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Alice Randall speaks on My Black Country: A Journey Through Country Music’s Black Past, Present, and Future, part memoir, part history of Black Country music. My Black Country: The Songs of Alice Randall serves as our playlist.
This episode we’re catching up on all the new music and news! Click HERE for the playlist from this episode.
With all the world’s eyes watching country music, Rissi uses this opportunity to shine a light on the Black women of country music and their historic contributions, This is her own love letter to those who have passed, those who currently exist, and those of the future looking to the country music genre to become the place to tell their stories. The women discussed in this episode are as follows: Lil Hardin, Etta Baker, Elizabeth Cotten, Leona Douglas, Esther Phillips, Linda Martell, La Malle Prince, Candi Staton, Jo Ann Sweeney, Virginia Kirby, Barbara Cooper, Ruby Falls, The Pointer Sisters, Lenora Ross, the Supremes, Tina Turner, Millie Jackson, Nisha Jackson, Dona Mason, Frankie Staton, Rissi Palmer, Rhiannon Giddens, Mickey Guyton. Click HERE for the playlist for this episode.
Easily one of my favorite episodes we’ve ever done, Chris Molanphy, chart analyst and host of Slate’s Hit Parade podcast, and Dr Jada Watson, a professor of musicology and chart analyst. This part 1 of a two part series. Click HERE to listen to the playlist from the episode.
Rissi recognizes the women who inspire her. Click HERE for the playlist from this episode.
Brittney Spencer stops by to discuss her debut LP and the state of country music today. Click HERE for the playlist from this episode.
Rissi speaks with The Bros Fresh and Lilli Lewis stops by. Click HERE for the playlist from this episode.
Rissi introduces the Color Me Country Class of 2024: New Dangerfield, Rebecca Porter, and Mon Rovia. Click HERE for the playlist from the episode.
Rissi returns with new music for the new year! Click HERE for the playlist from this episode.
Last show of 2023. All my favorite Christmas songs!!! Click HERE for the playlist from this episode.
Closing 2023 with Tanner Adell and special guests. Click HERE for the playlist from this episode.
Lizz Wright stops by to debut her new single and discuss how she connects to her music. Click HERE for the playlist for the show.
Friend of the show, Raye Zaragoza, takes over and features her favorite Indigenous artists in honor of Indigenous Heritage Month. Click HERE for the playlist for the show.
We catch up with CMC Class of 2021 member, Camille Parker, who brings along her new EP, After the Whiskey. Mikhail Laxton drops by to discuss the inspiration behind his new album. Click HERE for the playlist from this episode.
Rissi updates the playlist with new music and chats with Roberta Lea about her new album, Too Much of a Woman, and Ashlie Amber comes by to drop off her new single, “Money”. Click HERE for the playlist from this episode.
Part 2 of a songwriter’s roundtable with hit writers Claude Kelly & Chuck Harmony (Louis York) and Laura Veltz. Click HERE for the playlist from this episode.
Part 1 of a songwriter’s roundtable with hit writers Claude Kelly & Chuck Harmony (Louis York) and Laura Veltz. Click HERE for the playlist from this episode.
Sacha takes over and plays motivational music for dreamers. Click HERE for the playlist.
Chapel Hart takesover a head of The Long Road festival Color Me Country Stage. Click HERE for the playlist from this episode.
Raye talks overcoming and self discovery in a new project. Click HERE for the playlist from this episode.
Michael B Whit takesover the show with an eclectic playlist. Click HERE for his playlist.
Playlist additions from Rissi’s Apple Music library and chats with Nathan Graham about his new single, “Pride”. Click HERE for the playlist from the show.
A look at the musical legacy of Tracy Chapman.
Rissi reestablishes the importance of Color Me Country and debuts new music from Imaj. Click HERE for the playlist of all the music featured in this episode.
Author Danyel Smith discusses her bestseller “Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop”, support for women of color in entertainment. Click HERE for the playlist of all the music featured in this episode.
Rissi celebrates the first ever Color Me Country Stage at CMAfest. Click HERE for the playlist of all the music featured in this episode.
Columnist Panama Jackson and Rissi talk gateway country music. Click HERE for the playlist of all the music featured in this episode.
Rissi talks to Mother-Daughter duos Huneyfire and O.N.E. The Duo. Click HERE for the playlist of all the music featured in this episode.
Rissi talks with artist/activist Brian Owens about “Soul of Cash” and finding a voice. You can hear the brilliant “Soul of Cash” album HERE.
Rissi talks to Dr. Dena Jennings and Hannah Mayree about the preservation and reclamation of the banjo. Click HERE for the playlist of all the music featured in this episode.
Rissi and Garrett McQueen, from the podcast Trilloquy, host a panel at the Ft. Worth African American Music Festival. Click HERE for the playlist of all the music featured in this episode.
Rissi introduces the Color Me Country’s Class of 2023: Denitia, Dzaki Sukarno, Alyssia Dominguez, & Michael Warren. Click HERE for the playlist of all the music featured in this episode.
