Country is a broad musical category that includes elements of folk, bluegrass and blues. Love it or hate it, the genre is about as quintessentially American as apple pie.

Though white men in cowboy hats might be the first thing many people envision when they think of country music, Black country singers have been making their mark on the genre from the beginning. Here we’ll take a look at some of the major contributions Black artists have had to country music, as well as the genre’s pioneers and some of the undeniable talent making waves today.

Contributions of Black country music singers

Let’s start with some ways Black musicians have contributed to the genre of country music over the years.

Unique perspectives and experiences

Black musicians in country are able to offer unique perspectives that other artists in the genre just can’t channel with the same level of authenticity. Country music’s deep connections to the American South, for example, take on different resonances in the hands of Black artists.

Outside their music, many Black country singers have also spoken explicitly about how race has shaped their music and their careers. Darius Rucker, for example, has talked frequently about his experience as a Black man in the predominantly white country music industry.

Breaking stereotypes

Black country artists such as Yola, Brittney Spencer and Tanner Adell are challenging stereotypes in the genre. Yola uses a “genre-fluid” approach to defy traditional categorizations, bringing elements of rock, Americana and even disco into her music.

Spencer and Adell, in particular, have worked to use their platforms to provide representation for young Black women in country. They both actively speak out on social media about the difficulties of being Black in country music, saying that doesn’t mean you have to change who you are to succeed.

Redefining the genre

Black people bring a certain flavor to every genre they touch, including country.

Blanco Brown and Lil Nas X masterfully merge country with hip-hop. Chart-topping hits such as Blanco’s “The Git Up” and Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” defy genre norms while staying true to their roots. There’s now a whole new wave of “country rap” taking over the music industry that’s likely to shape conceptions of the genre for generations to come.

Of course, we can’t forget about Bey’s Cowboy Carter album. This album sports features from Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and even the latest country sensation, Shaboozey. She expertly blends traditional country music with her signature R&B style and even became the first Black woman with a No. 1 country album.

Influence on future generations

These new subgenres of country are now significantly influencing future generations. Jimmie Allen uses his lane to rap about Black excellence within the country aesthetic. Willie Jones advocates for diversity within his unique style of music. 

Lil Nas X has opened a plethora of doors for increased representation in country music. He has not only influenced Black artists, but he’s helped create an entire lane for LGBTQ+ artists in music as a whole.

Pioneers of Black country music

Now let’s explore some of the musicians who paved the way for Black artists in country, while shaping the sound of country music as a whole.

DeFord Bailey

A pioneering Black country music artist, Bailey was the first African-American star of the Grand Ole Opry. He was a master harmonica player as well, with incredible rhythm and tone control. His performances in the 1920s and ’30s showcased the harmonica’s versatility in country music. Despite facing racial discrimination, his influence opened the door for future Black artists in the genre.

Charley Pride

Charley Pride was an absolute trailblazer in country music. He smashed through racial barriers to achieve immense success in the 1960s. He went on to become a huge country star in the 1970s, with 29 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country charts and winning three Grammys. His smooth baritone voice, coupled with his heartfelt performances, solidified his legacy as a pioneering figure in the game.

Contemporary Black country singers

In recent years, Black artists have been driving country back into the mainstream and changing the landscape of the music industry as a whole. Here are a few who are making a big splash.

Kane Brown

Kane Brown started his rise to fame doing a cover of George Strait’s “Check Yes or No” on social media that went viral. He’s known for his blend of country, R&B and pop. These influences are shown heavily in his chart-topping singles such as “What Ifs” and “Heaven.”

Mickey Guyton

Mickey Guyton has been an outspoken advocate for diversity in country music from the start of her career. Her song “Black Like Me,” released during the George Floyd protests, highlights her personal experiences with racism. This became a powerful anthem that earned her a Grammy nod, making her the first Black woman to be nominated for a solo country performance.

Notable Black artists in country music

Additionally, there are some names that may surprise you that are huge influences on country music as a whole.

Ray Charles

Most people don’t instantly think of Ray Charles as a country artist. However, he significantly influenced country music with his groundbreaking album “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music” in 1962. It blended elements of R&B, jazz and pop into country to shatter both racial and genre barriers. Charles’ willingness to cross genres paved the way for future artists to blend different types of music with country.

