Written by Cindy Watts

Yola; Photo credit: Alysse Gafkjen – Darius Rucker; Photo credit: Austin Friedline – Rissi Palmer; Photo Credit: Chris Charles – Blanco Brown; Photo Credit: J.Kaviar

From Charley Pride to Amythyst Kiah:

20 Black Artists Changing the Face of Country Music


Yola; Photo credit: Alysse Gafkjen – Darius Rucker; Photo credit: Austin Friedline – Rissi Palmer; Photo Credit: Chris Charles – Blanco Brown; Photo Credit: J.Kaviar

From Charley Pride to Amythyst Kiah:

20 Black Artists Changing the Face of Country Music

February is Black History Month and country music has come a long away in the five decades since Chet Atkins hid Charley Pride’s race from label executives to secure the singer a record deal. In 2022, the genre still has much work to do when it comes to inclusion, acceptance and respect.

Darius Rucker told People that country radio executives told him country audiences would never accept an African American country singer. He and label head Mike Dungan pressed forward anyway and went on to nab nine No. 1 hits in the format. 

Kane Brown told The Tennessean six years ago: “Color does matter, even though people don’t see it. I’ve lived it my whole life. It’s just what I know.”

Last year, Brown was named to the 2021 Time100 list of the most influential people in the world.

Here’s a round-up of brave and steadfast trailblazers who cut a passage for today’s Black country singers and the artists determined to widen that path into a mainstream highway.

Meet 20 Black artists from all decades who are changing the face of country music:

February is Black History Month and country music has come a long away in the five decades since Chet Atkins hid Charley Pride’s race from label executives to secure the singer a record deal. In 2022, the genre still has much work to do when it comes to inclusion, acceptance and respect.

Darius Rucker told People that country radio executives told him country audiences would never accept an African American country singer. He and label head Mike Dungan pressed forward anyway and went on to nab nine No. 1 hits in the format. 

Kane Brown told The Tennessean six years ago: “Color does matter, even though people don’t see it. I’ve lived it my whole life. It’s just what I know.”

Last year, Brown was named to the 2021 Time100 list of the most influential people in the world.

Here’s a round-up of brave and steadfast trailblazers who cut a passage for today’s Black country singers and the artists determined to widen that path into a mainstream highway.

Meet 20 Black artists from all decades who are changing the face of country music:

Charley Pride

When Chet Atkins signed Charley Pride to his record deal in 1965, he didn’t tell label executives that Pride was Black. His skin color was also kept from country radio disc jockeys for his first three singles – until his song “Just Between You and Me” became his first Top 10 hit. Between his chart debut in 1966 and 1989, Pride had 29 No. 1 country songs, including “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” (1970), “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’ (1971) and “All I Have to Offer You Is Me” (1969). Pride became the Country Music Association’s first Black Entertainer of the Year in 1971. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000.

“I get a lot of questions asked me . . . ‘Charley, how’d you get into country music and why you don’t sound like you’re supposed to sound?'” Pride said during a 1968 concert at Panther Hall in Fort Worth, Texas. “It’s a little unique, I admit. But I’ve been singing country music since I was about 5 years old. This is why I sound like I sound.”

Charley Pride; Photo Credit: Joseph Llanes

Charley Pride

Charley Pride; Photo Credit:Joseph Llanes

When Chet Atkins signed Charley Pride to his record deal in 1965, he didn’t tell label executives that Pride was Black. His skin color was also kept from country radio disc jockeys for his first three singles – until his song “Just Between You and Me” became his first Top 10 hit. Between his chart debut in 1966 and 1989, Pride had 29 No. 1 country songs, including “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” (1970), “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” (1971) and “All I Have to Offer You Is Me” (1969). Pride became the Country Music Association’s first Black Entertainer of the Year in 1971. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000.

“I get a lot of questions asked me . . . ‘Charley, how’d you get into country music and why you don’t sound like you’re supposed to sound?'” Pride said during a 1968 concert at Panther Hall in Fort Worth, Texas. “It’s a little unique, I admit. But I’ve been singing country music since I was about 5 years old. This is why I sound like I sound.”



