A recent History Happy Hour event in Jonesborough challenged longstanding misconceptions about country music’s origins and its association with racial exclusivity. Titled “Not Their First Rodeo: An Explanation of Black Country Music,” the session highlighted the significant yet often overlooked contributions of Black artists to the genre.
Typically defined as a style of American popular music rooted in the folk traditions of the Southeast and cowboy music of the West, country music is commonly associated with white performers. However, Rene’ Rodgers, head curator at The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, offered a broader perspective during her lecture.
Rodgers illuminated the African origins of many elements in country music, notably the banjo, which was created by enslaved Africans and their descendants in the Caribbean and colonial North America. This instrument, along with the rich musical traditions brought by slaves, played a crucial role in shaping the genre.
A key reference in Rodgers’ presentation was the painting “The Old Plantation,” an 18th-century American folk art watercolor from South Carolina. The painting offers a rare, authentic depiction of enslaved individuals and their musical practices, underscoring the historical depth of Black influence on country music.
Rodgers emphasized that the definition of country music is more inclusive than traditionally perceived, encompassing storytelling, community, and self-expression. Her presentation not only provided historical context but also celebrated the achievements of both past and present Black country music artists, asserting that the genre’s rich legacy transcends racial boundaries.
