An unfortunate truth is that country music has — for the majority of its history — coded as “white” on the surface. While the genre has evolved over time, an often overlooked aspect is the significant contributions of Black musicians. So much so, that they’re erased altogether by those who don’t know any better. The success and controversy of “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X only shined a brighter light on that fact. However, there’s plenty of room at the table for more Black and POC country artists. Beyond the stereotypes and misconceptions, Black country artists play an essential role in shaping the genre. They push boundaries, and challenge societal norms. Ultimately, they shake up expectations of what country singers “should” look and sound like.
Today, the number of mainstream Black country artists is on the rise, and we love to see it. There are a number of musicians out there that span from living legends to newbies on the scene. Even better, they’ve all curated their own signature sounds and continue to explore them as the industry shifts in this modern era. If you’ve been curious about Black country artists to expand your own horizons, here are some we have on our radar.
Darius Rucker
Following a successful stint as the frontman for Grammy Award-winning rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, Darius Rucker released his first country album in 2008. By 2009, he won a CMA Award for New Artist of the Year. Known for his warm baritone vocals, Rucker is the epitome of a crossover success. Even after gaining notoriety with his band, he humbly worked his way up as a newcomer in the country world. Five years after his country debut, Rucker won a Grammy for his 2013 cover of “Wagon Wheel.” His new country album, Carolyn’s Boy, drops October 6, 2023.
Mickey Guyton
In 1974, The Pointer Sisters became the first Black women nominated for a country music Grammy Award. Forty-six years later, the next was Mickey Guyton. An exceptional talent, Guyton released her first EP in 2014 and her first studio album in 2021. Her Grammy-nominated single “Black Like Me,” inspired by the book of the same name, explored her experiences with racial discrimination. Over the years, she’s become known for her heartfelt lyrics and captivating, soulful sound that blends elements of traditional country, contemporary pop, gospel, and R&B. Guyton has also been a notable trailblazer as an advocate for diversity in the country music industry. In 2023, Guyton teamed up with fellow country artist Kane Brown on “Nothing Compares to You.”
Kane Brown
With country and R&B musical influences, Kane Brown rose to fame as he uploaded song covers on social media. After crowdfunding on Kickstarter, Brown released his first EP, Closer, in 2015. Tracks “Used to Love You Sober,” “Last Minute Late Night,” and “I Love That I Hate You” made him stand out as a rising star in the 2010s. So far, he’s released three EPs and three studio albums, including 2022’s Different Man, a project in which he took on the role of co-producer for the first time. During the span of his career, he’s collaborated with artists such as Khalid, Becky G, Swae Lee, Chris Young, and more. Brown’s crossover appeal makes him a exceptional figure in modern country, and his authenticity resonates with fans of all genres.
Reyna Roberts
Singer-songwriter and pianist Reyna Roberts made her mainstream country debut in 2020 with “Stompin’ Grounds,” but was tapped as one to watch years before. Her first EP, The Beginning, dropped in 2016 along with the track “I’m Coming For Ya.” She also went on tour as an opening act for rock band Plain White T’s the same year. Today, Roberts is a rising star in country music with powerful vocals, authentic storytelling, and a modern twist on the genre. Her debut studio album, Bad Girl Bible, Vol. 1, was released in September 2023.
Chapel Hart
Hailing from Mississippi, this talented country music trio consists of sisters Danica and Devyn Hart and their cousin Trea Swindle. They busked on the streets of New Orleans by performing cover songs in the early days of their career. In 2022, Chapel Hart made the Top 5 of America’s Got Talent. Known for rich harmonies and energetic performances, they bring a fresh and dynamic sound to the country genre. Their music reflects a blend of traditional country roots and contemporary influences. Notable tracks include “Jesus & Alcohol,” “You Can Have Him Jolene,” and “Welcome to Fist City.” Of those three, the writing of “Welcome to Fist City” was a personal request from the late Loretta Lynn as a response to her song, “Fist City,” prior to her passing in 2022. The group’s third studio album, Glory Days, was released in May 2023.
Brittney Spencer
Baltimore native Brittney Spencer is an emerging country singer-songwriter who’s truly changing the game. However, she’s no stranger to the music industry. She toured with Carrie Underwood and Christopher Cross, and worked as a background singer and vocal teacher on the path to her own success. Spencer gained attention for her diverse blend of musical influences that include Beyonce and Miranda Lambert. She evokes the imaginative, soulful energy of her free spirit; and with singles like “Compassion” and “Sober & Skinny,” the authenticity and emotional depth of her music shines through.
The War and Treaty
The War and Treaty combines elements of country, soul, folk, and gospel to make a showstopping impact. The duo consists of married couple Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount-Trotter, who use their harmonious vocals to transcend genre boundaries. Their emotionally-charged lyrics have garnered critical acclaim, including a CMT Music Award, and a devoted fan base. With the 2023 release of their fourth studio album, Lover’s Game, this powerful pair brings a unique and dynamic sound to the country music landscape.
SACHA
Coming down from Canada is honey-voiced songstress SACHA, a quickly-rising newbie to the North American country scene. Though her first single came out in 2012, she released her first EP, The Best Thing, in 2020. Alongside Brittney Spencer, Chapel Hart, Reyna Roberts, SACHA was part of the 2021 class of CMT’s Next Women of Country. She also earned her first platinum single in Canada with The Reklaws for the word-playful track “What the Truck.” Her latest single, “Confident,” features fellow Canadian singer Tyler Shaw.
Tony Evans Jr.
Country crooner Tony Evans Jr. cites some of his musical influences as Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, and George Strait. His biggest inspiration, however, is his father. An Atlanta native, the singer-songwriter first picked up his dad’s guitar at age 14 and never looked back. Since then, he gained steam uploading videos of covers and original music on social media. Evans Jr. has also put out a number of singles since 2020 with notable tracks like “Photo Booth” and “Somebody’s Gotta Do It.” He released his second EP, Starless, in March 2023.
Tanner Adell
Chances are you’ve seen beach-blonde “Buckle Bunny” singer Tanner Adell on social media. The Nashville-based country artist has more than a few viral TikToks that include clips of her catchy singles, like “Love You A Little Bit” and “Do-Si-Don’tcha.” Featuring tongue-in-cheek lyrics and the attitude to match, Adell’s music showcases influences of country, pop, and hip-hop. Standout tracks (other than the aforementioned) include “I Hate Texas,” “Throw It Back,” and “FU-150.” The deluxe version of her 2023 album, Buckle Bunny, dropped September 15.
K. Michelle
Originally known for R&B and reality TV, Memphis-born K. Michelle isn’t a traditional country singer; however, her versatility and exploration of the genre demonstrates her willingness to experiment with different musical styles. Her soulful voice and songwriting skills have earned her a unique place in the music industry, bridging gaps between genres. She’s expected to make her official country music debut after the release of her final R&B album, I’m the Problem.
Header: Mickey Guyton and Kane Brown in “Nothing Compares to You” (Capitol Records Nashville; UMG Recordings, Inc.)
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