heart of Music City.
Country music, a genre often perceived as monolithically white, possesses a rich and complex history interwoven with the contributions of Black artists from its very inception. While their presence has frequently been marginalized or overlooked, Black musicians have not only influenced the sounds and traditions of country but have also carved out their own spaces, challenging conventions and enriching the genre’s tapestry. Understanding their journey reveals a story of resilience, innovation, and an undeniable impact on what we call country music today.
The roots of country music are deeply entangled with African and African American musical traditions. The banjo, a quintessential country instrument, has African origins. Blues, spirituals, and work songs, all born from the Black experience in America, provided foundational elements that early white country musicians absorbed and adapted. In the genre’s formative years, artists like Lesley “Esley” Riddle, an African American guitarist, played a crucial, albeit often uncredited, role in shaping the sound of seminal acts like The Carter Family by sourcing and teaching them songs. Harmonica virtuoso DeFord Bailey was one of the Grand Ole Opry’s earliest and most popular stars in the 1920s and 30s, yet his pioneering status did not shield him from the racial prejudices of the era, and his career was unjustly curtailed.
For decades, the path for Black artists in mainstream country music remained exceptionally challenging. It wasn’t until the 1960s that Charley Pride broke through significant racial barriers to become country music’s first Black superstar. With a string of number-one hits and multiple Grammy Awards, Pride proved that talent could transcend prejudice, though he often navigated a complex terrain of industry expectations and public perception. His success, however, did not immediately open the floodgates for a wave of Black country artists.
The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a slow but steady emergence of new Black voices. Darius Rucker, already a household name as the frontman for Hootie & the Blowfish, successfully transitioned to a solo country career in 2008, achieving multiple chart-topping hits and Grand Ole Opry membership. His success has been a significant milestone, demonstrating mainstream appeal.
In more recent years, a powerful new generation of Black artists has been making its mark, often directly addressing issues of race and identity within their music and demanding a more inclusive industry. Mickey Guyton made history with her Grammy-nominated song “Black Like Me,” a poignant exploration of her experiences as a Black woman in America and in country music. Artists like Kane Brown have achieved massive commercial success, blending country with R&B and pop influences, while others like Brittney Spencer, Allison Russell, Rhiannon Giddens (who also explores folk and old-time music), Yola, and Jimmie Allen have garnered critical acclaim and a growing fanbase, each bringing unique perspectives and sounds.
Despite these breakthroughs, challenges persist. Black artists still face underrepresentation on country radio, at major festivals, and in industry awards. The debate over what constitutes “authentic” country music can sometimes be used to exclude artists who don’t fit a narrow, traditional mold, a standard not always applied equally. However, the conversation around diversity and inclusion in country music is louder and more prominent than ever before. Organizations are forming to support and promote Black artists, and listeners are increasingly seeking out diverse voices.
The story of Black artists in country music is one of undeniable contribution and ongoing struggle. From the foundational influences on the genre’s sound to the trailblazing careers of pioneers and the bold statements of contemporary stars, Black musicians have consistently enriched country music. As the genre continues to evolve, acknowledging and celebrating these artists is not just a matter of historical accuracy, but a vital step towards a more equitable and representative future for country music, ensuring all its strands are seen and heard.
Be an Insider! Join our email list and get the latest news about your favorite country music artists, concerts and events.
