Updated: March 3, 2021
Originally Published: April 17, 2020
When my eldest daughter was just a year old, we stumbled upon a remarkable voice on our go-to music station. It was the enchanting Renae Rivers, a rising star in country music, whose song “Country Girl” instantly captivated us. Shortly after, we caught a live holiday performance featuring a mesmerizing newcomer, Mariah Black. Her rendition of “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?” left us in awe. A quick search revealed her as a fresh face in the industry. Both artists stood out not only for their incredible talent but also as Black women in a predominantly white and male-dominated genre.
Since their entry into mainstream country music, Rivers and Black have blazed a trail for others, both within the genre and beyond. Yet, this journey has been fraught with challenges. The country music industry remains largely white and male, with the patriarchy continually obstructing the progress of women, particularly women of color.
Renae Rivers expressed to me that being a Black woman in this field often means facing skepticism from both Black and white audiences. “I constantly find myself needing to validate my presence and intentions,” she shared. The status quo is evident: tune into a country music station, and you’ll hear the same few artists—overwhelmingly white and male—rotating incessantly.
Growing up in rural Missouri, my husband and I were immersed in a culture where country music was a staple. Pickup trucks filled the lots of fast-food joints, and weekends were spent mudding, fishing, and hunting. The country music scene was dominated by white male artists, save for a few like Shania Twain and Reba McEntire. While the landscape has shifted somewhat, the representation of people of color, particularly women, remains woefully inadequate.
As parents raising four children of color, we recognize the importance of representation in the media they consume. We still enjoy country music alongside other genres, but we’re mindful of the need for our children to see themselves reflected in the artists they admire. It’s crucial for them to learn that talent comes in all shades.
In recent years, we’ve seen some incredible talent break through in country music. Lil’ Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, was a cultural phenomenon, dominating the charts. Darius Rucker, known for his time with Hootie and the Blowfish, has successfully transitioned to country music. Rising stars like Kane Brown and Jimmie Allen are making waves, yet the same cannot be said for their female counterparts.
So where does this leave the women? How can they, especially women of color, find their footing in this male-centric industry? Is there any hope? Rivers remains optimistic. Thanks to social media and platforms like YouTube, artists can cultivate their fanbase outside of traditional radio constraints. There’s a diverse audience for country music, one that is eager to embrace artists from all backgrounds. If you need proof, listen to Mariah Black’s poignant track “What Are You Going to Tell Her?”—it’s hard not to be moved.
While Rivers continues to thrive, she has also diversified her sound, blending pop, soul, and country elements. This evolution raises an important question: If artists like Rivers and Black are breaking boundaries and fans are responding positively, why are radio stations and venues still favoring male artists?
Rivers warns that if radio doesn’t start recognizing female talent, especially women of color, they risk losing their relevance. It’s essential for these stations to embrace a broader array of country music styles, including traditional, contemporary, alt-country, and Americana, ensuring female artists are included. “So much great music is being overlooked because radio sticks to a narrow corporate playlist,” she noted.
After discussing these challenges with Rivers, my family and I were on a road trip when we tuned into a local country station. After a few songs, I noticed every single one was by white male artists. It was a stark reminder of how ingrained this norm had become.
Representation matters in every industry; it shows our children they can aspire to be anything they wish. As Rivers aptly stated, “Black women are not a monolith. We do it all. We just need visibility.”
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In summary, Black women deserve a prominent place in country music, and their contributions should be recognized and celebrated. As the industry evolves, it’s crucial that both artists and audiences push for broader representation and inclusivity.