My Black Country

My Black Country: A Journey Through Country Music’s Black Past, Present, and Future

Series: Juneteenth

Presented By
Alice Randall

Alice Randall was the first Black woman to cowrite a number 1 country hit single, Trisha Yearwood’s “XXX’s and OOO’s.” She’s also a bestselling novelist, award-winning songwriter, and an educator. She discusses her newest book My Black Country: A Journey Through Country Music’s Black Past, Present, and Future.

She talks about the artists she grew up listening to like DeFord Bailey, Lil Hardin, Ray Charles, Charley Pride, and Herb Jeffries. But Randall, who lives in Nashville, is also excited about a country music renaissance happening right now – reflected in the recent release of Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album – and the “radical joy” she feels in realizing the power of Black influence on American culture.

Randall’s work suggests that the future of country music, particularly as it’s influenced by Black musicians and songwriters, is with artists like Jimmie Allen, first Black singer to send a debut single to the top of the country radio charts, and Mickey Guyton, whose song “Black Like Me” was nominated for a Grammy. Guyton was the first Black woman to be nominated for Best Country Solo Performance.

Watch
Upcoming in this series:
Theater seating in low light
-
Adults
Movie: 'Ruby Bridges'
Central Library |
June 17 |
2:00pm
Adults
Movie: 'The Color Purple'
Central Library |
June 20 |
2:00pm
Adults
Movie: 'The Cost of Inheritance'
Central Library |
June 20 |
2:00pm
22
Jun
'Chasing After Freedom'
Central Library |
2:00pm
Watch or Listen to Past Events in this Series:
28
Jun
On Juneteenth
6:30pm
22
Jun
Kansas City's Montgall Avenue: Black Leaders and t...
Central Library |
6:00pm
My Black Country

My Black Country: A Journey Through Country Music’s Black Past, Present, and Future

Series: Juneteenth
Date & Location
-
Reception: 5:30 pm
Helzberg Auditorium
Online
In Person
Details
Adults