Top 38 Most Popular Black Country Singers Of All Time

Anna Mae Bullock, better known as Tina Turner, emerged as one of the most iconic female singers of the 1980s. Her remarkable resurgence during this decade was especially impressive, given that she had faded from the spotlight during the previous years.

Tina's triumphant comeback began with the release of her acclaimed album "Private Dancer" in 1984, which dramatically revitalized her career. Building on this success, she released "Break Every Rule" in 1986 and "Foreign Affair" in 1989, reaffirming her position at the forefront of the music industry.

What many may not realize is that Tina Turner first gained attention as the lead singer of the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Ike & Tina Turner. After achieving recognition in the group, she embarked on a solo journey that would skyrocket her to superstardom.

Ray Charles is widely regarded as one of America's most influential singers, known for timeless hits like "Hit The Road Jack" and "What I'd Say." His powerful vocals and dynamic performances helped shape the music industry and captivated audiences worldwide.

Charles was renowned for injecting unexpected energy into his performances, which consistently delighted and surprised his listeners. Unsurprisingly, many iconic artists—including Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder—cite him as a major inspiration.

Throughout his remarkable career, Ray Charles recorded over 50 albums and made history as one of the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, cementing his legacy as a true musical pioneer.

Hip-hop and country music share deep roots in Black American culture, creating a unique space for artists like Lil Nas X to thrive. His innovative blend of styles has helped redefine the possibilities for Black musicians within the country genre.

Although Lil Nas X is not a traditional country artist, his collaboration with legendary singer Billy Ray Cyrus elevated his profile and expanded country music's appeal. Through his music, he has introduced a new generation to the genre and showcased its diversity.

Unsurprisingly, his breakout song "Old Town Road" became a phenomenon in 2019, taking the country music world by storm and leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Charley Pride stands as one of the most successful Black country musicians in history, ranking as RCA Records' second best-selling artist, just after Elvis Presley.

Interestingly, music was not Pride's initial career path. Before making his mark as a singer, he played professional baseball, competing for teams such as the Memphis Red Sox, Boise Yankees, and others in the Negro American League.

Pride was born in Mississippi to a family of sharecroppers. Throughout his early adulthood, he excelled both as an athlete and musician, even gaining celebrity status in Northern Ireland during the 1970s.

During the height of his career, Pride scored an impressive 52 top-10 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, with 30 of those reaching number one.

Pride's achievements have earned him three Grammy Awards, induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000, and distinction as one of only three African-American members of the Grand Ole Opry.

Darius Rucker is best known today as a successful solo country artist, but his musical journey began as the lead singer of the iconic '90s rock band Hootie & the Blowfish. Born and raised in South Carolina, Rucker grew up in a family where music played a central role, shaping his passion from a young age.

Spearheading Hootie & the Blowfish, he achieved mainstream fame after the band's formation at the University of South Carolina in 1986. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the group's hits remained staples on pop music charts, cementing their place in music history.

In 2001, Rucker launched his solo career, debuting with the album The Return of Mongo Slade. His transition into country music with Capitol Records Nashville in 2008 marked a significant milestone, as he became only the second Black artist to reach No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.

Further cementing his legacy, the Country Music Association named him New Artist of the Year in 2009—making Rucker just the second Black musician to receive this prestigious honor.

DeFord Bailey stands as one of the most influential and celebrated Black country musicians in history. He played a pivotal role in shaping country music, being the first Black artist invited to perform on the Grand Ole Opry—and notably, the very first performer to grace its stage.

Known for his extraordinary skill on the harmonica, Bailey also displayed talent as a singer and banjo player. By the 1940s, his artistry had garnered widespread acclaim, making him a familiar and beloved figure among country music fans.

In recognition of his enduring legacy, DeFord Bailey was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

The Pointer Sisters rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, captivating audiences with their dynamic sound that crossed over numerous pop sub-genres. One of their most remarkable achievements came in 1974, when their song "Fairytale" unexpectedly reached the Top 15 on the country charts.

That same year, their groundbreaking track earned them the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. To this day, The Pointer Sisters remain the only Black women to win a Grammy in any country music category.

