Black Country Music

Listening for Revolutions

By: Francesca Royster

Narrated by: LaNecia Edmonds

Black Country Music tells the story of how Black musicians have changed the country music landscape and brought light to Black creativity and innovation.
After a century of racist whitewashing, country music is finally reckoning with its relationship to Black people. In this timely work—the first book on Black country music by a Black writer—Francesca Royster uncovers the Black performers and fans, including herself, who are exploring the pleasures and possibilities of the genre.

Informed by queer theory and Black feminist scholarship, Royster’s book elucidates the roots of the current moment found in records like Tina Turner’s first solo album, Tina Turns the Country On! She reckons with Black “bros” Charley Pride and Darius Rucker, then chases ghosts into the future with Valerie June. Indeed, it is the imagination of Royster and her artists that make this music so exciting for a genre that has long been obsessed with the past. The futures conjured by June and others can be melancholy, and are not free of racism, but by centering Black folk Royster begins to understand what her daughter hears in the banjo music of Our Native Daughters and the trap beat of Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.” A Black person claiming country music may still feel a bit like a queer person coming out, but, collectively, Black artists and fans are changing what country music looks and sounds like—and who gets to love it.

©2022 Francesca Royster (P)2022 Spotify Audiobooks

WONDERFUL

How does this not have more reviews???? If you liked Cowboy Carter you’ll LOVE this. I thought it was going to be more of a history, and it has that, but it’s more essays/analysis. Still thought it was a fantastic read with fantastic perspectives. I also think people not very familiar with country/black country history can enjoy just the same as experts. Also the author is a queer black woman and her perspective is so invaluable. Give it a read!!!!