If you heard the Coyboy Carter, opens a new window album and are curious about the history and future of Black folks in country music, have I got a couple of reads for you! These books approach the concept of Black country music from different angles, but are both excellent pathways into an appreciation for the role of Black Americans in the origins, evolution, and next-steps of country music, whether it’s been called that or not.
Read This…
Want an entry-point into the history of Black musicians in country? Francesca T. Royster combines memoir with narrative nonfiction as she explores her own appreciation for country music and the names that have stuck with her. Chapters dig into the working lives of musicians like Rhiannon Giddens, opens a new window, Darius Rucker, opens a new window, and Lil Nas X, opens a new window, explore the history of musical instruments and genres that gave life to country music, and deep dive into songs, videos, and other performances, and people’s reactions to them. Since this book was written in 2022, we don’t get a chapter about Cowboy Carter, but you can read/listen to this NPR interview.
Then That…
After you’ve settled a bit into the world of Black folks in country music, venture over to Nashville with Amara, the main character of Rifts & Refrains. When a popular producer hears her sing at her grandfather’s funeral, he is determined to bring her up to Nashville. The pair have a working chemistry that is off the charts, but also have an emotional and romantic connection that neither wants to pursue for the sake of bigger goals. This book is only available as an audiobook for libraries, but isn’t audio the best way to experience a book about musicians?
If you’re still interested in reading more about the role of Black folks in country music, check out My Black Country by Alice Randall, opens a new window. And read about the history of Black cowboys, which also digs a bit into their part in the evolution of classic Americana, the precursor to modern country, in our previous segment of "Read This, Then That", opens a new window.