In recognition of their enduring influence, the group was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994. Between 1973 and 1985, they achieved 13 Top 20 hits in the US, solidifying their status as music icons.

Canadian singer-songwriter Allison Russell has made her mark through dynamic collaborations. She began her musical journey singing Stan Rogers covers at a local Irish pub in Montreal, then gained recognition as a member of groups like Po' Girl, Birds of Chicago, Our Native Daughters, and Sisters of the Strawberry Moon.

Russell’s powerful solo debut, "Outside Child," arrived in 2021. This deeply autobiographical album bravely explores her traumatic youth, blending stories of pain with hope, resilience, and an unwavering sense of courage.

"Outside Child" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album in 2022, showcasing Russell's unique artistry and emotional depth.

Kane Brown, recognized for his distinctive, deep baritone voice, is a rising star in the country music scene. Despite being relatively new, he has already captured attention with chart-topping hits like "Heaven" and "One Mississippi."

He is celebrated for his signature blend of modern pop-country and is admired for personally writing much of his own material. Brown frequently tours the United States, winning over audiences with his engaging performances.

Brown has also collaborated with other notable country artists, including Lauren Alaina, drawing fans with both his soulful vocals and charming personality. Interestingly, fans may not know that he often shares entertaining trivia during his interviews.

Notably, Kane Brown made history in late 2017 as the first artist to simultaneously hold the number-one spot on all five main Billboard country charts. His second album, Experiment, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 following its release in 2018.

Jimmie Allen is a talented country music singer and songwriter whose journey has been marked by perseverance and resilience. In his early days in Nashville, he faced significant financial challenges as he worked tirelessly to break into the country music industry.

Allen auditioned for American Idol and successfully advanced through the initial rounds. His breakthrough came when Broken Bow Records discovered his talent during a live performance and signed him to their subsidiary label, Stoney Creek.

Shortly after, Allen released his first two hit singles, "Best Shot" and "Make Me Want To." The success of these songs earned him the prestigious Country Music Association Award for New Artist of the Year in 2018, making him only the second Black artist to receive this honor since Darius Rucker in 2009.

Aaron Neville hails from New Orleans, United States, and is an exceptionally gifted country musician known for his versatility across multiple genres. Celebrated primarily for his R&B and soul performances, Neville has achieved remarkable success, earning four platinum albums and securing four Top 10 hits in the U.S.

Many fans may not realize that Neville has a mixed heritage, with African-American, Caucasian, and Native-American (Choctaw) roots. His breakthrough came with the hit single "Tell It Like It Is." After a long hiatus, he returned to solo recording in 1986 with the independent album Orchid in The Storm, his first solo project since the late 1960s.

Louis Armstrong, celebrated as both a trumpeter and vocalist, stands as one of jazz music’s most influential pioneers. His extraordinary five-decade career left an indelible mark on the genre, and he earned the Grammy Award for Best Male Vocal Performance for his iconic rendition of "Hello, Dolly!" in 1965.

His legacy endured well beyond his lifetime, earning him a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1972 and induction into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017. Armstrong is immortalized through timeless classics like "What a Wonderful World," "La Vie en Rose," "On the Sunny Side of the Street," "Dream a Little Dream of Me," "When You’re Smiling," and "When the Saints Go Marching In."

Rhiannon Giddens is a dynamic and influential performer who gained widespread recognition in the early 2000s as a member of the acclaimed country, blues, and folk group, the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Her collaborations with renowned artists have further cemented her status in the music world.

Giddens’s music deeply connects with audiences as she revives and celebrates the lost sounds of past slave communities and preserves African-American cultural traditions. A gifted multi-instrumentalist known for the fiddle and banjo, she is also a recipient of multiple Grammy Awards and a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship.

Recently, Giddens’s talents expanded to television as she contributed to soundtracks for popular shows like 'Nashville' and 'Parenthood'. As a North Carolina native of diverse heritage and a founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, she continues to influence contemporary music genres.

In 2023, Giddens achieved further acclaim when the opera "Omar," which she co-wrote with Michael Abels, was awarded the esteemed Pulitzer Prize for Music.

