Looking at the changing face of country music as the Black Opry marks its one-year anniversary

In a time of racial reckoning, the Black Opry has resurfaced and re-centered a longstanding conversation about diversity — or lack thereof — in country music. It has also grown to include The Black Opry Revue, a touring musical showcase.

Black Opry founder Holly G. joins the show to discuss the organization as it celebrates its first anniversary. Also in conversation with Holly G. is singer-songwriter Frankie Staton, who led one of the Black Opry’s forebears – the Black Country Music Association – in the 1990s.

Also in this episode, you’ll hear from artists of color about how they navigate the changes within in the country music industry.

Guests:

• Holly G, founder of the Black Opry
• Derek Campbell, The Kentucky Gentlemen
• Frankie Staton, singer, songwriter and former director of the Black Country Music Association
• Amanda Marie Martinez, country music historian
• Benn Park, founder of Shoes Off Booking Agency