Linda Martell

As the first Black female solo artist to play at the Grand Ole Opry, Linda Martell is kind of a hidden gem of country music. She brought an especially unique perspective to the world of country with her song “Color Him Father.” This song details her stepdad who stepped in and cared for her and her six siblings along with her mother after her dad didn’t make it back from combat.

Tina Turner

Similar to Ray, Tina Turner isn’t commonly synonymous with country music. Nonetheless, in addition to her career in pop, she recorded a ton of country music alongside her husband, Ike, and even released a full country album. She was well on her way to country greatness and left her unique mark on the genre before her untimely passing.

Darius Rucker

The No. 1 Black country music star in the world got his start in a rock band called Hootie and the Blowfish. They achieved wide mainstream success until 2008, when Darius decided to go solo. He started topping the charts on his own, surpassing even his previous band’s success. His cover of “Wagon Wheel” became a massive hit, ranked one of the top five most popular country songs ever.

Lil Nas X

Last but certainly not least, the most successful artist on the Billboard Hot 100 of all time. Lil Nas X has not only shifted country music, but the entire music industry. The success of his hit single “Old Town Road” has radically shifted genre expectations, shaking off stereotypical notions of country as highly traditional and resistant to change, and inspiring Black and LGBTQ+ artists to bring their own influences to country music.

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In a thrilling encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid secured their fourth consecutive win by overcoming Espanyol 4-1. Despite an unfortunate own goal by Thibaut Courtois in the 54th minute, Carlo Ancelotti’s men produced a dominant performance, with goals from Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo, Vinícius Jr., and Kylian Mbappé to seal another crucial three points.

A Fast-Paced Start

Real Madrid began the game in commanding fashion, showing intent from the opening minutes. Within 11 minutes, the team nearly found the back of the net twice. Fran García’s pinpoint cross was skillfully nodded by Arda Güler into the path of Mbappé, but the Frenchman’s effort was saved by Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García. Moments later, Éder Militão’s powerful header from a corner narrowly missed the target.

Chances Galore

Madrid continued to press, with Mbappé leading the charge and causing chaos in Espanyol’s defense. In the 21st minute, the French forward connected well with Rodrygo but was again denied by the excellent Joan García. Just a minute later, Luka Modrić played a perfectly timed ball to Mbappé, but his left-footed strike was parried by the in-form Espanyol keeper.

Espanyol’s Fortuitous Opener

The second half began with Real Madrid still on the front foot, as Mbappé threatened again with a sharp turn and shot. However, Espanyol managed to create danger of their own with long-range efforts, as Jofre’s shot deflected off Militão and flew just over the bar. The visitors’ pressure paid off when, in the 54th minute, a cross from Jofre struck Courtois’ heel and ended up in the back of the net for a surprising own goal.

Madrid’s Impressive Comeback

Real Madrid’s response was swift and emphatic. Just four minutes after conceding, Fede Valverde’s fierce shot was deflected, but Jude Bellingham’s persistence allowed him to retrieve the ball and deliver a low cross into the path of Dani Carvajal, who slammed it home from close range to level the score at 1-1.

Madrid’s momentum continued to build, and in the 75th minute, a stunning piece of skill from Vinícius Jr. saw him provide a perfectly placed assist with the outside of his boot, leaving Rodrygo with an easy finish to make it 2-1. The floodgates opened, and just four minutes later, Mbappé set up Vinícius Jr., who beat the goalkeeper one-on-one to extend the lead.

Mbappé on the Scoresheet Again

With the game winding down, Mbappé got the goal his performance deserved. In the final minute of regulation, he calmly converted a penalty after Espanyol’s C. Romero brought down Endrick in the box. The French forward has now scored in all four of Madrid’s recent victories, netting five goals in the last four matches.

Real Madrid’s win solidifies their position at the top of La Liga, with Ancelotti’s side continuing to show resilience and firepower. With Mbappé in fine form and contributions from across the squad, the team looks ready to take on the challenges ahead.