The husband and wife team of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, known as The War and Treaty, quickly emerged as one of the most exciting and dynamic acts in Americana and roots music.

Tanya, a lifelong singer nearly on the brink of stardom in the 1990s, brings powerful vocals, while Michael, an Iraq war veteran, discovered music's healing potential when he began writing songs to honor his fallen comrades.

Based in Albion, Michigan, the duo released their collaborative album Love Affair as Trotter & Blount in 2016. However, it was their soulful hit "Hi Ho" that truly put them in the spotlight and captured the hearts of audiences everywhere.

Mickey Guyton, a Texas native, captured national attention with her powerful rendition of the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVI in early 2022. However, she had already spent nearly a decade making a name for herself in the country music scenes of Los Angeles and Nashville.

Guyton broke barriers as the first African-American artist to perform at the American Country Music Awards. Her unique sound blends elements of R&B, gospel, and pop with traditional country music. She is also the only black artist to receive a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album, often drawing upon her experiences as a black woman in her authentic storytelling.

Yola’s remarkable voice was forged through a challenging upbringing and years filled with adversity. Despite facing significant hardships as a young adult, she persevered and transformed her struggles into artistic strength.

Her breakthrough came with the release of her debut album, "Walk Through Fire," in 2019. This landmark project established her as a leading force in the country soul genre and showcased her authenticity and talent in Nashville’s vibrant music scene.

Through her music, Yola seeks to tell nuanced stories of Black femininity, crafting songs that resonate deeply with listeners. Her follow-up album, "Stand For Myself," delves into personal experiences while reflecting universal themes, confirming her place as an essential storyteller in contemporary country music.

Linda Martell holds a historic place in country music as the first Black woman to achieve notable success within the genre. Her 1970 album, Color Me Country, impressively broke into the country Top 40, making her a trailblazer for future generations.

Despite this accomplishment, her career was unfortunately derailed by an unfavorable contract with Shelby Singleton's Plantation Records. Even so, Martell’s influence endures—her contributions are regularly celebrated by those who analyze and honor the legacy of Black artists in country music.

Adding to her enduring legacy, reports indicate that her granddaughter is currently working on a documentary to share Martell’s remarkable story with the world.

Daniel Gerard Breland, known professionally as Breland, is a versatile singer, songwriter, and record producer who blends country rap with R&B, gospel, and soul influences. He first gained widespread recognition in 2019 with his debut single, "My Truck," which became popular through social media and quickly went viral.

Shortly after its release, "My Truck" climbed to No. 26 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. Raised in a family of ministers, Breland is celebrated for his innovative contemporary country songwriting, infusing the genre with modern and diverse sounds.

His originality and energetic style have made him a favorite within the industry, prompting numerous collaborations with other notable artists who seek out his unique musical vision and creative partnership.

Cowboy Troy, though not currently active in the music scene, has left a lasting impact on the evolving genre of country rap. Hailing from Dallas, he gained widespread attention with his 2005 hit, "I Play Chicken With The Train," and affectionately calls the genre "hick-hop."

Born Troy Lee Coleman III, Cowboy Troy first found recognition by delivering a rap breakdown in the middle of Big & Rich's 2004 chart-topper, "Rollin' (The Ballad of Big & Rich)." He has frequently collaborated with country artists such as Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich over the years, cementing his unique role in the industry.

While Howdy Glenn's music might not be widely recognized today, he experienced a notable, if brief, rise within mainstream country music circles. Originally working as a firefighter in California, Glenn's recordings for Warner Bros. earned him a nomination for ACM Top New Male Vocalist.

Despite his talent, Glenn—like several other artists on our list—faced setbacks due to insufficient label support, ultimately limiting his career. Thankfully, a 2023 career-spanning compilation from Omnivore Recordings introduced new listeners to tracks like "I Can Almost See Houston" and other hidden gems from his catalog.

A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Amythyst Kiah is a singer-songwriter who is best known for playing guitar and banjo. Even though she's been touring since 2010 either solo or with the bands 'Her Chest of Glass' or 'Our Native Daughters', she only released her two solo albums in 2022.

