Tennessee native K. Michelle, known for her versatile musical influences from Whitney Houston to The Judds, has signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. With six albums under her belt, including her 2013 debut Rebellious Soul and 2016’s More Issues Than Vogue, Michelle is now transitioning from R&B to country music. Her 2023 album I’m The Problem marked her final R&B project, paving the way for her debut country album featuring songs like “Tennessee” and her alter-ego, Puddin.
Michelle’s signing coincides with a notable rise of Black artists in country music. Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” recently topped Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and dominated the Hot 100, showcasing the growing influence of Black artists in the genre. Shaboozey, along with other Black country musicians like Willie Jones, Brittney Spencer, and Tiera Kennedy, were highlighted in Beyoncé’s country-influenced Cowboy Carter project. Beyoncé’s own “Texas Hold ‘Em” also led the Hot Country Songs chart for 10 weeks, further emphasizing the expanding diversity within country music.