Darius Rucker; Photo credit: Austin Friedline

Darius Rucker

As a country artist, Darius Rucker has had nine No. 1 songs, including his first “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” in 2008 and 12 Top 10 hits. But the Hootie & the Blowfish singer told People he and his label head Mike Dungan thought that because of his skin color, there was a real chance that country radio wouldn’t play him – because that’s what radio executives told him.

When he was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry, it made the milestone that much more special.

“Why would I think I could go to the Opry and be accepted there?” Rucker told People. “But I was, instantly. I played it as much as they would let me. The rest is history. Jimmie Allen, as much as he plays the Opry, I’m sure he’s going to be a member someday. It’s great to know that I was part of a change. I’m proud of it. A lot of people don’t talk about it, but for 25 years after Charley Pride, country music did every they could to keep us out. I’m sure there wasn’t a meeting somewhere that said, ‘We’re not going to let African Americans in.’ But, they didn’t.”

Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker; Photo credit: Austin Friedline

As a country artist, Darius Rucker has had nine No. 1 songs, including his first “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” in 2008 and 12 Top 10 hits. But the Hootie & the Blowfish singer told People he and his label head Mike Dungan thought that because of his skin color, there was a real chance that country radio wouldn’t play him – because that’s what radio executives told him.

When he was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry, it made the milestone that much more special.

“Why would I think I could go to the Opry and be accepted there?” Rucker told People. “But I was, instantly. I played it as much as they would let me. The rest is history. Jimmie Allen, as much as he plays the Opry, I’m sure he’s going to be a member someday. It’s great to know that I was part of a change. I’m proud of it. A lot of people don’t talk about it, but for 25 years after Charley Pride, country music did every they could to keep us out. I’m sure there wasn’t a meeting somewhere that said, ‘We’re not going to let African Americans in.’ But, they didn’t.”



Kane Brown

Six years ago, Kane Brown told The Tennessean that all he wanted was a chance in country music.

He had just released his debut album; his songs were struggling at country radio, and his future in the format wasn’t certain.

But that was then.

Last year Brown was named to the 2021 Time100 list of the most influential people in the world. He’s a five-time American Music Award and won an ACM Video of the Year Award for his “Worldwide Beautiful,” a historic moment because he was the first Black artist to take the trophy.

Brown’s “Heaven” and “What Ifs” are the third and seventh most-streamed country songs of all time, and his sophomore album “Experiment” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 – he’s the only male country artist in more than 24 years who can claim the accolade. He’s one of 10 country artists to sell out Los Angeles’ STAPLES Center, and his Blessed & Free headlining tour made him the first country artist to visit all NBA Arenas in one tour.

Kane Brown; Photo credit: Matthew Berinato

Kane Brown

Kane Brown; Photo credit: Matthew Berinato

Six years ago, Kane Brown told The Tennessean that all he wanted was a chance in country music.

He had just released his debut album; his songs were struggling at country radio, and his future in the format wasn’t certain.

But that was then.

Last year Brown was named to the 2021 Time100 list of the most influential people in the world. He’s a five-time American Music Award and won an ACM Video of the Year Award for his “Worldwide Beautiful,” a historic moment because he was the first Black artist to take the trophy.

Brown’s “Heaven” and “What Ifs” are the third and seventh most-streamed country songs of all time, and his sophomore album “Experiment” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 – he’s the only male country artist in more than 24 years who can claim the accolade. He’s one of 10 country artists to sell out Los Angeles’ STAPLES Center, and his Blessed & Free headlining tour made him the first country artist to visit all NBA Arenas in one tour.



Mickey Guyton; Photo credit: Phylicia J.L. Munn

Mickey Guyton

Mickey Guyton emerged in 2021 as one of country music’s most visible and outspoken artists, armed with compelling and articulate songs that share her experiences with discrimination.