The artist, who describes her style as "Southern Gothic", went on to earn a Grammy Award Best American Roots Song nomination for her song "Black Myself" in 2020. She is known to have toured extensively throughout the US, Mexico, and the UK.

Brittney Spencer came to the public's attention following a viral Twitter video that showed her singing a cover of a song by The Highwomen. The artist has released several singles, including 2021's "Sober & Skinny", has performed at the Country Music Association Awards, and has embarked on a world tour in her career so far.

She believes that her musical style is diverse because she has allowed herself to be inspired by different artists and songwriters over the years.

Blanco Brown is a country music artist, singer, songwriter, record producer, and rapper who is known to create music with a smile on his face. Well, at least figuratively. He has produced for popular artists such as Chris Brown and Pitbull and is best known for his breakout 2019 "The Git Up", which blends modern country-pop twang with Southern hip-hop sensibilities.

The song reached the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. Amey was raised in Atlanta, Georgia listening to hip-hop artists, such as Outkast. However, he also ensured to familiarize himself with the music of country icon Johnny Cash. It is not surprising then that he appreciates both forms of music.

An intellectual as much as an artist, banjo player and folk singer-songwriter Jake Blount is known to specialize in traditional African-American music. The artist, who has been described as "Afrofuturist folklore", put his creativity on full display in his concept album A New Faith.

His work mainly revolves around themes of social and environmental justice. Blount often performs most of the parts on his recordings and is acknowledged for employing modern instruments and production techniques in his confident performances; each of which comes across as distinct to his audience.

The Louisiana-raised artist, Willie Jones, mixes country with hip-hop on songs like "Down for It." The artist is known to have worked on the "American Dream" after George Floyd's killing and protesters marching against racial injustice.

It was, indeed, one of the year's most powerful country songs. That said, his growing catalogue of country hip-hop doesn't stop with a civil rights anthem. We say so because his debut album, "Right Now," was a musical blender of polished pop-ready production with country imagery and undeniable rap influence.

Needless to say, Willie is someone to watch out for.

This North Carolina native took up guitar in the 1920s and went on to make an enormous impact on the beginnings of country music. Sharing his undeniable musical talent with the lyrical mastery of A. P. Carter, he provided a framework for codifying the sounds of the region and, in the process, ended up directing the development of the folk-country genre. Even though he decided to hang his boots in the 1940s, folk musician Mike Seeger encouraged him to take it up once again in the '60s.

While he may not have been able to rise to the level of prominence of other country artists of his time, he did appear at several folk festivals and contributed to a series of studio albums during his heyday.

Born in Flint, Michigan, Miko Marks is a country musician who has been a triple threat. The singer is known to have composed his own songs over the years, which is considered to be slightly unusual in the country music genre.

We say so because most country artists are known to employ different songwriters for their respective albums. After having moved to California to pursue a career in music, she was named the Best New Country Artist by New Music Weekly Awards in 2006.

She released another album in 2021, titled Our Country, after a gap of 10 years.

This prominent singer and songwriter is best known in the United States for her 1970 remake of Tammy Wynette's "Stand by Your Man" and her 1976 disco chart-topper "Young Hearts Run Free".

Canzetta Maria "Candi" Staton's biggest-selling record is the anthemic "You Got the Love" from 1986. She was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame and is a four-time Grammy Award nominee.

The artist launched her solo career as a Southern soul stylist in 1968 and soon went on to garner 16 R&B hits for Rick Hall's Fame Studios; therefore, earning the title of "First Lady of Southern Soul".

Artist, songwriter and producer Shy Carter has managed to reach all corners of the industry with his early success and is, therefore, no stranger to pop and country music listeners.

Also a rapper, he has composed songs for several other artists and collaborated with a few others. Some of his collaborations have gone on to hit the charts hard as well.

His collaboration with Sugarland, "Stuck Like Glue", not only debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 20 but also went on to become the 11th most downloaded country music song of all time.

This country music artist debuted in 2007 with the single "Country Girl" and soon went on to become the first African-American woman to chart a country song since Dona Mason in 1987.

She is also the host of Apple Music Country's show Color Me Country Radio with Rissi Palmer, which has turned out to be an invaluable resource for Black country and Americana artists; especially the ones who are up-and-coming or have been overlooked.

