Top 35 Black country singers you need to know as of 2024
Country music has a significant global fanbase, with statistics declaring it is the third most listened-to genre in the world. Many Black country singers have massively impacted the genre and made it what it is today. Here are the top 35 Black country singers to grace the genre.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Top 15 active Black country singers in 2024
- Who are the Black country singers?
- 35. Chapel Hart members
- 34. Amythyst Kiah
- 33. Breland
- 32. Yola
- 31. Tiera Kennedy
- 30. The War and Treaty
- 29. Kane Brown
- 28. Linda Martell
- 27. Trini Triggs
- 26. Miko Marks
- 25. Aretha Franklin
- 24. Mickey Guyton
- 23. Dom Flemons
- 22. Aaron Neville
- 21. Rissi Palmer
- 20. Cleve Francis
- 19. Brittney Spencer
- 18. Coffey Anderson
- 17. Vicki Vann
- 16. Lesley Riddle
- 15. Milton Patton
- 14. Dobie Gray
- 13. Jimmie Allen
- 12. DeFord Bailey
- 11. Ray Charles
- 10. Darius Rucker
- 9. Rufus Payne
- 8. Carl Ray
- 7. Petrella Ann Bonner
- 6. Henry Glover
- 5. Charley Pride
- 4. Cowboy Troy
- 3. Lil Nas X
- 2. Ruth Pointer
- 1. Rhiannon Giddens
- Are there any Black country singers?
- Who is the most popular Black country singer?
- How many Black country singers are there?
- Are there any Black country singers?
- Who is the Black country singer cowboy?
- Who is the Black woman country singer?
- Who is Allen, the Black country singer?
- What Black artists are included at the Country Music Awards?
The list of the top Black singers (in no particular order) contains artists whose musical contributions have left indelible marks in history. While some continue to perform, others have retired or passed away. Nevertheless, their music resonates profoundly and stands as iconic pillars within the music industry.
Top 15 active Black country singers in 2024
| No | Name |
| 1 | Rhiannon Giddens |
| 2 | Ruth Pointer |
| 3 | Cowboy Troy |
| 4 | Carl Ray |
| 5 | Darius Rucker |
| 6 | Jimmie Allen |
| 7 | Rissi Palmer |
| 8 | Milton Patton |
| 9 | Coffey Anderson |
| 10 | Brittney Spencer |
| 11 | Aaron Neville |
| 12 | Dom Flemons |
| 13 | Mickey Guyton |
| 14 | Miko Marks |
| 15 | Kane Brown |
Who are the Black country singers?
The Deezer survey states that Black country music takes third place in the percentage of listeners, with 49.9%, coming after rock at 56.8% and pop at 56.1%. Country music has long been carried through many great names like Chapel Hart and Linda Martell, who were instrumental in making country music what it is today.
35. Chapel Hart members
Source: Getty Images
- Group members: Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, and Trea Swindle
- Years active: 2014 -present
Chapel Hart is an American country music trio consisting of Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, and Trea Swindle. Chapel Hart's music often incorporates powerful vocals. They have released several singles Just Say I Love You, The Girls Are Back in Town, Welcome to Fist City and 2033.
34. Amythyst Kiah
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- Full name: Amythyst Kiah
- Date of birth: 11 December 1986
- Age: 37 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States
Amythyst Kiah appeared along with Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, and Allison Russell on the album Songs of Our Native Daughters. She got the 2020 nomination for the Best American Roots Song. Amythyst Kiah has released songs such as Myth, Soapbox, Tender Organs and Trouble So Hard.
33. Breland
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- Full name: Daniel Gerard Breland
- Date of birth: 18 July 1995
- Age: 28 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Burlington Township, New Jersey, United States
Breland is one of the most famous male Black country singers today. He rose to fame after reaching No. 26 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. He released his first full album, Cross Country, in September 2022. Singer Breland has released songs such as Horseride, High Horse, My Truck and Praise the Lord.