She’s bubbled at the surface of country music for years, just waiting and preparing for her opportunity breakthrough. She was fighting against limited airplay for women on country radio in addition to hurdles because of her skin color. She came with a one-two punch in 2020, first releasing “What Are You Gonna Tell Her,” which was inspired by her experience trying to break through in a male-dominated country music market. However, her “Black Like Me” gained the national spotlight.

Released one week after George Floyd died, “Black Like Me” includes the lyrics:

“If you think we live in the land of the free/ You should try to be black like me.”

She sang “Black Like Me” on the Grammy Awards in 2021, and in 2022, she’s a leading country nominee at the awards show.

Guyton had one of the most talked-about performances of the night at the 2021 CMA Awards when Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards joined her for “Love My Hair.” And she recently sang the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVI.

Her album “Remember Her Name” is available now.

Mickey Guyton

Mickey Guyton; Photo credit: Phylicia J.L. Munn

Mickey Guyton emerged in 2021 as one of country music’s most visible and outspoken artists, armed with compelling and articulate songs that share her experiences with discrimination.

She’s bubbled at the surface of country music for years, just waiting and preparing for her opportunity breakthrough. She was fighting against limited airplay for women on country radio in addition to hurdles because of her skin color. She came with a one-two punch in 2020, first releasing “What Are You Gonna Tell Her,” which was inspired by her experience trying to break through in a male-dominated country music market. However, her “Black Like Me” gained the national spotlight.

Released one week after George Floyd died, “Black Like Me” includes the lyrics:

“If you think we live in the land of the free/ You should try to be black like me.”

She sang “Black Like Me” on the Grammy Awards in 2021, and in 2022, she’s a leading country nominee at the awards show.

Guyton had one of the most talked-about performances of the night at the 2021 CMA Awards when Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards joined her for “Love My Hair.” And she recently sang the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVI.

Her album “Remember Her Name” is available now.



Blanco Brown

Blanco Brown made a name for himself as a songwriter and producer outside of the country world with artists including Fergie and Pitbull before his “The Git Up” got country people dancing in 2019. The song had more than 200 million streams on Spotify within one year. About the time “The Git Up” crossed into pop culture, Brown was in a severe motorcycle accident and broke his wrists, arms, legs, and pelvis. The Atlanta native recovered and went on to have one of the biggest radio hits in 2021 with Parmalee and “Just the Way.”

Blanco Brown; Photo Credit: J.Kaviar

Blanco Brown

Blanco Brown; Photo Credit: J.Kaviar

Blanco Brown made a name for himself as a songwriter and producer outside of the country world with artists including Fergie and Pitbull before his “The Git Up” got country people dancing in 2019. The song had more than 200 million streams on Spotify within one year. About the time “The Git Up” crossed into pop culture, Brown was in a severe motorcycle accident and broke his wrists, arms, legs, and pelvis. The Atlanta native recovered and went on to have one of the biggest radio hits in 2021 with Parmalee and “Just the Way.”



MIRAMAR BEACH, FLORIDA – APRIL 29: Michael Trotter (L) and Tanya Blount of The War and Treaty perform during Moon Crush Music Vacation at Seascape Resort on April 29, 2021 in Miramar Beach, Florida. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

The War & Treaty

The War & Treaty may be the most underrated appreciated artist in country music. They’re not mainstream, but lean Americana. Nevertheless, the married couple got a huge spotlight in the genre when they performed U2’s “Pride (In The Name of Love)” with Dierks Bentley at the 2021 ACM Awards.

The duo is comprised of the husband-and-wife team Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount-Trotter, and they don’t shy away from tough topics. He’s an Iraq war veteran who openly shares his struggle with mental health. And she’s a life-long singer who has flirted with fame since the 1990s.

The pair have made multiple appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and on tour with John Legend.

They combine soul and chemistry into a compelling, eclectic, and electric mix that commands attention.

