Source: Radio One Digital / Radio One Digital
Top 25 Songs by Black Artists That Shaped Country Music
Black artists have played a crucial role in shaping country music, delivering powerful songs that have left a lasting impact on the genre. From groundbreaking hits to modern anthems, these tracks have not only topped charts but also paved the way for greater inclusivity in country music. Here are 25 songs that helped define the genre and inspire future generations.
1–5: Groundbreaking Pioneers
- “Pan American Blues” – DeFord Bailey
DeFord Bailey’s harmonica performance on this track helped lay the foundation for the inclusion of blues in country music. - “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’” – Charley Pride
One of Charley Pride’s signature songs, this track became a crossover hit and helped solidify his status as a country music legend. - “Just Between You and Me” – Charley Pride
A defining song of Pride’s career, it became a classic that resonated with fans and helped further integrate Black artists into mainstream country. - “True Love” – Linda Martell
As the first Black woman to perform on the Grand Ole Opry, Linda Martell’s “True Love” was a powerful song that showcased her unique country style. - “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” – Ray Charles
Ray Charles’ rendition of this Hank Williams classic helped introduce country music to the soul and R&B communities, blending two genres seamlessly.
6–10: Chart-Topping Hits
- “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)” – Charley Pride
This song became one of Pride’s biggest hits, showing the versatility of Black artists in country and solidifying his place as a country icon. - “Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker’s version of “Wagon Wheel” brought the song back to life, blending country, rock, and R&B, and became a massive hit. - “Let’s Go” – Solomon Burke
A crossover hit that blends country, soul, and gospel, “Let’s Go” helped bridge gaps between genres and created new possibilities for future collaborations. - “If I Had You” – Charley Pride
This song showcases Pride’s smooth voice and style, marking a significant moment in the 1970s for Black representation in mainstream country. - “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” – Darius Rucker
Rucker’s debut solo country single brought his distinctive sound to a new audience and set the stage for more Black artists to succeed in the genre.
11–15: Cross-Genre Collaborations
- “What Ifs” – Kane Brown ft. Lauren Alaina
A hit that blends country and pop elements, this track helped Kane Brown become one of the biggest names in modern country music. - “Dirt Road Anthem” (Remix) – Colt Ford ft. Jason Aldean & Jimmie Allen
This collaboration brings together country, hip-hop, and R&B, with Jimmie Allen’s contribution adding a fresh, diverse perspective to the genre. - “Black Like Me” – Mickey Guyton
This powerful song is a poignant commentary on race and identity, making a significant impact in country music with its honest, thought-provoking lyrics. - “In Color” – Jamey Johnson (Covered by Kane Brown)
Kane Brown’s cover of this song adds his personal touch, blending country with his unique sound to make it accessible to a new generation. - “Cowboy Troy” – Hick Chick
Cowboy Troy brought hip-hop and country together, breaking down genre barriers and creating a new sound that resonated with diverse audiences.
16–20: Influential and Timeless Tracks
- “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” – The Soggy Bottom Boys (feat. Rhiannon Giddens)
This song, as featured in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, helped cement Rhiannon Giddens’ reputation as an influential figure in modern Americana and country. - “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” – Charlie Daniels Band (Covered by Jimmie Allen)
Jimmie Allen’s version of this country classic brings a contemporary twist, blending his signature style with the iconic fiddle-driven song. - “Strange” – Reba McEntire ft. Kane Brown
A strong collaboration between Reba McEntire and Kane Brown that mixes their powerful voices, bringing country and pop sounds together. - “Girl Crush” – Little Big Town (Covered by Mickey Guyton)
Mickey Guyton’s cover of “Girl Crush” adds a soulful flair to the original, blending R&B with classic country sounds. - “Workin’ Man Blues” – Merle Haggard (Covered by Darius Rucker)
Darius Rucker’s version of this Merle Haggard classic reimagines it with a contemporary country sound and his soulful delivery.
21–25: Reaching New Audiences
- “There Goes My Life” – Kenny Chesney (Covered by Kane Brown)
Kane Brown’s cover brought a fresh perspective to this song, earning him attention from both country and pop audiences. - “My Truck” – Breland
A fusion of country and hip-hop, “My Truck” became a viral hit, blending Breland’s modern country sound with a contemporary twist. - “Rewind” – Rascal Flatts (Covered by Kane Brown)
Kane Brown’s rendition of “Rewind” became a hit, showing how Black country artists can reinterpret classic country songs with their unique vocal style. - “Mississippi Girl” – Faith Hill (Covered by Mickey Guyton)
Mickey Guyton’s rendition of “Mississippi Girl” infuses her powerful voice and country roots into the song, showcasing her ability to take on mainstream country. - “Backwards” – Rascal Flatts (Covered by Jimmie Allen)
Jimmie Allen’s cover of this upbeat country hit brings an infectious energy to the track, showing his ability to blend genres and energize audiences with his performance.