32. Yola
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Yolanda Claire Quartey
- Date of birth: 31 July 1983
- Age: 40 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Bristol, United Kingdom
Yola released her first album, Walk Through Fire, in 2019, which earned her four Grammy Awards. She performed as a guest vocalist and occasional songwriter for British musical acts like Sub Focus, Massive Attack, and Bugz in the Attic. Yola Carter has released songs such as Highwomen, Crowded Table, and Redesigning Women.
31. Tiera Kennedy
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Tiera Kennedy
- Date of birth: 1997
- Age: 27 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Alabama, United States
Tiera Kennedy made appearances in the Roscolusa Songwriters Festival performance. She hosts the The Tiera Show radio broadcast on Apple Music. Tiera Kennedy has released songs such as Miles, Laid Back, Not Your Girl and Gentleman.
30. The War and Treaty
Source: Getty Images
- Group members: Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter
- Years active: 2014-present
The War and Treaty is an American band comprising Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, a married couple. Their music blends country, soul, folk, and gospel influences.
In 2023, The War and Treaty achieved the milestone of being the first black duo to receive a nomination for the Country Music Association Award in the Duo of the Year category. Their discography includes acclaimed albums like Lover's Game, Hearts Town, Love Affair and Healing Tide.
29. Kane Brown
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- Full name: Kane Allen Brown
- Date of birth: 21 October 1993
- Age: 30 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States
Kane Brown is one of the recent Black country singers on the scene who has already made a massive name. His soulful, husky voice and romantic lyrics have captured the hearts of many, and he already has eight number-one songs under his belt and counting.
28. Linda Martell
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- Full name: Linda Martell
- Date of birth: 4 June 1941
- Age: 82 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, United States
Singer Linda Martell is arguably one of the most influential individuals on the list. Considered a pioneer in the genre, she was the first Black female solo artist to play the Grand Ole Opry.
However, the looming cloud of racism ultimately saw her career end as swiftly as it developed, and she only released one album. Still, she is a stalwart of the genre and is still highly praised today.
27. Trini Triggs
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Trini Triggs
- Date of birth: 5 August 1965
- Age: 58 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Natchitoches, Louisiana, United States
American artist Trini Triggs rose to prominence after he released a self-titled album in 1998 for MCG/Curb Records and saw significant success in the years following. His debut album produced three singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles that year and gathered an impressive fanbase through his talent.
26. Miko Marks
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- Full name: Miko Marks
- Place of birth: Flint, Michigan, United States
Miko Marks broke into the country music scene with a bang, being honoured as the Best New Country Artist at the 2006 New Music Weekly Awards. Since then, Miko Marks has released many successful singles, with songs like Feel Like Going Home, Trouble, and One More Night becoming massive hits.
25. Aretha Franklin
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- Full name: Aretha Louise Franklin
- Date of birth: 25 March 1942
- Died: 16 August 2018 (age 76 years)
- Place of birth: Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Aretha Franklin is iconic in music. Her nickname as the "Queen of Soul" indicates her massive impact on the genre. Aretha Franklin's willingness to experiment in genres like country and folk music gained her an entirely new fanbase and a more comprehensive range of iconic songs.
24. Mickey Guyton
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Candace Mycale Guyton
- Date of birth: 17 June 1983
- Age: 40 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Arlington, Texas, United States
Born and bred in Texas, Candace Mycale 'Mickey' Guyton's passion for all types of music ensured her future success in the game. Exposed to various genres of music growing up, Mickey Guyton used her exposure to include elements of contemporary country and R&B music into her country music, making her stand out from other names in the industry and an artist to watch.
23. Dom Flemons
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Dominique Flemons
- Date of birth: 30 August 1982
- Age: 41 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
American artist Dominique Flemons is more than just a Black country singer. He is a triple threat as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Dom Flemons plays the guitar, banjo, harmonica, fife, percussion, quills and rhythm bones. Dom's music is considered 'old-time music' and 'Piedmont blues', and he is a former member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops.
22. Aaron Neville
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- Full name: Aaron Joseph Neville
- Date of birth: 24 January 1941
- Age: 83 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Aaron Neville is no stranger to the industry and has been making music for decades. Although prominently known as an R&B and soul singer, Aaron Neville expanded his range and ventured into the country music genre around 1993 and 1994. The multi-platinum artist showed his talent is not limited to one genre, and his experimentation was well-received.