The War & Treaty

MIRAMAR BEACH, FLORIDA – APRIL 29: Michael Trotter (L) and Tanya Blount of The War and Treaty perform during Moon Crush Music Vacation at Seascape Resort on April 29, 2021 in Miramar Beach, Florida. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

The War & Treaty may be the most underrated appreciated artist in country music. They’re not mainstream, but lean Americana. Nevertheless, the married couple got a huge spotlight in the genre when they performed U2’s “Pride (In The Name of Love)” with Dierks Bentley at the 2021 ACM Awards.

The duo is comprised of the husband-and-wife team Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount-Trotter, and they don’t shy away from tough topics. He’s an Iraq war veteran who openly shares his struggle with mental health. And she’s a life-long singer who has flirted with fame since the 1990s.

The pair have made multiple appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and on tour with John Legend.

They combine soul and chemistry into a compelling, eclectic, and electric mix that commands attention.



Jimmie Allen

Jimmie Allen spent his last $100 driving to Nashville to see Charley Pride perform at the 50th CMA Awards in 2016. In 2020, Allen and Pride shared a duet on Pride’s signature hit “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'” on CMA Awards stage.

Allen spent the years between earning his place in country music – and, more recently, pop culture.

In 2019, Allen made history when his debut single “Best Shot” made its way to No. 1 on country radio’s airplay charts. He is the first Black artist to achieve the feat. In 2021, the Delaware native won New Male Artist of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards, and competed on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

Allen released a duets project, “Bettie James,” in 2020 that included his hit duet with Brad Paisley “Freedom Was a Highway” and later a deluxe version with Babyface, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, and more.

In 2021, Allen put out his children’s book “My Voice Is a Trumpet.”

Jimmie Allen; Photo credit: Shea Flynn

Jimmie Allen

Jimmie Allen; Photo credit: Shea Flynn

Jimmie Allen spent his last $100 driving to Nashville to see Charley Pride perform at the 50th CMA Awards in 2016. In 2020, Allen and Pride shared a duet on Pride’s signature hit “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'” on CMA Awards stage.

Allen spent the years between earning his place in country music – and, more recently, pop culture.

In 2019, Allen made history when his debut single “Best Shot” made its way to No. 1 on country radio’s airplay charts. He is the first Black artist to achieve the feat. In 2021, the Delaware native won New Male Artist of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards, and competed on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

Allen released a duets project, “Bettie James,” in 2020 that included his hit duet with Brad Paisley “Freedom Was a Highway” and later a deluxe version with Babyface, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, and more.

In 2021, Allen put out his children’s book “My Voice Is a Trumpet.”



BRELAND; Photo credit: Alaina Mullin

Breland

Country music fans met hybrid country, rap, R&B artist Breland in 2019 with his streaming hit “My Truck.” From there, Breland crossed into the mainstream with collaborations with Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban, Mickey Guyton and Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox. Breland is a New Jersey native, and his parents are ministers who primarily had gospel music in their home. It wasn’t until he went to boarding school as a teenager that he learned about other genres. As an artist, he encompasses influences of the church as well as the secular world and a defined social conscience. He released his 2020 EP “Rage & Sorrow” on Juneteenth at the height of protests following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

“I want to be a cultural and musical bridge between genres,” Breland told CMT. “It’s why I’ve positioned myself the way that I have. The different collaborations give me an opportunity to express myself in different ways and also bring new people into the format. I don’t think anything happens by accident. I think the reason I’m here is to bring light to the world. I don’t have that light on my own. That light comes from God.”

Breland

BRELAND; Photo credit: Alaina Mullin

Country music fans met hybrid country, rap, R&B artist Breland in 2019 with his streaming hit “My Truck.” From there, Breland crossed into the mainstream with collaborations with Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban, Mickey Guyton and Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox. Breland is a New Jersey native, and his parents are ministers who primarily had gospel music in their home. It wasn’t until he went to boarding school as a teenager that he learned about other genres. As an artist, he encompasses influences of the church as well as the secular world and a defined social conscience. He released his 2020 EP “Rage & Sorrow” on Juneteenth at the height of protests following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

“I want to be a cultural and musical bridge between genres,” Breland told CMT. “It’s why I’ve positioned myself the way that I have. The different collaborations give me an opportunity to express myself in different ways and also bring new people into the format. I don’t think anything happens by accident. I think the reason I’m here is to bring light to the world. I don’t have that light on my own. That light comes from God.”