The bi-weekly show has featured in-depth interviews with artists such as Darius Rucker, Mickey Guyton, Crystal Shawanda, and The War and Treaty, thus far.

The proverbial and literal doors may have begun slamming in the face of Frankie Staton upon her arrival in Nashville in the early '80s, but the artist has vowed to not give up.

Since her skills as a songwriter, singer, and keyboardist were undeniable, she continued to focus on writing and performing songs. Inspired by artists such as Loretta Lynn and Don Williams, Frankie fought hard to create opportunities for others through her role in the formation of the Black Country Music Association (BCMA) in the '90s.

One of the great "what ifs" in country music lore, Stoney Edwards was known for his commanding honky-tonk vocal delivery. He went on to score a respectable 15 charting singles between 1970-1980, of which "She's My Rock" became hugely popular.

Some of his other notable songs strived to capture the nostalgic sentiments that have always been at the heart of country music. One of the most gifted and consistent alternatives to '70s pop country, Edwards has gone down as a hidden gem of country music.

Dobie Gray is an artist whose musical career spanned soul, country, pop, and musical theatre. While he delivered a hit with "The 'In' Crowd" in 1965, it was his 1973 chartbuster "Drift Away" which went on to become one of the biggest hits of the year.

The song sold over one million copies and remains a staple of radio airplay. The performer had moved to Los Angeles in the early 1960s to establish himself as a screen performer.

However, he soon began singing and, therefore, started to record for several local labels. He tasted success for the first time in 1962 with the release of his seventh single "Look At Me".

We doubt that any story on the best Black country musicians can ever be complete without including Dom Flemons in it. The man is best known as "The American Songster" for his repertoire of music spans nearly a century of American folklore, ballads, and tunes.

Best known for playing neotraditional country music that promises to keep some of the traditions of the genre alive, his sound has managed to make its presence felt on Smithsonian Folkways and numerous music festivals and awards ceremonies over the years.

We also need to thank Flemons for his consistent efforts to revive the traditional, but largely forgotten, country music instruments like the bones.

If you're looking to get more into contemporary Black country music, look no further than Carl Ray. The man has made a name for himself by combining some of the core elements and historical influences of the genre to produce superb albums that continue to gain recognition.

Widely considered to be a bluegrass prodigy, he mixes bluegrass, country, and a modern sensibility to compose songs that pertain to topics such as religion and faith. Like most great bluegrass artists that have come before him, his sound also has a tinge of sorrow that tags along with his compositions.

However, his music seldom lets go of its hopeful note.

Born in Louisiana, contemporary country artist Trini Triggs released a self-titled album in 1998, and tasted decent success in the country music industry with chart-topping singles such as "Straight Tequila", "Horse to Mexico", and "The Wreckin' Crew".

Each of these songs went on to become famous in Canada at the time. Triggs soon decided to sign with Curb Records, with whom he released his country discography. Besides songwriting and performing, he also works in the entertainment industry as a DJ, writer, and radio personality.

How many of you have heard of a person who may have left their career in the medical field to become a country musician? Not many, we gather. But, Cleveland Francis was different.

A cardiologist first, he decided to venture into the world of music soon after and was active in entertainment for at least fifteen years. The1980s and early 1990s saw him recording five studio albums, and his tracks went on to make the Billboard charts four times.

Some of his hits such as "Love Light", "You Do My Heart Good", "Walkin'", and "How Can I Hold You" made him semi-famous in country music. Francis's website also makes an effort to draw your attention to the fact that he has been both a songwriter and a physician.

Chapel Hart is a group that consists of sisters Danica Hart and Devynn Hart, and their cousin Trea Swindle. The three vocalists decided to form the group and have independently released two studio albums and seven singles, thus far.

Known for their fresh take on classic country, the trio decided to compete in the seventeenth season of America's Got Talent in 2022. They ended up finishing in the fifth position.

Those who have heard Chapel Hart can vouch for the fact that their sound has been influenced by '90s rock and an artist like Loretta Lynn. That said, the trio still manages to sound as contemporary as they can.