Country music has an old and rich history, deeply connected with African and American lifestyles. Despite being predominantly related to white artists, Black musicians have considerably shaped the style, contributing timeless classics and recent hit songs alike. Here we observe ten of the most famous country songs done by Black musicians, showcasing their vocal ability and artistry in the genre.
1. “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” – Charley Pride
Charley Pride is a legendary figure in country music, regarded for breaking racial obstacles. His song “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” became a big hit and is considered one of his popular songs. The track blends traditional country music with modern music, making him achieve massive appreciation and maintaining his presence in country music. It reached to No. 1 position in the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and remains a cherished classic.
2. “Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker’s rendition of “Wagon Wheel,” released in 2013, reshaped the classic originally written by Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show. Rucker’s version, featuring backing vocals from Lady Antebellum has achieved top position in the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and got him Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance. The song’s catchy chorus and heartfelt storytelling resonated with audiences, making it Rucker’s most successful solo. With over 11 million copies sold in the U.S., “Wagon Wheel” has become a modern country anthem, showcasing Rucker’s smooth vocals and bridging the gap between country and pop music.
3.. “Old Town Road” – Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” became a cultural phenomenon upon its release in 2019 and still has a mark in the audience’s memory. The song mixes the essence of country and hip-hop music that challenges genre boundaries and invites discussions. Despite initial controversy over its category, the remix providing Billy Ray Cyrus propelled it to the pinnacle of the charts, where it remained for a record-breaking 19 weeks.
4. “Black Like Me” – Mickey Guyton
Mickey Guyton’s “Black Like Me” is a popular anthem addressing racial discrimination and the struggles faced by Black artists in country music. Released in 2020, the track resonated with many listeners, especially within the context of the Black Lives Matter movement. Guyton’s heartfelt lyrics and emotional touch earned her lots of appreciation and made her the popular Black girl nominated for a Grammy in the Best Country Solo Performance category.
5. “Heaven” – Kane Brown
Kane Brown’s “Heaven,” released in 2017, is a romantic ballad that showcases his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Featured at the re-launch of his self-titled debut album, the track has become a favorite among the audience, achieving No. 1 in the Billboard Country Airplay chart. In the song, the love and affection resonate deeply, making it one of the most-played songs at weddings and cultural activities. “Heaven” gained huge success, earning Diamond certification from the RIAA for over ten million units offered. The music’s combo of traditional country music with Brown’s contemporary style has solidified his position as a leading voice in modern country music.
6. “My Truck” – Breland
Breland’s “My Truck,” which was released in 2019, creates an amazing combo of country and hip-hop that shows his unique style. The music capabilities and catchy lyrics approximately delight the audience greatly, emphasizing subject matters of loyalty and personal identity. It gained popularity in a short period, peaking at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and received platinum certification. A remix Sam Hunt further accelerated its talent, highlighting Breland’s innovative technique to style fusion. “My Truck” not only most effectively displays cutting-edge country music evolution, but positions Breland’s growing popularity among the fans, bridging the distance between conventional country music and today’s influences.
7. “Best Shot” – Jimmie Allen
Jimmie Allen’s debut single “Best Shot,” released in 2018, became his first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country chart. The inspirational track functions, Allen’s easy vocals and heartfelt lyrics. It shows emotions of love and perseverance resonated with audiences, establishing Allen as a growing big name in the industry of its kind. “Best Shot” has been licensed platinum by the RIAA, denoting combined income and streams of over a million units. The song’s charisma made Allen the talented Black artist to send a debut single to the pinnacle of the U.S. Radio charts.
8. “Seven Spanish Angels” – Ray Charles and Willie Nelson
Ray Charles collaborated with Willie Nelson in “Seven Spanish Angels” – a classic that mixes elements of country and modern music. This song was released in 2018, and tells a captivating story of love and suffering, showing the vocal talents of both artists. It achieved the No.1 position on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, maintaining Charles’s legacy as a talented musician who transcended genre boundaries.
9. “Buckle Bunny” – Tanner Adell
Tanner Adell’s “Buckle Bunny,” launched in 2023, is a modern-day take on the audience for a song that includes playful lyrics and upbeat melodies. The music quickly gained traction and has become a success, demonstrating Adell’s fresh attitude in the genre. Her potential to mix traditional U.S.A. subject matters with cutting-edge issues has resonated with audiences and showcases the evolving nature of country music.
10. “Throw It Back” – Breland featuring Keith Urban
Breland’s collaboration with Keith Urban in the song “Throw It Back” includes country and R&B influences, creating an amazing and catchy track. This song was released in 20210. The song resonates with the increasing trend of genre-mixing in the country music. Its upbeat tempo and interesting lyrics gained him more popularity among his fans, Breland’s innovative approach to the genre.
The contributions of Black musicians to country music are large and varied, spanning a long time and genres. From established artists like Charley Pride to current artists like Kane Brown and Mickey Guyton, these musicians have not only enriched the music style but have additionally challenged its traditional barriers. As country music maintains to be the favorite, the effect of Black artists stays an important part of its narrative, paving the way for future generations to explore and redefine the genre.