Rissi honors the life, legacy, and music of Howdy Glenn. Click HERE for the playlist of all the music featured in this episode.
Rissi talks with blues musician Buffalo Nichols. Click HERE for the playlist of all the music featured in this episode.
Rissi catches up with the Class of 2022 artists. Click HERE for the playlist of all the music featured in this episode.
Rissi covers new music, cajun music roots, and culture. Click HERE for the playlist of all the music featured in this episode.
Rissi’s holiday season begins with holiday classics and collabs. Click HERE for the playlist of all the music heard on this episode.
Rissi picks new music additions for part 3!!! Click HERE for the playlist of this episode.
Americana artist Tami Neilson speaks on her new album, Kingmaker, as well as motherhood and the music business. Click HERE to hear all the music from this episode.
Rissi sits down with Francesca T. Royster to discuss her new book, Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions. Click HERE for all the music featured in this episode.
Color Me Country is hosted by the founder of the Black Opry, Holly G. Check out her playlist HERE.
BRELAND talks his new album “Cross Country”. You can hear the whole album HERE.
Rissi brings Color Me Country to the UK at the Long Road Festival. Hear the playlist from this episode HERE.
Valerie Ponzio shares the importance of family and culture. Hear her personal playlist HERE.
Rissi is back with Part 2 of her favorite music. Hear the playlist from this episode HERE.
Charly Lowry tells her story of music and cultural influences. Click HERE to hear her personal playlist.
Camille Parker details her most inspiring women in music. Click HERE to hear her personal playlist.
Rissi plays all the music she currently has on shuffle. Click HERE to hear the music of episode 50.
The energy filled band Chapel Hart takeover the show! Click HERE for all the music from their personal playlist.
Rissi talks with 2019 IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year, Trey Wellington, and UK Americana Sensation, Misty River. Click HERE to hear the music of episode 49.
Miko Marks tells her ever-evolving story through music. Click HERE for her personal playlist.
Rhiannon Giddens talks country fiddle and country representation. Click HERE to hear the music of episode 48.
In anticipation of the Color Me Country stage at The Long Road Festival in the UK in August, each artist I’m bringing with me will be hosting a Color Me Country Radio Takeover!!! We kick it off with Madeline Edwards! Click HERE for the playlist.
This episode of Color Me Country Radio with Rissi Palmer features her phenomenal interview with The Shannon Sanders. Click HERE for the playlist for Episode 47.
Rissi sits down with journalist and author, Marissa R. Moss, to discuss her new book, How the Women of Country Music Became the Success They Were Never Supposed to Be. Click HERE for the playlist for Episode 46.
On this very special episode of Color Me Country, Rissi is joined by your daughter Grace and Nova who interview her for Mother’s Day. Rissi takes time to acknowledge the passing of country music superstar and one of her biggest supporters, Naomi Judd. Click HERE to hear the songs of Episode 45.
Rissi pops into the Ft. Worth African American Roots Music Fest and chats with Kaia Kater, festival founder Brandi Waller-Pace, Justin Robinson (formerly of the Carolina Chocolate Drops), and Jake Blount. You can hear the music of episode 44 HERE.
Rissi talks to Latinx Country Artists Frank Ray and Kat & Alex. Click HERE to hear the music of episode 43.
Rissi speaks to author and professor, Tressie McMillan Cottom. Click HERE to hear the music of episode 42.
Rissi interviews Indigenous country/Americana artists Don Amero and Kyle McKearney. Stardust Red Bow also stops by to discuss her father, country pioneer, actor, and Indigenous activist, Buddy Red Bow. Click HERE to hear the music of episode 41.
Rissi speaks with notable songwriters, Anthony Smith, Cameron Bedell, Levon Gray, & Alice Randall, in Music City. Click HERE to hear the music of episode 39.
In this 1 hour special, writer, Tom Roland helps Rissi deep dive into Ray’s 1962 country album, hailed by Time Magazine as “one of the greatest albums of all time”.
Rissi interviews writer Elamin Abdelmahmoud and singer-songwriter Jason Isbell. Click HERE to hear the music of episode 37.
Rissi interviews the class of 2022 country music artists: (top left to right) Tony Evans Jr., Joy Clark, Madeline Edwards, Michael B. Whit, Julia Cannon, & Tae Lewis. Click HERE to hear the music of episode 36.
Miko and Rissi discuss the highs of 2021. Click HERE to hear the music of Episode 35.
Taped in front of a live audience at NC State University in Raleigh, NC, Rissi interviews Indigenous artists and activists, Charly Lowry and Roger Dale. Click HERE for the music of Episode 34 playlist.
Rissi interviews Black Country music content creators: Country Clippings, Also Pod, The Black Opry, Country Brothers, and Views from the 615. Click HERE for the music of Episode 33 playlist.
