Empowering Artists of Color in Country Music: The Impact of the Black Opry

CNN FlashDocs explores the ongoing discussion surrounding the definition of country music in the latest movie "Call Me Country: Beyoncé & Nashville’s Renaissance." You can watch it in the US on Max starting Friday, April 26.

Long before the debate about Beyoncé's place in country music, there existed the Black Opry, a platform that welcomed music enthusiasts and artists of color within the genre.

The organization known as the Black Opry, described as a hub for Black artists, fans, and industry professionals in country, Americana, blues, and folk music, has been gaining more attention recently. This attention has been fueled by Beyoncé's country-inspired release, "Act II: Cowboy Carter."

Holly G., the founder of Black Opry in 2021 as a blog, shared with CNN the positive impact of Beyoncé's release. She mentioned that since then, a new group of Black fans has emerged and started to actively engage with the organization. This development has been particularly exciting for Holly G. as it has been challenging to encourage Black individuals to participate in country music events due to the industry's historical exclusion of Black artists.

Not everyone was as excited as she was.

Some critics have argued that Beyoncé and her album do not fit the country music genre. However, discussions about country music, race, and the impact of people of color in the genre have been ongoing long before the superstar singer's foray into country music.

Beyoncé on her album cover for "Cowboy Carter."

Beyoncé on her album cover for "Cowboy Carter."

Courtesy Beyoncé

Holly G. started the Black Opry in an attempt to find country fans of color, who like her, did not feel welcomed.

"When I discuss country music, I make sure to differentiate between the mainstream industry and the art form itself," she explained. "Black people have always been a part of creating this style of music, despite the industry's efforts to exclude them."

She discovered that Black country music artists were just as eager to connect with a community as the fans who enjoyed their music.

Holly G. admitted that she initially did not plan on interacting much with artists other than featuring them on her blog. However, after launching the blog and showcasing a few artists, she was surprised when many other artists reached out to her and became connected.

The article "Call Me Country: Beyoncé and Nashville's Renaissance" explores the intersection of Beyoncé's influence on country music and Nashville's evolving music scene.

Aaron Vance is a talented artist based in Nashville. He has been working hard for years to make a name for himself in an industry that doesn't always welcome diversity, even though artists like Mickey Guyton, Darius Rucker, and Kane Brown have found success.

Growing up on a farm in Mississippi, Vance has the perfect ingredients for a classic country song - a deep connection to the land, a strong work ethic that values persistence, and a knack for playing three chords and singing the truth.

Despite his background, Vance has faced challenges breaking into the music industry. That's why he was overjoyed to discover the Black Opry, a welcoming community that embraces his unique talents and celebrates diversity.

Vance shared with CNN how he landed his first tour with Sara Shook & the Disarmers and Joshua Ray Walker, all thanks to the Black Opry. He mentioned being an early attendee at the Black Opry meetings, which turned out to be incredibly advantageous for him. It has not only been beneficial but also inspiring for Vance.

Vance shared that he feels more comfortable in his own skin after finding a community of people like him who may not fit the typical image of country music artists or fans, but still love the genre just as much.

He mentioned that despite some negative comments, he sees the attention as a positive thing. According to Vance, when people criticize something, it actually attracts more curiosity and encourages others to check it out and form their own opinions.

The singer expressed his happiness that Beyoncé, a superstar, is shining a light on the contributions of artists of color in country music. This creates an opportunity for new audiences to discover artists like Vance and others whom Holly G. and her organization support.

The Black Opry organizes concerts to increase the visibility of performers. Through this work, Holly G. has discovered that it's not only people of color who appreciate the efforts of her and the Black Opry.

She mentioned that people from various backgrounds expressed gratitude for having a place to enjoy country music without feeling uncomfortable due to certain cultural aspects. Many white individuals even admitted feeling guilty for liking country music because of the unwelcoming culture surrounding it. This space allowed them to appreciate the music without any sense of guilt. It truly delighted her to hear this.

Editor's P/S:

The article sheds light on the ongoing debate about the definition of country music and the role of artists of color within the genre. The Black Opry, founded by Holly G., has played a crucial role in creating a welcoming space for Black artists and fans, fostering a sense of community and belonging. While Beyoncé's recent foray into country music has sparked discussions about inclusivity, the article emphasizes that the presence of Black artists in the genre has a long history.

The article also highlights the challenges faced by artists of color in the country music industry, such as Aaron Vance, who despite his talent and connection to the land, has faced barriers in breaking into the mainstream. The Black Opry has provided a platform for these artists to showcase their unique talents and connect with audiences who appreciate their contributions to the genre. The positive reception to Beyoncé's country-inspired release and the growth of the Black Opry demonstrate a shift towards greater inclusivity and recognition of the diversity within country music.