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• Thu Apr 17 2025

Black male country singers like Kane Brown, Darius Rucker, and Mickey Guyton have proven that country music isn't just one sound or story. They've carved out space in a genre long seen as traditional and inspired a new generation to follow.

Kane Brown poses on the red carpet for the Formula One - 2025 season launch (L). Shaboozey (R) at the 2025 Coachella. Photos: Henry Nicholls/Katie Flores (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Key takeaways

Black male country singers like Kane Brown, Darius Rucker, and Mickey Guyton are reshaping the country music scene.

are reshaping the country music scene. Emerging talents like RVSHVD, Don Louis, and Shaboozey bring fresh energy to country music, drawing in new audiences and redefining the genre's sound.

bring fresh energy to country music, drawing in new audiences and redefining the genre's sound. Legendary figures like Charley Pride and DeFord Bailey laid the groundwork for future Black country artists.

List of black male country singers you need to listen to in 2025

Country music is seeing a change, with more African-American country singers stepping into the spotlight and making their mark. That said, below is a list of black male country singers redefining the genre excitingly.

Artist's name Record label(s) Kane Brown Zone 4, RCA Nashville RVSHVD Sumerian Records, Bars Gang, Sui Side/Bars Gang Charley Pride RCA Records, 16th Avenue, Music City Don Louis Money Myers Entertainment LLC Darius Rucker Atlantic, Hidden Beach, Capitol Nashville Breland Bad Realm, Atlantic Jimmy Allen Stoney Creek Willie Jones The Penthouse / EMPIRE Shaboozey Republic, Empire Aaron Neville Minit, Par-Lo, Curb Cowboy Troy Warner Bros, CTMC/Winding Road Trini Triggs MCG Shy Carter Epic Records Blanco Brown BBR, BMG DeFord Bailey RCA, Bluebird

1. Kane Brown

Kane Brown performs on stage on the opening night of The High Road Tour at Pechanga Arena. Photo: Daniel Knighton (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Date of birth : 21 October 1993

: 21 October 1993 Place of birth: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Kane Allen Brown is one of the most popular modern black country singers. He grew up in the rural parts of northwest Georgia and around Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is of mixed race, born to a white mother, Tabatha Brown, and an African-American father. In June 2015, he independently released his first EP, Closer, followed by the single Used to Love You Sober in October of the same year.

Brown remains a key figure in country music in 2025. He is recognised for his genre-blending style, which merges traditional country with R&B, pop, and hip-hop influences. This crossover appeal has helped him reach a broad audience. Songs such as What Ifs, Heaven, and Thank God have received wide acclaim for their emotional depth and innovative sound.

2. RVSHVD

Rvshvd performs onstage during day 1 of the 2024 Country Bay Music Festival at Miami Marine Stadium on November 09, 2024. Photo: Jason Koerner (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Date of birth : 7 September 1997

: 7 September 1997 Place of birth: Georgia

Clint Rashad Johnson is one of the best young black country singers. He is originally from the small town of Willacoochee, Georgia, and was introduced to music through gospel singing in church during his childhood. While he developed a strong interest in hip-hop early on, hearing Keith Urban's track Sweet Thing sparked his interest in country music.

His popularity rose when his country rendition of Roddy Ricch's Ballin gained viral attention on platforms such as Spotify, TikTok, and YouTube. Ever since, he has been recognised for offering a new voice within country music, shaped by his upbringing in a rural setting and diverse musical influences. His approach challenges the conventional boundaries of the genre, drawing in new audiences and resonating with fans through his background and sound.

3. Charley Pride

Charley Pride performs onstage during the The 54th Annual CMA Awards at Nashville?s Music City Center. Photo: Terry Wyatt (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Date of birth : 18 March 1934

: 18 March 1934 Place of birth: Dallas, Texas

Charley Frank Pride, who passed away on 12 December 2020, was an American country music artist who rose to prominence in the late 1960s. Originally from Mississippi, Pride came from modest circumstances and broke significant racial barriers in a genre historically dominated by white musicians.