21. Rissi Palmer
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Rissi Palmer
- Date of birth: 19 August 1981
- Age: 42 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Rissi Palmer debuted her music career in 2007 with the hit Country Girl. Her debut album, Rissi Palmer, was released on October 23 of the same year. She has so far released three studio albums, three extended plays, nine singles and seven music videos. Rissi Palmer is also the host of Apple Music Country's show Color Me Country Radio with Rissi Palmer.
20. Cleve Francis
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- Full name: Cleveland Francis
- Date of birth: 22 April 1945
- Age: 78 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Cleveland Francis
Cleve Francis is a stalwart in the country music industry, with a hugely successful musical career over decades. Cleve has nine albums under his belt and charted four times on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, most notably with You Do My Heart Good in 1992. Cleveland Francis was also a cardiologist, but music was his number-one love.
19. Brittney Spencer
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- Full name: Brittney Spencer
- Date of birth: 8 September 1988
- Age: 35 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Baltimore, Maryland, United States
American country singer-songwriter Brittney Spencer gained fame through social media, specifically, a video on Twitter that showed her covering a song by The Highwomen.
Various other country artists saw the video and praised her, giving her the inspiration and confidence to release her first extended play, Compassion. Brittney Spencer was also mentioned as one of the individuals on People Magazine's Hollywood One to Watch list.
18. Coffey Anderson
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- Full name: Coffey Anderson
- Date of birth: 1978
- Age: 46 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Bangs, Texas, United States
Hailing from Bangs, Texas, Coffey Anderson is a country music singer and internet personality, the latter being how he rose to prominence. Coffey made a name on YouTube by releasing Christian versions of mainstream music. Coffey Anderson also participated in Nashville Star, creating a more prominent character.
17. Vicki Vann
- Full name: Vicki Vann
- Date of birth: 14 July 1980
- Age: 43 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: California, United States
Dubbed the 'Cinderella of country music', Victoria 'Vicki' Vann is a country music artist, actress, model, and businesswoman. Vicki has been in the industry for decades, developing an ever-growing fanbase. Vicki Vann is also a featured artist in the Country Music Television Network documentary called Waiting in the Wings.
16. Lesley Riddle
- Full name: Lesley Riddle
- Date of birth: 13 June 1905
- Died: 13 July 1980 (age 75 years)
- Place of birth: Burnsville, North Carolina, United States
Lesley Riddle is another genre pioneer and greatly influenced the Carter Family country band. This band is regarded as an icon in country music. Unfortunately, Lesley Riddle was a skilled instrumentalist and singer but has yet to receive the recognition he deserved while alive. But Mike Seeger ensured Lesley was remembered and released Step By Step: Lesley Riddle Meets The Carter Family: Blues, Country & Sacred Songs in 1993.
15. Milton Patton
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Milton Patton
- Date of birth: Forrest City, Arkansas, United States
Milton Patton is another successful country musician from America's Got Talent. The Arkansas native quickly showed talent and promise when Milton Patton appeared on the show in 2013, and following his significant exposure from AGT, Milton was offered a $500,000 record deal from a major record label.
14. Dobie Gray
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- Full name: Dobie Gray
- Date of birth: 26 July 1940
- Died: 6 December 2011 (age 71 years)
- Place of birth: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Dobie Gray is an easily recognisable name in country music, especially for fans who listen to the classics. The American singer and songwriter's career spanned the pop, soul, and country genres and musical theatre. Some of Dobie Gray's biggest hits include Drift Away and The 'In' Crowd, and he sold over one million copies of his music.
13. Jimmie Allen
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: James Edward Allen
- Date of birth: 18 June 1985
- Age: 38 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Milton, Delaware, United States
American country music singer James Edward Allen gained fame mainly over the past few years and was signed to Broken Bow Records imprint Stoney Creek. In 2018, Jimmie Allen released two singles, Best Shot and Make Me Want To, off his album Mercury Lane. His latest release, Be Alright, was released in 2023 to critical acclaim.
