Detroit is often synonymous with soul, funk, and blues, but Alice Randall’s new memoir shines a spotlight on a lesser-known narrative: the deep Black roots of country music. In her latest book, My Black Country: A Journey Through Country Music’s Black Past, Present, and Future, Randall explores the rich yet overlooked contributions of Black musicians to the genre.
Born in Detroit just before the rise of Motown in 1959, Randall went on to have a successful career as a songwriter for major American country artists. Her memoir delves into the intersection of Black music and country, offering a nuanced portrayal of the struggle, joy, and heritage woven into this shared history.
During a recent appearance on Created Equal, Randall reflected on how growing up in Detroit shaped her musical journey. “I was born in Detroit, Alabama because the part of Detroit that I was born in and raised in was straight out of Alabama, and so is country,” Randall said, highlighting the Southern influence in her upbringing.
Her memoir serves as an important reminder of the intertwined legacies of Black culture and country music, bringing attention to the often-ignored contributions of Black artists to the genre’s past, present, and future.
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