He became the first Black artist to reach stardom in country music, securing 29 number-one singles between the 1960s and 1980s. Although he died in 2020, his contributions remain influential in 2025, as his achievements continue to pave the way for artists of colour and support ongoing efforts towards diversity and inclusion within the country music industry.

4. Don Louis

Don Louis poses for a photo. Photo: The Texas Standard

Source: Instagram

Date of birth : 27 June 1996

: 27 June 1996 Place of birth: Irving

Don Louis is one of the few budding black male country singers. He grew up on a 12-acre farm in Commerce, Texas. His background in rural Texas has had an evident influence on his music, which draws on real-life farm life experiences.

He has gained attention for his unique style, which merges elements of traditional country with sounds from rock, hip-hop, and R&B. Originally on track for a career in the NFL, Louis turned to music after a serious injury in 2020 ended his sporting ambitions.

5. Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker during the One805 Rock for First Responders concert at The Granada Theatre. Photo: Scott Dudelson (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Date of birth : 13 May 1966

: 13 May 1966 Place of birth: Charleston, South Carolina

Darius Rucker is a groundbreaking artist whose journey from the frontman of Hootie & the Blowfish to a chart-topping country music star has redefined what's possible in the genre. He shifted his focus from the band to country music, releasing his first solo country album, Learn to Live, in 2008. His move was considered significant not only for its commercial success but also for its broader cultural impact.

6. Breland

Breland at the Tubi Red Carpet during Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Photo: Christopher Polk (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Date of birth : 18 July 1995

: 18 July 1995 Place of birth: Burlington Township, New Jersey

Daniel Gerard Breland is professionally known as Breland. He first gained attention in 2019 by releasing his debut single, My Truck. His rise to prominence followed in 2020, primarily driven by traction on social media platforms. His body of work, including the album Cross Country and several EPs, combines rhythmic production, emotional lyrics, and top-tier vocal performance.

7. Jimmy Allen

Jimmie Allen attends Hollywood Unlocked's Fourth Annual Impact Awards. Photo: Robin L Marshall (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Date of birth : 18 June 1985

: 18 June 1985 Place of birth: Milton, Delaware

James Edward Allen, originally from Milton, Delaware, experienced significant challenges in his early career, including periods of homelessness while trying to establish himself in Nashville. Despite these setbacks, his determination eventually led to a breakthrough when his debut single, Best Shot, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. This achievement marked him as the first Black artist to top the chart with a debut release.

His success continued to build, and in 2021, he was named New Artist of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards, becoming only the second Black artist to receive that honour after Darius Rucker, who won in 2009.

8. Willie Jones

Willie Jones attends the 58th Annual CMA Awards at Music City Centre. Photo: Jason Kempin (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Date of birth : 23 September 1994

: 23 September 1994 Place of birth: Shreveport, Louisiana

At 17, Jones gained national recognition when he appeared on The X Factor, where both his stage presence and rich, emotive vocals drew significant attention. His career has since skyrocketed through a distinct blend of musical styles. His career start was marked by the release of well-received albums such as Right Now and Something to Dance To.

Jones has also worked with notable figures in the industry, including T.I. and Beyonc?. Most recently, he contributed to Beyonc?'s 2024 album, Cowboy Carter.

9. Shaboozey

Shaboozey performs at the Coachella Stage during the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at Empire Polo Club. Photo: Arturo Holmes (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Date of birth : 9 May 1995

: 9 May 1995 Place of birth: Woodbridge, Virginia

Shaboozey, born Collins Obinna Chibueze to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent, gained widespread attention in 2024 following the success of his single, A Bar Song (Tipsy). The track became a major hit, matching the record for the longest run at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with nineteen weeks. It also held the top position on the Hot Country Songs chart for over thirty weeks.