Rissi spotlights Indigenous folk and country music artists, Raye Zaragoza & Desiree Dorion. Click HERE for the music Episode 32 playlist.
Willie Jones, Chiyanti, Rvshvd, and Dani Wright drop by to chat about Country & Hip Hop. Click HERE for the music of Episode 31 playlist.
Yola GOES IN with Rissi delving into her “grandiose homage to everything great about 70’s Pop – cleverly hidden messages, lush production, catchy pop melodies – and most importantly Yola as the centerpiece to it all. Click HERE for the music of Episode 30 playlist.
Rissi discusses writing songs with the past and the spiritual in mind with Country duo Granville Automatic and progressive folk duo Violet Bell. Click HERE for the music of Episode 29 playlist.
In celebration of her new album, Remember Her Name, Mickey Guyton and Rissi discuss rediscovery, mental health, inclusivity and trust.
We explore the origins, contributions, and legacies of Freddy Fender and Johnny Rodriguez, Country’s first Latinx Superstars, with musicologist/Tejano artist Veronique Medrano and Country music historian Amanda Martinez. Together we ponder what their careers mean in the present context of Country’s “racial awakening. Click HERE for the music of Episode 27 playlist.
Season 1 finale! Rissi and her production team discuss and celebrate the first season of Color Me Country. Click HERE for the music of Episode 26 playlist.
Allison Russell and Valerie June talk the power of joy in the face of adversity. Click HERE for the music of Episode 25 playlist.
JOHNNYSWIM joins to discuss their journey, life, and family. Click HERE for the music of Episode 24 playlist.
The Shires and Lady Nade discuss making Country and Americana music from the UK. Click HERE for the music of Episode 23 playlist.
Petrella and Anita Pointer join Rissi to share their stories. Click HERE for the music of Episode 22 playlist.
D’Orjay and Delila come to discuss their music and lives. Click HERE for the music of Episode 21 playlist.
Marquia Thompson, the granddaughter of our patron saint, Linda Martell, stops by to discuss growing up with a pioneer for a grandmother as well as the family’s efforts to have Linda’s story told. You can contribute to the gofundme to make the Linda Martell Documentary a reality by clicking HERE.
Shellie R. Warren joins to talk about the thin line between Country and R&B. Click HERE for the music of Episode 19 playlist.
Queen Esther & Dom Flemons discuss history, black cowboys, and where to find Wakanda. Click HERE to hear the music from episode 18.
Lizzie No on Folk music and her upbringing. Click HERE for the music of Episode 17 playlist.
Star De Azlan and Leah Turner share their Latin heritage and experiences in Country music. Click HERE for the music of Episode 16 playlist.
The singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, Kaia Kater, on songwriting, the banjo, and race. Click HERE for the music of Episode 15 playlist.
This Episode centers around the Black Country Music Association (BCMA) which was founded in the 90s but unfortunately was relatively short-lived. However in the few years it was active, it rose to prominence in the country music space. Rissi speaks with Cleve Francis, a heart surgeon turned country music artist and founder of the association, Frankie Staton, who took over the association and was directly responsible for its successes, and Valierie Hawkins, one of the artists who performed with the association in its heyday. They all talk a bit about themselves, their time with the association, and their ideas about what a BCMA would look like in 2021.Click HERE for the music of Episode 14 playlist.
Country music scholars Dr. Jada Watson and Amanda Martinez join Rissi to for a crash course on the history of American country music as it pertains to radio airplay, charts, and industry gatekeeping along racial, gender, and political lines. Click HERE for the music of Episode 13 playlist.
Rissi invites Andrea Williams, Maren Morris, and Cam on to discuss the state of country music. Click HERE for the music of Episode 12 playlist.
Marcus Dowling joins Rissi to honor the legacy of Charley Pride. Click HERE for the music of Episode 11 playlist.
Rissi introduces her first ever Color Me Country™ Class of 2021 pt. 1: (from left to right) Ashlie Amber, Karen McCormick, Camille Parker, Katheryn Shipley, & Julie Williams. Click HERE for the music of Episode 10 playlist.
Rising Stars Valerie Ponzio & Sacha talk music and activism. Click HERE for the music of Episode 9 playlist.
Joe West on Sarge & Shirley, and The War & Treaty stop by. Click HERE for the music of Episode 7 playlist.
Darius Rucker talks CMAs, Country Music history, and race in America. Click HERE for the music of episode 6 playlist
Chapel Hart & Brittney Spencer talk new music and recent success. Click HERE for the music of episode 5 playlist
Kamara Thomas on finding community, poetry, and healing in music. Click HERE for the music of episode 4 playlist
Crystal Shawanda on trailblazing and responsibility within music. Click HERE for the music of episode 3 playlist
Miko Marks talks artistry, gatekeeping, and the joy of self love. Click HERE for the music of episode 2 playlist
Rissi talks Linda Martell & how Color Me Country™ came to be. Click HERE for the episode 1 music playlist