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While his break-out role is arguably Tommy Egan in the “Power” series, Joseph Sikora‘s acting credits date back to the 80s. As a child, Sikora even appeared in a commercial that starred musical icon Michael Jackson. Find out more about television, film and stage star Joseph Sikora below.

Joseph Sikora’s Personal Life

Jospeh Sikora is part Dutch and Polish, though he was born in Chicago. He has two brothers and was interested in acting early on. His post-secondary education and his early teen industry credits demonstrate acting is a career he chased as doggedly as Tommy Egan chased retribution in the fictional world of the “Power” series. Sikora attended the Theater School at DePaul University before graduating in 1998 from Columbia College in Chicago.

Sikora generally keeps his personal life private — a common approach for many actors and actresses who don’t want their spouses, romantic lives or children to become fodder for the tabloid news or social media grind.

Despite his commitment to staying under the radar, it’s public knowledge that Sikora is married to Tania Ribalow, an award-winning make-up artist. Sikora married Ribalow in 2014 after they met and fell in love on the set of “Boardwalk Empire.” The wedding was a private affair and most people didn’t realize the two were married until Sikora revealed the fact four years later on social media — an impressive accomplishment in an era where many celebrities aren’t low-key.

Whether or not Sikora is a parent is not something the public knows. As of mid-2024, there isn’t news or a record of Sikora having children of his own. 

Joseph Sikora’s Career

While Sikora did land some minor acting roles as a teenager, he wasn’t a breakout child star. His early roles tended to be one-episode stints in television series, though he did appear in some notable shows. Some of his earliest appearances include one-episode roles on shows like “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” “Walker, Texas Ranger” and “Frasier.” He also had minor roles in films including “Rudy” and “My Best Friend’s Wedding.”

This trend continued throughout his adult career. Sikora has credits on shows including “Grey’s Anatomy”, “ER”, “NYPD Blue” and several of the CSI franchise, just to name a few. If there was a major television drama in the aughts, it seems like Sikora appeared in at least one episode. He also showed up in “Dollhouse,” “Lost,” “Prison Break,” “Without a Trace,” “JAG” and “Monk.” During the same time, he continued to garner small roles in feature films, including “Charlie Wilson’s War” and “Shutter Island.” 

Sikora has acted in diverse roles, including in comedies, though he’s become known for gritty, realistic appearances in suspense and crime stories. He’s had roles as both law enforcement officers and the criminals they chase.

Sikora also put his theater knowledge and skills to work by appearing on stage in various shows during this time. But making it in Hollywood can sometimes be a marathon, not a sprint, and Sikora’s own career journey reflects this. He showed up in one- or two-episode roles on numerous television shows, including “White Collar,” “Boardwalk Empire” and “The Good Wife.” He also earned a few small roles in feature films, including “Jack Reacher.”

It wasn’t until he landed the role of Tommy Egan in “Power” that he got his big break. From 2014 to 2020, Sikora has credits in 63 episodes. This HBO-series spawned spinoffs “Power Book II: Ghost” and “Power Book IV: Force,” and Sikora reprised his role in both. In “Force,” Tommy Egan is the main character, allowing Sikora to step his career up even further. 

Going beyond “Tommy”

Sikora and others have confirmed the end of spinoff series “Power Book IV: Force.” In statements about the story, the team says the show has run its course. However, Sikora has said this isn’t the end of the character “Tommy” and that there are other concepts in the works.

As far as other projects, the Internet Movie Data Base says that Sikora has a credit in a project called “Atypical Pirate,” which is in post-production as of August 2024. Sikora also has some small writing and directing credits in his past, and with the success of his breakout acting role, it’s possible that he may flex his other creative muscles again soon.

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Yo, anime fans! The awesome news is here – Season 2 of “Kinnikuman Perfect Origin Arc” is officially hitting our screens in January 2025!

Remember that epic clash between the Seigi/Akuma Chojin and those crazy Perfect Large Numbers at the Tottori Sand Dunes? Season 2 is gonna take things to the next level!

This season dives deeper into the legendary “Kinnikuman” franchise, originally created by the tag-team Yudetamago (Takashi Shimada and Yoshinori Nakai). The original manga was a monster hit back in 1979, selling over 77 million copies – that’s a whole lotta wrestling love!