12. DeFord Bailey
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: DeFord Bailey
- Date of birth: 14 December 1899
- Died: 2 July 1982 (age 82 years)
- Place of birth: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Country music and blues star DeFord Bailey dominated the music scene from the 1920s until 1941, when the talented musician's career ended abruptly. DeFord Bailey was in the prime of his career when WSM fired him in 1941, stemming from a licensing conflict between BMI and ASCAP.
This meant his best-known songs were not played on the radio, and once he was fired from Opry, his once-soaring career came to a sad and sudden end.
11. Ray Charles
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- Full name: Ray Charles Robinson Sr.
- Date of birth: 23 September 1930
- Died: 10 June 2004 (age 73 years)
- Place of birth: Albany, Georgia, United States
The singer, songwriter and pianist is widely considered one of the most influential musicians in history. Ray Charles embraced the genres of blues, pop, jazz, R&B, and country music with equal enthusiasm. Ray Charles's country music career began in the 1960s and was well-received, like most of his music.
10. Darius Rucker
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- Full name: Darius Rucker
- Date of birth: 13 May 1966
- Age: 57 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Darius Carlos Rucker first gained fame as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, founded in 1986 by himself along with Mark Bryan, Jim 'Soni' Sonefeld, and Dean Felber.
Once Darius Rucker announced the band would take a hiatus in 2008, he released his first country debut later in the same year, Learn to Live. The lead single, Don't Think I Don't Think About It, reached number one.
9. Rufus Payne
- Full name: Rufus Payne
- Date of birth: 4 February 1883
- Died: 17 March 1939 (age 56 years)
- Place of birth: Montgomery, Alabama, United States
Rufus Payne, fondly also known by his nickname "Tee Tot", is an early-20th-century musician from Greenville, Alabama. Despite being referred to as a blues artist, Rufus Payne was also highly influential in the country music genre and was the older mentor of country music icon Hank Williams.
8. Carl Ray
Source: UGC
- Place of birth: Houston, Texas, USA
Carl Ray is a singer who may be lesser known on this list but has released music that has caught many country fans' attention, primarily through his song I Stand With This Country. Released in 2020, the song promotes unity in the USA; Carl Ray's music has many religious themes.
The singer also released his latest single, Caney Fork, an authentic melodic track inspired by the serene landscapes and rich history of the Caney Fork River. Carl Ray’s latest single, Caney Fork, co-written with Wood Newton and Daniel Johnson, is a lively, feel-good summer track that's sure to have you smiling and singing along from the very first listen.
7. Petrella Ann Bonner
- Full name: Petrella Ann Bonner
- Date of birth: 1977
- Age: 77 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Hot Springs, Arkansas, United States
American country music singer, songwriter, and music producer Petrella Ann Bonner is the self-proclaimed 'first lady of country soul' and has enjoyed a decades-long career. With eight studio albums and various songs released on the Top 100 Country Singles charts, Petrella is a prominent figure in the genre.
6. Henry Glover
- Full name: Henry Bernard Glover
- Date of birth: 21 May 1921
- Died: 7 April 1991 (age 69 years)
- Place of birth: Hot Springs, Arkansas, United States
Also known as Henry Bernard, the record executive, businessman, musician, and songwriter is predominantly known for his work as a talented producer, Artist and Repertoire (A&R) man for King Records.
Besides this, he made significant contributions to country music through his musical talent, including providing the opening riff of Blues Stay Away from Me.
5. Charley Pride
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Charley Frank Pride
- Date of birth: 18 March 1934
- Died: 12 December 2020 (age 86 years)
- Place of birth: Sledge, Mississippi, United States
Singer Charley Pride is considered by many as the most successful Black country musician in the genre. Among his most impressive achievements include being the first Black member of the Grand Ole Opry and the first Black artist to have a number-one country record.
He was also the first artist of any race to win the Country Music Association’s Male Vocalist Award two years running. Charley had 29 number-one country hits, 52 top 10s, and twelve gold albums.