Willie Jones

Nine years ago the Shreveport, Louisiana, native shocked and wowed the judges on “X Factor” when he auditioned with Josh Turner’s “Your Man.” The audience exploded, and Jones was sent through. During his time on the show, he stayed true to his country roots and brought songs by Gretchen Wilson and Kenny Chesney.

Today, Willie Jones is a SONY Nashville/The Penthouse recording artist who blends hip-hop into his country and tackles tough topics in his music, including civil rights. His poignant “American Dream” includes the lyrics:

We’ve come a long way|Still got a long way to go|When you’re livin’ as a Black man| It’s a different kinda ‘Merican dream

“American Dream” is from his debut album “Right Now,” and the video for the song was the first to premiere on CMT and BET jointly.

 Jones has an Apple Music show called “The Cross Roads Radio.”

Willie Jones; Photo credit: Gordon Clark

Willie Jones

Willie Jones; Photo credit: Gordon Clark

Nine years ago the Shreveport, Louisiana, native shocked and wowed the judges on “X Factor” when he auditioned with Josh Turner’s “Your Man.” The audience exploded, and Jones was sent through. During his time on the show, he stayed true to his country roots and brought songs by Gretchen Wilson and Kenny Chesney.

Today, Willie Jones is a SONY Nashville/The Penthouse recording artist who blends hip-hop into his country and tackles tough topics in his music, including civil rights. His poignant “American Dream” includes the lyrics:

We’ve come a long way|Still got a long way to go|When you’re livin’ as a Black man| It’s a different kinda ‘Merican dream

“American Dream” is from his debut album “Right Now,” and the video for the song was the first to premiere on CMT and BET jointly.

 Jones has an Apple Music show called “The Cross Roads Radio.”



Brittney Spencer; Photo Credit: Nicki Fletcher

Brittney Spencer

Maren Morris gave Brittney Spencer a shout-out from the CMA Awards stage in 2020 – and in 2021, Spencer stood in the same spotlight when she performed “Love My Hair” alongside Mickey Guyton and Madeline Edwards on the same show.

The Baltimore native moved to Middle Tennessee in 2013, where she attended MTSU and began to make a name for herself on the music scene. She was introduced to country music through Baltimore’s alternative radio station and found herself drifting into the scene on arrival. She’s unflinching in her truth-telling, as exhibited in her single “Sober & Skinny,” where she sings:

“But in a perfect world/ You get sober, I get skinny/ We live all for more than pennies/ Write the checks that we can cash.”

The Recording Academy included her in “5 Black Artists Rewriting Country Music.” She recently stood in as a member of The Highwomen when they headlined BottleRock. Spencer served as direct support for Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, opened Brett Eldredge’s “Good Day Tour,” and is set to release new music in 2022.

Spencer is touring extensively and will head overseas in March for the C2C festival.

Brittney Spencer

Brittney Spencer; Photo Credit: Nicki Fletcher

Maren Morris gave Brittney Spencer a shout-out from the CMA Awards stage in 2020 – and in 2021, Spencer stood in the same spotlight when she performed “Love My Hair” alongside Mickey Guyton and Madeline Edwards on the same show.

The Baltimore native moved to Middle Tennessee in 2013, where she attended MTSU and began to make a name for herself on the music scene. She was introduced to country music through Baltimore’s alternative radio station and found herself drifting into the scene on arrival. She’s unflinching in her truth-telling, as exhibited in her single “Sober & Skinny,” where she sings:

“But in a perfect world/ You get sober, I get skinny/ We live all for more than pennies/ Write the checks that we can cash.”

The Recording Academy included her in “5 Black Artists Rewriting Country Music.” She recently stood in as a member of The Highwomen when they headlined BottleRock. Spencer served as direct support for Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, opened Brett Eldredge’s “Good Day Tour,” and is set to release new music in 2022.

Spencer is touring extensively and will head overseas in March for the C2C festival.



Rissi Palmer

Palmer hosts Color Me Country Radio with Rissi Palmer, which debuted on Apple Music Country in 2020. The bi-weekly show spotlights the Black, Indigenous, and Latinx histories of country music that have traditionally been sequestered off mainstream radio.

It’s a situation with which Palmer is familiar. She moved to Nashville in 2000 to succeed in country music but never quite broke through. She released her debut single “Country Girl” in 2007 and became the first Black woman to make it onto the country charts since Dona Mason in 1987.

Since then, she’s become a powerful advocate for minorities in the genre and established the Color Me Country Artist Grant Fund with Apple Music Country Host Kelly McCartney’s Rainey Day Fund. The Color Me Country Artist Grant Fund supports the underrepresented voices of BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) artists in country music.

Rissi Palmer; Photo Credit: Chris Charles

Rissi Palmer

Rissi Palmer; Photo Credit: Chris Charles

Palmer hosts Color Me Country Radio with Rissi Palmer, which debuted on Apple Music Country in 2020. The bi-weekly show spotlights the Black, Indigenous, and Latinx histories of country music that have traditionally been sequestered off mainstream radio.

It’s a situation with which Palmer is familiar. She moved to Nashville in 2000 to succeed in country music but never quite broke through. She released her debut single “Country Girl” in 2007 and became the first Black woman to make it onto the country charts since Dona Mason in 1987.

Since then, she’s become a powerful advocate for minorities in the genre and established the Color Me Country Artist Grant Fund with Apple Music Country Host Kelly McCartney’s Rainey Day Fund. The Color Me Country Artist Grant Fund supports the underrepresented voices of BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) artists in country music.



Madeline Edwards: Best Revenge Cover Art

Madeline Edwards

Madeline Edwards incorporates jazz, soul, gospel, and country influences into her unique sound and is gaining attention. After only being in Nashville for one year, the model and singer performed on the CMA Awards with Mickey Guyton and Brittney Spencer. She appeared on Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” tribute record with Maren Morris’ supergroup The Highwomen. This year, she’s included in CMT’s 2022 Next Women of Country and is working on her debut album. But fans can check out her new song “Best Revenge” now. Edwards was inspired to write it after getting angry at her landlord. The secret is referenced but not revealed in the lyrics. She sings:

“The Best Revenge is Moving On.”

Madeline Edwards

Madeline Edwards: Best Revenge Cover Art

Madeline Edwards incorporates jazz, soul, gospel, and country influences into her unique sound and is gaining attention. After only being in Nashville for one year, the model and singer performed on the CMA Awards with Mickey Guyton and Brittney Spencer. She appeared on Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” tribute record with Maren Morris’ supergroup The Highwomen. This year, she’s included in CMT’s 2022 Next Women of Country and is working on her debut album. But fans can check out her new song “Best Revenge” now. Edwards was inspired to write it after getting angry at her landlord. The secret is referenced but not revealed in the lyrics. She sings:

“The Best Revenge is Moving On.”



Yola

Yola is a Grammy-nominated British country artist whose music combines classic pop, Americana, R&B and country soul. Dan Auerbach from the Black Keys is her producer and frequent co-writer, and she released her new album “Stand for Myself” in July. She opened for Chris Stapleton’s sold-out Madison Square Garden show last year and will embark on a U.S. headlining tour in March that begins with two nights at Ryman Auditorium.

Yola; Photo credit: Alysse Gafkjen

Yola

Yola; Photo credit: Alysse Gafkjen

Yola is a Grammy-nominated British country artist whose music combines classic pop, Americana, R&B and country soul. Dan Auerbach from the Black Keys is her producer and frequent co-writer, and she released her new album “Stand for Myself” in July. She opened for Chris Stapleton’s sold-out Madison Square Garden show last year and will embark on a U.S. headlining tour in March that begins with two nights at Ryman Auditorium.



Tony Evans Jr.; Photo courtesy of Sodarock Music

Tony Evans, Jr.

