How Black Folks created Country
One Mic Black History Newsletter #21
Welcome to the One Mic History Newsletter, and thank you for your continued support. Delve into the untold history of early Black country artists. These trailblazers not only shaped the roots of country music but also carved a path modern Black Country music artists.
Country music, often perceived as the soundtrack of white rural America, has a much richer and more diverse history than commonly acknowledged. Beyond its twang and heartfelt lyrics about love, loss, and rural life, country music's origins are deeply rooted in the African-American experience, drawing from a tapestry of musical styles brought to the American south by Black musicians and traditions.
This narrative starts with the banjo, an instrument synonymous with country music, which actually originates from West Africa and was brought over by enslaved Africans. The banjo’s evolution in America to its current form, combining African design with European string instrument features, represents the blending of cultures that characterizes the genre’s history. Despite this, the rise of minstrel shows in the 1850s, wherein white performers appropriated the banjo while caricaturing black culture, began the whitewashing of country music that would persist for decades.
African-American influences extend beyond the banjo to the themes, harmonies, and songs that shaped country music. Pioneering African-American musicians shared their spirituals, work songs, and blues, which were absorbed by early country performers, often without proper credit. Collaborations between Black and white musicians in the genre’s infancy highlighted a shared musical heritage, though these contributions were obscured as the genre grew more profitable. The industry created race music for black audiences, then marketed mainstream country music to white audiences.
Amidst this, African-American artists like DeFord Bailey, became star performers on platforms such as the Grand Ole Opry, only to face segregation and discrimination. Despite his significant contributions and popularity, Bailey’s journey was marred by the harsh realities of racism, becoming an early reminder of the challenges Black artists would face in the genre. However, the legacy he and others left is undeniable.
Charley Pride emerged in the 1960s as country music’s first Black superstar, breaking racial barriers despite systemic obstacles. His success signaled a slow but sure recognition of Black talent within the industry. Ray Charles’s fusion of country with R&B and pop in the same era further highlighted the interconnectedness of American music traditions, contributing to both the civil rights movement and the genre's evolution.
its important to acknowledge that in the history of country music. This is due to the barriers they faced due to racism and sexism, which left them with little opportunity to break into the industry. The first Black woman to enter the country world and gain commercial success was Linda Martell in 1970. Since then, more Black female artists have come into the scene, but the road is still tough. In the last 20 years, Black women made up only 0.03 percent of all music played on country radio.
Today, country music continues to be influenced by Black music genres like hip hop and R&B. Yet, the struggle for recognition and inclusion persists for Black artists. Initiatives like the Black Opry have emerged to challenge the genre's racial exclusivity, spotlighting Black talent and pushing for a more inclusive future in country music. This shift towards acknowledging and embracing the diverse influences that enrich the genre points toward a more hopeful future where country music transcends racial barriers, celebrating the wide array of stories and experiences that define it.
Understanding the history of Black people in country music reveals their foundational role in shaping the genre. Their contributions, long overlooked, are finally gaining the recognition they deserve, painting a fuller picture of country music that honors its multifaceted roots. This evolving narrative offers a promise of a more inclusive country music scene that values and celebrates the rich diversity of its artists and their contributions.
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-Countryboi