Holly G, Julie Williams, & Tae Lewis - Black Opry (A Reclamation)

Last season, I did an episode with Dr. Peter LaChapelle about the history of country music and how/when, and why it transitioned from being the music of the working class and poor to being the music of right-wing conservatism. In that episode, we also talked about the history of African influence in country music – which made me wonder why there are so few voices in country music. he told me about Black Opry – an outfit aimed at lifting up and spotlighting black artists in the country music industry. 

When I think of black musicians in contemporary country music – folks like Charley Pride, Aaron Neville to some degree, and more recently Darius Rucker and Mickey Guyton come to mind. And, that’s almost it. When you think of what a juggernaut the country music industry is, how much money it generates, and how many musicians represent the genre – the sheer absence of black artists (and corporate leaders) is kinda shocking. And, especially so, when you consider the fact that country music has roots in Africa and the African American experience. 

 

But, it turns out, this state of affairs is not for lack of black country artists or folks telling their stories or people making space for black voices to be heard at all levels of the country music industry. One of the the projects that Dr. LaChapelle brought to my attention is Black Opry – an outfit aimed at lifting up, spotlighting, and supporting black artists in the country music industry. 

 

So, today, I actually have three guests – and I’m super excited about all of them. I’m talking to the founder and co-director of Black Opry – Holly G. And, I’m also talking to two Black Opry affiliated musicians – Julie Williams and Tae Lewis, both traveling with the Black Opry Revue and both musicians that I’m really into. We talk about how and why Black Opry came to be, some barriers that black performers encounter in the country music industry, how Black Opry provides a space for black country artists to flourish, some projects Black Opry is creating and supporting, and what comes next for Black Opry and for the musicians.

Mentioned:
Rissi Palmer
Emily Scott Robinson

Recommended:
Black Opry
Tae Lewis
Julie Williams

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