10. Aaron Neville

Aaron Neville performs during the Allen Toussaint Tribute at the 2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 50th Anniversary. Photo: Erika Goldring (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Date of birth : 24 January 1941

: 24 January 1941 Place of birth: New Orleans, Louisiana

Aaron Joseph Neville has been recognised for his unique tenor voice, which is marked by a smooth tone and strong vibrato. He has received five Grammy Awards for his work. Among his accolades is a Grammy for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, awarded for his duet, I Fall to Pieces, with Trisha Yearwood. This recognition placed him among the few Black musicians honoured in the country music category.

Neville has also been acknowledged for his lasting impact on the music industry. This has been particularly true of his ability to move across different musical styles while maintaining a genuine artistic identity.

11. Cowboy Troy

Cowboy Troy performs onstage for From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music box set and online experience. Photo: Jason Kempin (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Date of birth : 18 December 1970

: 18 December 1970 Place of birth: Victoria, Texas

Troy Coleman, better known as Cowboy Troy, was born on 18 December 1970 in Victoria, Texas. He rose to national attention in 2004 after featuring on Big & Rich's album, Horse of a Different Colour.

The following year, he released his debut album Loco Motive, which entered the Billboard Top Country Albums chart at number two. The album included tracks such as I Play Chicken with the Train, which received significant attention and contributed to his growing recognition in the country music scene.

12. Trini Tiggs

Date of birth : 5 August 1965

: 5 August 1965 Place of birth: Natchitoches, Louisiana

In 1998, Trini Tiggs released a self-titled album under MCG/Curb Records, with production handled by Chuck Howard and Anthony Smith. That same year, three tracks from the album entered the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, now known as Hot Country Songs.

Trini's sound has become popular for his smooth and soulful vocal style, often compared to Vince Gill's. Critics have also portrayed his energetic presence on stage and the strength of his live performances.

13. Shy Carter

Shy Carter arrives at the 65th Annual BMI Pop Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel. Photo: Leon Bennett (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Date of birth : 21 August 1984

: 21 August 1984 Place of birth: Memphis, Tennessee

Blake Anthony Carter, professionally known as Shy Carter, spent his early years in the suburbs of Atlanta before relocating to Memphis, Tennessee. While growing up, he played the saxophone during church services and later performed with various bands along Beale Street.

As a solo musician, he is recognised for singles such as Good Love and Beer with My Friends. These songs portrayed his distinctive vocal style and ability to blend multiple genres through melodic hooks.

14. Blanco Brown

Blanco Brown attends the 58th Annual CMA Awards at Music City Centre. Photo: Jason Davis (Modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Date of birth : 24 March 1985

: 24 March 1985 Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia

Blanco Brown, whose birth name is Bennie Julius Amey III, gained widespread recognition in 2019 with his single The Git Up. The track led the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for 12 consecutive weeks and sparked a viral dance trend worldwide.

Before his rise to fame, Amey grew up listening to country artists such as Johnny Cash. He later developed a unique musical style known as "TrailerTrap," which blends elements of country, hip-hop, R&B, and pop. His debut album, Honeysuckle & Lightning Bugs, showed his versatility as a producer, songwriter, and musician.

15. DeFord Bailey

DeFord Bailey poses for a photo. Photo: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Source: Instagram

Date of birth : 14 December 1899

: 14 December 1899 Place of birth: Smith County, Tennessee

DeFord Bailey is recognised as the first African American artist to gain prominence in country music and the first Black performer featured on the Grand Ole Opry. Referred to as the "Harmonica Wizard," he was widely praised for his exceptional harmonica skills, particularly his ability to mimic the sounds of trains, animals, and elements of daily life?techniques that captivated audiences during his performances.

Although he made significant contributions to the genre, Bailey faced racial discrimination throughout his career and was ultimately removed from the Opry in 1941. His influence on country music remained substantial, and in 2005, he was posthumously honoured with induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Final word

The rise of black male country singers is reshaping country music's narrative, proving that talent knows no colour or boundary. As more artists enter the spotlight, their stories and sounds continue diversifying and enriching the genre's legacy. From trailblazers to emerging voices, these musicians are not only making history?they're redefining it.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke