Black country singers: ‘We’re tolerated, not celebrated’

Despite the rich history and influence of black musicians in country music, many black country singers feel that they are merely tolerated in the industry, rather than celebrated.

Country music has deep roots in African American musical traditions, with black artists like Charley Pride, Darius Rucker, and Mickey Guyton making significant contributions to the genre. However, these artists have often faced barriers and discrimination in the predominantly white country music industry.

Black country singers have spoken out about the challenges they face in the industry, including limited opportunities for airplay, lack of representation in major country music events, and the prevalence of racist attitudes from some fans and industry insiders.

Despite these obstacles, black country singers continue to make their mark on the genre, breaking down barriers and pushing for greater representation and diversity in country music. It is important for the industry to recognize and celebrate the contributions of black artists and work towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all musicians.