Celebrating Country Music Month and Recognizing 5 Black Musicians Who Made History

October is recognized as Country Music Month, a time to celebrate the rich heritage and evolution of this beloved genre, which was born in the South.

The origins of Country Music Month can be traced back to 1970 when President Richard Nixon officially declared October as the month to celebrate this musical style. This initiative was designed to honor the artistry of country music, which Nixon believed was a staple in American culture.  With a presidential co-sign, this only fueled the Country Music Association, founded in 1958, which remains the top trade organization meant to develop and promote this genre to the world.

Throughout the month, various events, concerts, and educational programs showcase the diverse influences and stories that shape country music.  Artists such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash helped shape the sounds throughout the years, but Black representation in the genre has historically had a harder time gaining the same recognition. While country music has roots in folk, blues, and gospel, it has often been associated primarily with white artists. However, the genre’s history is enriched by the contributions of Black musicians, who have played a pivotal role in shaping its sound.

Charley Pride – Charley Pride is widely recognized as the first Black country artist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000. He is known for songs such as 1971’s “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” and 1981’s “Never Been So Loved (In All My Life).”

DeFord Bailey – A pioneer harmonica player, DeFord Bailey was the first Black performer on the Grand Ole Opry, a long-running live country-music radio broadcast originating in Nashville, Tennessee, in the 1920s. He is widely known as “Harmonica Wizard” for his meticulous expertise of the instrument.

Mickey Guyton – An emerging artist, Mickey Guyton is known for her powerful voice and advocacy for diversity in country music. Her 2020 single “Black Like Me,” which was a response to the George Floyd tragedy, earned her a Grammy nomination, making her the first Black woman to receive a nod in the Best Country Solo Performance category.

Kane Brown – Blending R&B and country influences, Brown has achieved mainstream success and is recognized for his diverse background. His self-titled debut album, released in 2016, produced the hit single “What Ifs,” which topped the charts in October 2017. This remarkable achievement made him the first artist to hold concurrent number one positions on all five major Billboard country charts.

Darius Rucker – Darius Rucker, the longtime frontman of Hootie & the Blowfish, launched a successful solo career in country music in the late 2000s. He gained significant acclaim with his 2013 hit “Wagon Wheel,” originally by Old Crow Medicine Show. Rucker’s rendition achieved Diamond certification in October 2022, crowning him the first Black solo artist with a diamond-certified country song.