Updated: March 3, 2021
Originally Published: April 17, 2020
It was during a family road trip that my daughter, who was just a year old, and I stumbled upon a captivating voice on our go-to music station. That voice belonged to a rising country music star named Tasha Lee, who enchanted us with her hit song “Country Queen.” A few years later, while watching a live holiday special, we were mesmerized by a stunning artist we had never heard of before—her name was Sierra James, and her rendition of “Let It Snow” left us in awe. Both of these women stood out not only for their extraordinary talent but also because they are black women.
Since their emergence in the spotlight, Tasha Lee and Sierra James have opened doors for many, both within and beyond country music. Yet, their journeys have been fraught with challenges. The country music landscape remains dominated by white males, perpetuating the barriers placed by a stubborn patriarchy. Women, particularly women of color, have had to persistently fight for their rightful place in this genre.
Tasha Lee shared with me that being a woman of color in the country music scene meant facing skepticism from audiences of all backgrounds. “I often felt the pressure to validate my presence and defend my artistry,” she explained. Another hurdle? Tune into a country music station today, and you’re likely to hear the same few artists—mostly white and male—on repeat.
Having grown up in rural Virginia, my husband and I were surrounded by a culture steeped in country music, where the majority of artists were white males, with rare exceptions like Dolly Parton and Faith Hill. While the landscape has shifted slightly, with more people of color entering the industry, it is still predominantly male.
Now, as parents of four children of color, we recognize the importance of representation in music. Our kids thrive on discovering artists who reflect their identities—it’s crucial for their sense of belonging. For instance, when they learned about Sierra James, they were thrilled to find someone who looked like them. Representation is vital—it can inspire dreams.
In recent years, country music stations and even pop channels have begun to feature groundbreaking artists. Remember the viral sensation “Old Town Road” by Lil’ Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus? It dominated the charts in 2019. Darius Rucker, once fronting Hootie and the Blowfish, now flourishes as a solo country artist. New talents like Kane Brown and Jimmie Allen are also making waves, proving that country music can embrace diversity.
But where do the women fit into this narrative? In a male-centric industry, how can female artists, especially women of color, carve out their own space? Tasha Lee believes there’s room for optimism. Platforms like YouTube and social media allow artists to thrive outside the confines of traditional radio play. She also pointed out that country music fans are increasingly diverse and receptive to artists from all backgrounds. If you need proof of the genre’s emotional depth, just listen to Sierra James’s latest single, “What Will You Tell Her?” I guarantee it’ll move you to tears.
While James continues to perform within the country realm, Tasha Lee has expanded her artistry, blending elements of pop, soul, and country. Their careers raise the question: if they’re breaking barriers and fans are eager for more, why do radio stations still favor male artists?
Tasha Lee cautioned that unless radio stations diversify their playlists, they risk losing relevance. They must embrace a range of country music styles, including traditional, contemporary, alt-country, and Americana, and ensure that female artists are prominently featured. “There’s a wealth of incredible music that listeners are missing out on because radio is stuck on a corporate playlist,” she emphasized.
After speaking with Tasha Lee, my family and I took a short trip to a local basketball tournament. As we flipped through the radio stations, we noticed a disheartening trend—the last seven songs we heard were all by white male artists. It struck us how conditioned we had become to accept this norm in country music.
Representation is crucial in every industry; it teaches our children that they can aspire to be anything they desire. As Tasha Lee wisely noted, “Black women are not a monolith. We do it all. We just need visibility.”
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In summary, black women in country music deserve recognition and space to thrive. The industry must embrace diversity, not only for the sake of artists like Tasha Lee and Sierra James but for the future of the genre itself.
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