Top 5 Greatest Black Country Singers Of All Time 

Many African-American artists have made it big in the country music genre. In fact, a few of them are addressed as the greatest of all time. As you may know, the country music genre is mostly packed with white American artists. But, artists like DeFord Bailey, Kane Brown, etc made a huge enough impact to be acknowledged. They didn’t just enter the genre and release music. Instead, Black country singers artists helped shape and grow the genre into what it is today. In simple words, they contributed to the evolution of country music. 

Undoubtedly, it was quite challenging for Black artists to become a sensation and win hearts. However, they established a strong presence over the years. With their unique sounds, lyrics, and vocal textures, black country singers became well recognised. If you are interested in exploring such artists stay tuned. Further, this blog discusses the Top 5 Greatest Black Country Singers Of All Time. This list is curated based on their commercial success, popularity, and influence on the country music genre. 

Number 1 – DeFord Bailey (Greatest Black Country Singers)

Many people believe that DeFord Bailey is the first African-American country music star. His popularity boomed significantly after he started making music. DeFord was born on December 14, 1899 in Smith County, Tennessee, USA. He embarked on his music journey back in the 1920s. The music he released had elements of country music and blues. His professions included being a musician, singer, and songwriter. He was the first black country musician who performed on the Grand Ole Opry. 

Aside from his vocals, DeFord Bailey was an expert with many musical instruments. This includes harmonica, banjo, and guitar. He officially retired and stopped making music in 1941. According to sources, this early retirement was caused by a licensing dispute. Throughout his journey as an active musician, DeFord Bailey worked with many record labels. He was signed to Victor, Bluebird, and RCA Records. Unfortunately, he met his demise on July 2, 1982 at the age of 82. DeFord’s death took place in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. 

Number 2 – Linda Martell

In the country music genre, Linda Martell was the first black female artist to become commercially successful. At the same time, she was also the first female country musician to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. She was officially born as Thelma Bynem on June 4, 1941. As of now, she is 84 years old. Furthermore, her birthplace is Leesville, South Carolina, USA. Linda is well-known for her immaculate and soul touching vocals as a singer. 

The music she made fell in the country and R&B music genres. She was associated with record labels like Fire, Plantation, and Vee-Jay. Linda was also the first black female artist to have a solo album that reached the Top 40 in the prominent country charts. This refers to the album project titled “Color Me Country”. Linda started making music in 1962 and didn’t stop until 2011. Thereafter, she returned in 2024 for a short period of time. 

Number 3 – Kane Brown 

In the world of black country singers, Kane Brown is a very influential name. His official name is known to be Kane Allen Brown. He was born on October 21, 1993. Moreover, his birthplace is Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA. However, the origin of his music career was witnessed from Whites Creek. At the age of 32, Kane is one of the most successful country singers and songwriters. 

He is a modern music artist recognised for blending elements of pop and R&B with country music. Kane began his professional journey in 2014 and hasn’t looked back ever since. He continues to release genre bending music to this day. He is a signed artist of the Zone 4 and RCA Nashville record labels. According to sources, social media has played a major role in his popularity and success. 

Number 4 – Darius Rucker 

Darius Rucker is among the most commercially successful black country music artists. In fact, he is addressed as a man of many genres. His music spans across genres like country, rock, pop, blues, R&B, and alternative rock. However, he garnered the most success as a country musician. His full name is Darius Carlos Rucker. His birth took place on May 13, 1966. Accordingly, Darius is 59 years old as of now. His birthplace is known to be Charleston, South Carolina, USA. 

As a singer, songwriter, and musician, he started releasing music in 1986. Darius is still believed to be an active music artist. Aside from vocals, he also sounds great while playing a guitar. He has been associated with several record labels including Atlantic, Hidden Beach, and Capitol Nashville. Also, Darius is a part of a music band named Hootie and the Blowfish. He was the first African-American musician who won the Country Music Association’s New Artist Award in 2009. 

Number 5 – Charley Pride (Greatest Black Country Singers)

Aside from being an African-American country singer, Charley Pride was also a baseball player. He was among the first black superstars in the country music genre. His popularity during the 1960s and 1970s was unmatched. Indeed, he was also known for being a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. His full name is Charley Frank Pride. Moreover, his date of birth is March 18, 1934. He was born in Sledge, Mississippi, USA. 

Throughout his journey as an artist, Charley made country music and explored gospel music. Along with vocals, he also contributed to the songs as a guitarist. He was signed to RCA Records, 16th Avenue, and Music City. Charley actively released music from 1948 to 2020. He didn’t stop making country music until his death. At the age of 86, Charley passed away on December 12, 2020. His demise happened in Dallas, Texas, USA. 

Greatest Black Country Singers – Honourable Mentions 

S. No.	Artist’s Name
1.	Mickey Guyton
2.	Cowboy Troy
3.	Allison Russel
4.	Shaboozey
5.	Jimmie Allen

Conclusion 

All of these black country singers from different eras had their unique journey. Each one of them made a huge impact on the country music genre and helped it grow. Due to their passion and hunger for success, these artists have made it to this list. It is hoped that this Top 5 list of greatest black country singers was insightful. Indeed, you should definitely listen to the songs of these newly discovered artists. 

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