Top 25 Firsts by Black Artists in Country Music History

Country music has a deep history, but it hasn’t always been the most inclusive genre. Despite the challenges, Black artists have broken barriers, set records, and reshaped the industry. Their contributions range from chart-topping hits to historic firsts at the Grand Ole Opry.

This list highlights 25 groundbreaking moments that changed country music forever. These achievements paved the way for future generations and expanded the genre’s reach. Let’s take a look at the trailblazers who made history.

1–5: Historic Milestones

• First Black Artist to Perform at the Grand Ole Opry – In 1927, harmonica virtuoso DeFord Bailey became the first Black artist to perform on the Grand Ole Opry.
• First Black Country Music Star on a Major Label – Charley Pride signed with RCA in 1966, marking a turning point for racial integration in country music.
• First Black Artist to Win a Country Music Association Award – In 1971, Charley Pride won Entertainer of the Year, breaking barriers for Black musicians.
• First Black Country Artist to Have a No. 1 Hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart – Charley Pride’s All I Have to Offer You (Is Me) reached No. 1 in 1969.
• First Black Female Artist Signed to a Major Country Label – In the late 1960s, Linda Martell signed with Plantation Records, making history.

6–10: Breaking Ground in Radio and TV

• First Black Artist on Hee Haw – Charley Pride became the first Black artist featured on the country music variety show in the 1970s.
• First Black Artist to Have a Country Song Played on National Radio – DeFord Bailey’s Pan American Blues became one of the first Black country songs broadcast nationally.
• First Black Artist to Host a Country Music Radio Show – Paul Foster became the first Black DJ to host a country music radio show, amplifying Black voices.
• First Black Artist to Perform at the ACM Awards – Charley Pride took the stage at the Academy of Country Music Awards, securing his place in mainstream country.
• First Black Country Artist on the Billboard Hot 100 – Charley Pride’s Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’ crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971.

11–15: Industry Recognition and Influence

• First Black Artist Nominated for a Country Grammy – Charley Pride received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, in 1972.
• First Black Country Artist to Have a Gold Record – Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs became the first gold-certified album by a Black country artist.
• First Black Country Artist Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame – In 2000, Charley Pride earned his place in the Hall of Fame.
• First Black Artist to Perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame – Charley Pride made history again in 2000 with his performance at the Hall of Fame.
• First Black Country Artist on the Cover of Country Weekly – Charley Pride graced the magazine’s cover in 1994.

16–20: A New Generation

• First Black Artist Nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year – Kane Brown earned this nomination in 2016.
• First Black Country Artist to Top the iTunes Country Charts – Kane Brown’s debut album reached No. 1 on iTunes in 2016.
• First Black Country Artist with a Platinum Album – Kane Brown’s Kane Brown album went platinum in 2018.
• First Black Artist to Perform at the ACM Awards – Kane Brown represented a new wave of Black country stars on the ACM stage.
• First Black Artist to Co-Write a No. 1 Country Hit – Kane Brown co-wrote What Ifs, which topped the charts in 2017.

21–25: Cultural Influence and Legacy

• First Black Artist to Present at the Country Music Awards – Kane Brown became a CMA presenter in 2017.
• First Black Artist with a Solo Performance at the CMT Awards – Kane Brown performed Lose It at the CMT Awards in 2018.
• First Black Artist to Headline a Country Music Festival – Kane Brown led major festivals like Stagecoach.
• First Black Artist to Win CMT’s Breakthrough Video of the Year – Kane Brown won in 2018 for What Ifs.
• First Black Artist Nominated for CMT Artist of the Year – Kane Brown received this nomination in 2018.

These milestones prove that Black artists have shaped country music in profound ways. Their achievements continue to inspire and push the genre forward.