Was Country Music Originally Black? Exploring the Hidden Roots of a Genre

Was country music originally black? This question might surprise many fans of the genre, but the roots of country music are far more diverse and complex than most people realize. While country music wasn't exclusively created by Black musicians, African American artists played a crucial and often overlooked role in shaping the genre from its earliest days.

In this article, we'll explore the hidden Black roots of country music, tracing its evolution from a blend of cultural influences to the popular genre we know today. We'll uncover the contributions of pioneering Black artists, examine how the genre became associated with white culture, and highlight the ongoing impact of Black musicians in country music. By the end, you'll have a new appreciation for the rich, multicultural history behind those twanging guitars and heartfelt lyrics.

The Diverse Origins of Country Music

When we think of country music, images of cowboy hats, pickup trucks, and predominantly white artists often come to mind. However, the true origins of this beloved American genre are far more diverse and complex than many realize. Country music, as we know it today, didn't spring from a single source. Instead, it evolved from a rich tapestry of cultural influences:

• African American musical traditions

• European American folk music, particularly from the Appalachian region

• Native American musical styles

This blend of cultures created the foundation for what would become country music in the 1920s in the Southern United States. The genre emerged as a distinct form through the blending of these various cultural traditions, focusing primarily on working-class Americans and blue-collar American life.

African American Contributions to Early Country Music

The role of Black musicians in shaping country music cannot be overstated. Here are some key ways African American artists influenced the genre:

1. Instrumental Origins: The banjo, now synonymous with country and bluegrass, has its roots in Africa. Enslaved Africans brought similar instruments to America, which evolved into the modern banjo.

2. Musical Techniques: Black musicians developed many playing styles that became integral to country music. For example, Leslie Riddle, a Black guitarist, influenced Maybelle Carter's distinctive "scratch" style of guitar playing.

3. Mentorship and Collaboration: Many early white country stars learned from or collaborated with Black musicians. Bill Monroe, known as the "Father of Bluegrass," learned from Black blues guitarist Arnold Shultz. Hank Williams learned his craft from Black guitarist Rufus "Tee Tot" Payne.

4. Song Collection and Preservation: Black musicians like Leslie Riddle helped collect and preserve songs that became part of the country music tradition. Riddle accompanied A.P. Carter on song-collecting trips, helping him access Black communities and churches.

5. Early Pioneers: Black musicians were among the first to gain recognition in country music. DeFord Bailey, a Black harmonica player, was one of the founding members of the Grand Ole Opry and the first performer on the show.

6. Genre Blending: Black artists like Ray Charles, Solomon Burke, and Tina Turner recorded country albums, helping to blend country with other genres like R&B and soul.

The Influence of Lesley Riddle on the Carter Family

Lesley Riddle's impact on the Carter Family, one of the most influential acts in early country music, deserves special mention:

• Guitar Techniques: Riddle's innovative picking and slide guitar techniques impressed A.P. Carter when they first met in 1928. Maybelle Carter incorporated elements of Riddle's guitar playing into her own style.

• The "Carter Scratch": While there's some debate about the exact origin, Riddle's guitar playing likely influenced the development of Maybelle Carter's distinctive "scratch" style of guitar playing.

• Song Transmission: Riddle acted as a "human tape recorder" during song-collecting trips with A.P. Carter, memorizing melodies while A.P. wrote down lyrics.

• Song Repertoire: Riddle introduced several songs to the Carter Family that they went on to record, including "I Know What It Means to Be Lonesome," "Coal Miner's Blues," "Let the Church Roll On," "Cannon Ball," "Hello Stranger," "Bear Creek Blues," "March Winds Goin' Blow My Blues Away," and "Lonesome For You."

Pioneering Black Artists in Country Music

Despite their significant contributions, Black artists have often been marginalized in the country music industry. However, several pioneering Black musicians made their mark on the genre:

• DeFord Bailey: One of the founding members of the Grand Ole Opry and the first performer on the show. Known as the "Harmonica Wizard," Bailey was one of the most beloved Opry musicians of his time.