Tony Evans, Jr. has more than 400,000 TikTok followers and 2.7 million likes that he built covering country hits and classics. Evans considers himself a ballad singer, which fits his rich, full, and undeniably country baritone to a tee. His most popular covers include Lee Brice’s “Rumor,” Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road,” and Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places.” His cover of Josh Turner’s “Your Man” has more than 1 million views. However, Evans is more than a cover singer. The Atlanta native relocated to Nashville and is in the recording studio tracking original songs.

Tony Evans, Jr.

Tony Evans Jr.; Photo courtesy of Sodarock Music

Tony Evans, Jr. has more than 400,000 TikTok followers and 2.7 million likes that he built covering country hits and classics. Evans considers himself a ballad singer, which fits his rich, full, and undeniably country baritone to a tee. His most popular covers include Lee Brice’s “Rumor,” Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road,” and Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places.” His cover of Josh Turner’s “Your Man” has more than 1 million views. However, Evans is more than a cover singer. The Atlanta native relocated to Nashville and is in the recording studio tracking original songs.



Chapel Hart

Chapel Hart is a lively, harmony-rich family trio comprised of sisters Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, and their cousin Trea Swindle. The women are Poplarville, Mississippi, natives and got their start by busking on the streets of New Orleans in 2014.

“You Can Have Him Jolene” is their most streamed song to date and is the flipside of Dolly Parton’s 1973 signature hit “Jolene.”

The women sing:

Oh Jolene, you can have him ’cause he don’t mean much to me| Well I cried so much, two rivers turned to seas| Oh Jolene, when you think that he’s in love he’ll surely leave| Like he did me| You can have him Jolene

Chapel Hart; photo: Alexis Carter

Chapel Hart

Chapel Hart; photo: Alexis Carter

Chapel Hart is a lively, harmony-rich family trio comprised of sisters Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, and their cousin Trea Swindle. The women are Poplarville, Mississippi, natives and got their start by busking on the streets of New Orleans in 2014.

“You Can Have Him Jolene” is their most streamed song to date and is the flipside of Dolly Parton’s 1973 signature hit “Jolene.”

The women sing:

Oh Jolene, you can have him ’cause he don’t mean much to me| Well I cried so much, two rivers turned to seas| Oh Jolene, when you think that he’s in love he’ll surely leave| Like he did me| You can have him Jolene



Shy Carter; Photo credit: Alexa King

Shy Carter

Shy Carter has written hit songs for artists ranging from Rob Thomas (“Someday”) to Sugarland (“Stuck Like Glue”) and Kane Brown (“Heaven”). The Memphis, Tennessee, native blends country, R&B, gospel, soul, and hip-hop to create his unmistakable sound and groovy melodies. His song “Beer With My Friends” includes his Warner Music Nashville labelmate Cole Swindell and country music favorite David Lee Murphy. The party song is undeniably country and serves as the lead single for his debut EP, “The Rest of Us,” released in October.

Shy Carter

Shy Carter; Photo credit: Alexa King

Shy Carter has written hit songs for artists ranging from Rob Thomas (“Someday”) to Sugarland (“Stuck Like Glue”) and Kane Brown (“Heaven”). The Memphis, Tennessee, native blends country, R&B, gospel, soul, and hip-hop to create his unmistakable sound and groovy melodies. His song “Beer With My Friends” includes his Warner Music Nashville labelmate Cole Swindell and country music favorite David Lee Murphy. The party song is undeniably country and serves as the lead single for his debut EP, “The Rest of Us,” released in October.



Allison Russell

Allison Russell is one of the most compelling speakers and performers in country music and most fans have never heard of her.

Russell is a native of Canada who got her start singing in an Irish pub. In the early 2000s, she formed Po’ Girl, which melded folk, country, and jazz and toured extensively. She moved on to Birds of Chicago with partner JT Nero and then joined the Grammy-nominated Black supergroup Our Native Daughters.

Now, she’s gone solo for her first full-length album “Outside Child.”

The autobiographical work details the abuse she suffered growing up in Canada and her journey to hope and triumph over her circumstances.

