Join us for "Black Country Before Beyoncé: The Secret History of African-Americans in Country Music, with Mark Montgomery French" a humorous, highly immersive, and historically accurate talk that uncovers the African-American roots of Country, Folk, and Americana music.
Featuring: Charley Pride, Shaboozey, Lil Nas X, Ray Charles, Rhiannon Giddens, Deford Bailey, Linda Martell, Darius Rucker, Rissi Palmer, and more!
Beyoncé, Tracy Chapman, and Shaboozey had number-one Country singles in the last year, yet Spotify (and other music gatekeepers) perpetuate the myth that African-Americans don't create "real country music" despite African-Americans helping to create country music in the first place. This music culture theft started with segregated song lists and continues today with institutionally racist music algorithms that keep all of us away from great music. Music historian Mark Montgomery French will right this wrong, introduce you to exciting tunes, and dive deep into the talent and tales of unfairly obscured African-American Country artists. Plus, there will be jokes.