Production I.G is flexing their animation muscles for the “Perfect Origin Arc” anime. The crew is top-notch, with Akira Sato directing, Makoto Fukami handling the series composition, Hirotaka Marufuji designing the characters, and Yasuharu Takanashi pumping up the soundtrack.

Mamoru Miyano is back to voice our favorite muscle-bound hero, Kinnikuman, and Akira Kamiya is reprising his roles as Kinniku Mayumi and Prince Kamehame. The opening theme is a collab between Yasuharu Takanashi and the rock band FLOW, guaranteed to get you hyped. Mamoru Miyano even sings the ending theme AND the theme song for the special Episode 0 – that’s some serious dedication!

Calling all Kinnikuman trivia nerds! There’s still time to enter Part 2 of the Quick Quiz Giveaway Campaign on MyAnimeList. It runs until October 3rd, so head over here and test your knowledge! You could win some seriously cool prizes, like a script signed by Mamoru Miyano himself or a limited edition Kinnikuman T-shirt.

Get ready to rumble, Chojin fans! We’ll keep you posted on all the juicy details as Season 2 approaches. 2025 can’t come soon enough for more epic battles in the Tottori Sand Dunes!

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Some of the officers were part of a group so willing to use excessive force they called themselves the Goon Squad. All six were sentenced in March, receiving terms of 10 to 40 years.

The charges followed an Associated Press investigation in March 2023 that linked some of the officers to at least four violent encounters since 2019 that left two Black men dead.

“The concerns about the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department did not end with the demise of the Goon Squad,” Clarke said Thursday.

The Justice Department has received information about other troubling incidents, including deputies overusing stun guns, entering homes unlawfully, using “shocking racial slurs” and employing “dangerous, cruel tactics to assault people in their custody,” Clarke said.

The attacks on Jenkins and Parker began on Jan. 24, 2023, with a racist call for extrajudicial violence, according to federal prosecutors. A white person phoned Deputy Brett McAlpin and complained that two Black men were staying with a white woman at a house in Braxton.

Once inside the home, the officers handcuffed Jenkins and Parker and poured milk, alcohol and chocolate syrup over their faces while mocking them with racial slurs. They forced them to strip naked and shower together to conceal the mess. They mocked the victims with racial slurs and assaulted them with sex objects.

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Locals saw in the grisly details of the case echoes of Mississippi’s history of racist atrocities by people in authority. The difference this time is that those who abused their power paid a steep price for their crimes, attorneys for the victims have said.

In addition to McAlpin, the others convicted were former deputies Christian Dedmon, Hunter Elward, Jeffrey Middleton and Daniel Opdyke and former Richland police officer Joshua Hartfield.

U.S. District Judge Tom Lee called the former officers’ actions “egregious and despicable” and imposed sentences near the top of federal guidelines for five of the six.

“The depravity of the crimes committed by these defendants cannot be overstated,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said after the sentencing.

Malik Shabazz and Trent Walker, the attorneys for Jenkins and Parker, said in a statement Thursday that Rankin County has a “long and extremely violent legacy of departmental abuse under Sheriff Bryan Bailey” and that they applaud the Justice Department for opening the civil rights investigation

“This is a first, critical step in cleaning up the Sheriff’s Department and holding Rankin County legally accountable for the years of constitutional violations against its citizenry,” Shabazz and Walker said. “All of this took place because, despite innumerable warnings, Rankin County and Sheriff Bailey belligerently refused to properly monitor and supervise this rogue department.”

The Rankin County Sheriff’s Department is the 11th law enforcement agency in the U.S. to come under a Justice Department investigation since 2021, Clarke said.

The U.S. attorney for the southern district of Mississippi, Todd Gee, said text messages between Goon Squad members, including officers who were not present during the January 2023 assault, showed that deputies “routinely discussed extreme, unnecessary uses of force and other ways to dehumanize residents of Rankin County.” He said deputies shared a video of an officer defecating in the home of one resident.

“In Mississippi and throughout the nation, we have learned over and over that real change in civil rights sometimes requires us to dig up the past, tell painful facts and offer new ways of doing things,” Gee said. “We intend for this investigation to do that same work in Rankin County.”