“[I wanted] for the joy and the hope to be heard throughout,” Russell told The USA TODAY Network, “despite having to head-on face and talk about and sing about hard things.”

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 22: Allison Russell performs at Ryman Auditorium on October 22, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

Allison Russell

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 22: Allison Russell performs at Ryman Auditorium on October 22, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

Allison Russell is one of the most compelling speakers and performers in country music and most fans have never heard of her.

Russell is a native of Canada who got her start singing in an Irish pub. In the early 2000s, she formed Po’ Girl, which melded folk, country, and jazz and toured extensively. She moved on to Birds of Chicago with partner JT Nero and then joined the Grammy-nominated Black supergroup Our Native Daughters.

Now, she’s gone solo for her first full-length album “Outside Child.”

The autobiographical work details the abuse she suffered growing up in Canada and her journey to hope and triumph over her circumstances.

“[I wanted] for the joy and the hope to be heard throughout,” Russell told The USA TODAY Network, “despite having to head-on face and talk about and sing about hard things.”



Amythyst Kiah; Photo Credit: Liam Woods

Amythyst Kiah

Amythyst Kiah’s debut album, “Wary + Strange,” melded alt-rock that sparked her musical passion with the roots/old-time-music scene, where she found success. She honed her talent and knowledge at East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old-Time, Country Music program. The Chattanooga native, a part of CMT’s 2022 Next Women of Country, expanded on her artistry as a member of Our Native Daughters – an all-women-of-color supergroup. She wrote “Black Myself” for the group and earned a Grammy nomination for Best American Roots Song. “Black Myself” won Song of the Year at the Folk Alliance International Awards.

Amythyst Kiah

Amythyst Kiah; Photo Credit: Liam Woods

Amythyst Kiah’s debut album, “Wary + Strange,” melded alt-rock that sparked her musical passion with the roots/old-time-music scene, where she found success. She honed her talent and knowledge at East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old-Time, Country Music program. The Chattanooga native, a part of CMT’s 2022 Next Women of Country, expanded on her artistry as a member of Our Native Daughters – an all-women-of-color supergroup. She wrote “Black Myself” for the group and earned a Grammy nomination for Best American Roots Song. “Black Myself” won Song of the Year at the Folk Alliance International Awards.



Miko Marks

After a 13-year hiatus from country music, Miko Marks returned in March with her album “Our Country” and then later in the year with EP “Race Records.” During her earlier efforts, she didn’t feel embraced by country music, but she’s back with a message of unity and outspokenness for Black musicians in country music and beyond. She hopes to create art with no borders that isn’t tied to a specific genre. Marks is one of CMT’s 2022 Next Women of Country.

Miko Marks; Photo credit: Amanda Lopez

Miko Marks

Miko Marks; Photo credit: Amanda Lopez

After a 13-year hiatus from country music, Miko Marks returned in March with her album “Our Country” and then later in the year with EP “Race Records.” During her earlier efforts, she didn’t feel embraced by country music, but she’s back with a message of unity and outspokenness for Black musicians in country music and beyond. She hopes to create art with no borders that isn’t tied to a specific genre. Marks is one of CMT’s 2022 Next Women of Country.



Tiera; Photo credit: Kamren Kennedy

Tiera Kennedy

R&B country artist Tiera released her self-titled debut EP in 2021. The collection includes “Found It In You,” which has more than 17 million streams, and her new song “Gentleman.”

Kennedy is one of CMT’s “Next Women of Country,” and she hosts a daily radio show on Apple Music Country — The Tiera Show. The Valory Music Co. artist is currently working on new music.

Tiera Kennedy

Tiera; Photo credit: Kamren Kennedy

R&B country artist Tiera released her self-titled debut EP in 2021. The collection includes “Found It In You,” which has more than 17 million streams, and her new song “Gentleman.”

Kennedy is one of CMT’s “Next Women of Country,” and she hosts a daily radio show on Apple Music Country — The Tiera Show. The Valory Music Co. artist is currently working on new music.