Black folks and country music are two things that usually don't go together, despite certain aspects of the music genre being rooted in traditional Black forms of music. In general, country is often regarded as a "white" genre, with most country musicians seemingly embodying the ideals of the "Good Ol' South."
Yet, new country star Mickey Guyton is joining the long (even if overlooked) list of African-American country music acts, including famed names like Ray Charles, Charley Pride, and Linda Martell.
The 31-year-old singer was born in Arlington, Texas and said she was inspired to begin singing after seeing LeAnn Rimes perform at a Rangers game at age 8. In 2011, she inked a record deal with Capitol Records Nashville.
Guyton's debut single, "Better Than You Left Me" has been doing well on the country music charts since January. She's performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, one of country music's most famed venues and prestigious honors. Guyton performed on Good Morning America in March and just released an EP, to whet fans' appetites before her debut album drops.
As Black women continue to break down barriers, seeking representation and inclusion in spaces that have often tried to ignore and exclude us, it's refreshing to see Mickey Guyton achieving success in her country music career.
Watch the music video the talented singer's first single, "Better Than You Left Me" below. And also check out the video of her cover of Patsy Cline's "Crazy," which she performed at the White House in 2011.
H/T: The Washington Post
Photo: YouTube
Michelle Denise Jackson is Senior Editor at For Harriet.