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Travis Scott has made a historic leap on the Billboard 200, as his 2014 project DAYS BEFORE RODEO claims the #1 spot for the first time. The mixtape, which was never commercially released until now, makes an impressive debut on the chart, shooting up 105 positions with a staggering 156,000 units sold, including 150,000 in pure album sales. The album also shattered a decades-long record by earning the biggest US vinyl sales week since Luminate began tracking sales in 1991, with 149,000 vinyl copies sold.

Right behind Scott is Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet at #2, pulling in 108,000 units. The album, which held the #1 spot for three consecutive weeks, continues to show strong performance, further cementing Carpenter’s status as a pop powerhouse.

Chappell Roan’s The Rise & Fall of a Midwest Princess maintains its hold at #3 on the Billboard 200 with 64,000 units, after peaking at #2 in previous weeks. Roan’s album has steadily climbed the charts, showcasing her growing fanbase and critical acclaim.

The rest of the top 10 saw some shuffling this week. Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion drops two spots to #4 with 60,000 units, bringing its total sales to 579,000 since release. Morgan Wallen’s One Thing At A Time slips one spot to #5 with 52,000 units, adding to its massive 7.5 million units sold since release. Taylor Swift’s THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT also drops a spot to #6, selling 51,000 units this week for a total of 5.6 million units since its debut.

Eminem’s The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) makes a notable comeback into the top 10, vaulting 35 spots to land at #7 with 48,000 units (24,000 in pure sales). The album had previously debuted at #1, and this resurgence highlights its continued relevance.

Billie Eilish’s HIT ME HARD AND SOFT slides two spots to #8 with 44,000 units, while Noah Kahan’s Stick Season holds firm at #9 with 38,000 units, adding to its 3 million total units sold. Zach Bryan’s The Great American Bar Scene rounds out the top 10, falling three spots to #10 with 38,000 units, bringing its total sales to 688,000.

Despite early predictions, Paris Hilton’s latest release Infinite Icon did not make the top 10 this week, though it sold over 45,000 units. Its official chart placement is expected to be revealed tomorrow.

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Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson is shining brighter than ever! The WNBA announced on Sunday that Wilson has been named the 2024 MVP, and she earned the prestigious honor in unanimous fashion. This is her third MVP award, tying her with legends Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson for the most MVP titles in league history. Wilson’s incredible season left no room for doubt, as she received all 67 first-place votes, becoming the first unanimous MVP since Cynthia Cooper in 1997.

After a narrow miss last season, Wilson delivered an absolutely unforgettable performance this summer, putting together one of the most dominant individual seasons the league has ever seen. She not only became the first player to score 1,000 points in a season but also shattered the single-season rebounding record. With a scoring average of 26.9 points per game, she broke Diana Taurasi’s long-standing mark and made WNBA history once again.

Wilson’s list of accomplishments this season is nothing short of astounding. She became the first player ever to lead the league in points, rebounds, and blocks in the same season. Along the way, she set the record for consecutive 20-point games (15!) and cemented her place as the Aces’ all-time franchise leader in both points and rebounds.

Across 38 games, Wilson averaged 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.58 blocks, and 1.79 steals per game—all career highs. She ranked first in points and blocks, second in rebounds, and was among the top five in steals and minutes. Her sixth All-Star appearance, four Western Conference Player of the Month honors, and leading Team USA to gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was named MVP, were all part of her incredible journey.

This season wasn’t without its challenges for the Aces. With Candace Parker’s surprise retirement and Chelsea Gray sidelined with an injury, Wilson’s leadership and two-way dominance kept the team strong. The Aces powered through the second half of the season, winning nine of their last 10 games to finish 27-13 and secure the No. 4 seed. Now, their quest for a historic threepeat begins with a first-round matchup against the Seattle Storm.

As A’ja Wilson celebrates this well-deserved honor, the basketball world can’t help but applaud her awe-inspiring accomplishments. Rounding out the top five in the MVP vote were Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier, New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart, Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, and Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas, each also putting together amazing seasons.

With her third MVP trophy in hand and the playoffs ahead, Wilson’s legacy is only just beginning.

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