4. Cowboy Troy
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Troy Lee Coleman III
- Date of birth: 18 December 1970
- Age: 53 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Victoria, Texas, United States
Black country singer Troy Lee Coleman III is better known by his stage name Cowboy Troy. He was first introduced to fans through the multi-lingual breakdown in the middle of Rollin (The Ballad of Big & Rich). Since then, he has succeeded as a solo artist through songs like I Play Chicken With The Train and Hick Chick.
3. Lil Nas X
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Montero Lamar Hill
- Date of birth: 9 April 1999
- Age: 24 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Lithia Springs, Georgia, United States
Black country rapper and singer Lil Nas X became a music sensation through his hit Old Town Road, featuring country music darling Billy Ray Cyrus. The song spent 19 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and he has had multiple hits over different genres reach number one since.
2. Ruth Pointer
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Ruth Esther Pointer
- Date of birth: 19 March 1946
- Age: 77 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Oakland, California, United States
Ruth Pointer is an American singer best known as the eldest and last surviving original member of the family vocal group, the Pointer Sisters. The group achieved its greatest commercial success in the 1980s. Some of their popular albums include Only Sisters Can Do That, Serious Slammin', Black & White and Special Things.
1. Rhiannon Giddens
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Rhiannon Giddens
- Date of birth: 21 February 1977
- Age: 47 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Greensboro, North Carolina, United States
American singer Rhiannon Giddens is known for her eclectic folk music. She is a founding member of the country, blues, and old-time music band the Carolina Chocolate Drops.
She was the lead singer, fiddle player, and banjo player. Some of her solo albums include Tomorrow Is My Turn (2015), Freedom Highway (2017), There Is No Other with Francesco Turrisi (2019), They're Calling Me Home with Francesco Turrisi (2021) and You're the One (2023).
Are there any Black country singers?
There are various Black singers in the country genre. Over dozens of Black country music singers are prominent figures, but there are many more who did not make the mainstream yet are still very much active in the genre.
Who is the most popular Black country singer?
Although there are many great Black country music artists, Charley Pride is arguably the most recognisable figure in the genre. Charley was the second-best-selling artist at RCA Records, coming second only to the 'King of Rock and Roll' himself, Elvis Presley.
How many Black country singers are there?
Several Black musicians have played a significant role in the development of country music. Examples include Mickey Guyton, Kane Brown, Jimmie Allen, and Darius Rucker.
Are there any Black country singers?
Some of the Black country singers in the industry who are active include Rhiannon Giddens, Ruth Pointer, Jimmie Allen, Coffey Anderson, Kane Brown and Mickey Guyton.
Who is the Black country singer cowboy?
Pete Boddis, a country singer from England from the short film, The Black Country Cowboy, is regarded as the singer cowboy in the film.
Who is the Black woman country singer?
Some of the popular Black female country singers include Rhiannon Giddens, Ruth Pointer, Petrella Ann Bonner, Vicki Vann, Rhiannon Giddens, Mickey Guyton and Miko Marks.
Who is Allen, the Black country singer?
Jimmie Allen is an American country music singer and songwriter. He is one of the most successful Black country singers with albums such as Mercury Lane, Bettie James Gold Edition and Tulip Drive.
What Black artists are included at the Country Music Awards?
According to Grammy Awards, Black artists like Mickey Guyton, Kane Brown, Jimmie Allen, Brittney Spencer and Willie Jones are among the top artists to have been included in the Country Music Awards.
Black country singers remain a less included demographic in the country genre but have been instrumental in its rise to fame, with many Black country singers developing the genre into what we know it to be today.
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This list of the richest rock stars lets you into the icons who made a killing from rock and roll music, which gained popularity in the 1940s. Besides music, the figures mentioned in the list earn through businesses and real estate.
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Justine De Lange (Lifestyle writer) Justine De Lange has over 6 years of experience in lifestyle, corporate and freelance writing. She started at Now Media for their lifestyle publication 'Let's Go', then joined 'travSIM' and 'Metavaro'. She now writes for Briefly News as a content writer, working with beats such as studies, services, business tips, and celebrity biographies (joined in 2022). In 2023, Justine finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can contact her directly via JustinedeLange14@gmail.com.
Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Briefly.co.za, where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Adrianna finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com