• Charley Pride: Often referred to as country music's first Black superstar, Pride broke numerous barriers in the genre. He became one of the most successful country artists of his time, amassing 29 No. 1 Billboard country singles between 1969 and 1983.

• Ray Charles: While primarily known for R&B and soul, Charles recorded influential country albums that helped blend genres and expose country music to broader audiences.

• Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown: A multi-instrumentalist who incorporated country elements into his diverse musical style and recorded country singles in Nashville.

The Whitewashing of Country Music

So, if Black artists played such a crucial role in the development of country music, how did it become associated primarily with white artists and culture? Several factors contributed to this shift:

1. Racial Segregation in the Music Industry: Early recordings were marketed as "hillbilly" records for white audiences and "race records" for Black audiences, despite often featuring integrated recording sessions.

2. Marketing Practices: Studios and producers often worked to hide the fact that recording sessions were integrated, using white stand-ins in promotional materials.

3. Industry Gatekeeping: The country music industry became dominated by white executives and artists, making it difficult for Black artists to gain recognition or success in the genre.

4. Historical Erasure: Over time, the contributions of pioneering Black musicians to country music were largely forgotten or overlooked.

5. Cultural Stereotypes: The misconception that Black people were innately averse to country music persisted, despite evidence to the contrary.

6. Limited Opportunities: Black artists often faced barriers to performing on major country music stages or receiving airplay on country radio stations.

7. Focus on White Narratives: The history of country music has often been told from a predominantly white perspective, overlooking or minimizing the role of Black artists.

Contemporary Black Artists in Country Music

Despite these challenges, Black artists continue to make their mark in country music. Some contemporary artists to watch include:

• Darius Rucker: Achieved major success as a country artist since the 2000s, becoming one of the few Black members of the Grand Ole Opry.

• Mickey Guyton: Released the impactful song "Black Like Me" in response to the death of George Floyd and performed the national anthem at the 2022 Super Bowl.

• Brittney Spencer: Named one of "12 Black Artists Shaping Country Music's Future" by USA Today.

• Rhiannon Giddens and Dom Flemons: Working to revive the tradition of Black string band music and highlight the African roots of the banjo.

• Valerie June: Combines folk, blues, and gospel into her music.

• Allison Russell: Has a growing solo career with three Grammy nominations following her 2021 album "Outside Child".

The Black Opry: A New Platform for Black Country Artists

Founded in April 2021 by Holly G, the Black Opry is working to increase visibility and opportunities for Black artists in country, folk, and Americana genres. This organization provides a platform for Black artists who have historically been marginalized in the industry and challenges misconceptions about Black participation in country music. In January 2022, Holly G and Tanner Davenport cofounded the Black Opry Revue, which organizes live performances featuring Black country artists.

The Impact of Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road"

Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" brought significant attention to Black artists in country music:

• The song was described as a "country-trap" novelty hit, showcasing how country music could be successfully fused with other genres like hip-hop.

• It sparked discussions about what qualifies as country music, as it was initially removed from Billboard's country charts before being reinstated after controversy.

• The success of "Old Town Road" likely paved the way for more acceptance of diverse artists in country music and increased interest in exploring the genre's multicultural roots.

Conclusion: Recognizing the True Roots of Country Music

While it wouldn't be accurate to say that country music was "originally Black," it's clear that African American musical traditions were integral to its formation and evolution alongside other cultural influences. As we continue to enjoy and celebrate country music, it's important to recognize and honor the diverse roots of this quintessentially American genre.

The history of country music is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the enduring influence of Black musicians on American popular music. By acknowledging the contributions of Black artists throughout country music's history, we can work towards a more inclusive and representative future for the genre, one that honors its diverse origins and continues to evolve with the contributions of artists from all backgrounds.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.