Picture it: It’s the night of the Super Bowl, and Beyoncé drops two major singles from what would become her album, Cowboy Carter. You, anticipating a country album and tour, are clueless about all things country culture, from fashion to the latest country hits. You begin to feel left out, but remember that articles like this are your friends for a reason.
If Beyoncé is your first real introduction to country culture and music, don’t be ashamed. NC has you covered country music’s fashion, music, and culture, starting with a few artists we think you should know. Before we transform you into the ultimate cowgirl, here are a few things to note.
Image Source: @blakelythornton
The country girl aesthetic is more than the cowgirl hat and rattlesnake boots. Cowgirl culture represents independence and adventure. It represents women carving out their legacy despite the agenda for the advancement of men. Think of small-town girls making great strides like Beyoncé breaking barriers in the country music genre.
If this sounds like you, we’ve outlined a quick rundown of some of the most iconic black artists at the forefront of the country genre. We’ve also featured some cool hair and fashion inspo sending you to those upcoming concerts in style.
Saddle up as we prepare you for black excellence.
1. Tanner Addell
Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BRELAND & Friends
Signed to Columbia Records in 2021, Tanner is mesmerizing with her unique voice and diverse sound as a self-taught instrumentalist. Embodying her Buckle Bunny persona, Tanner performs wearing a traditional black cowgirl hat. The cowgirl hat is a fashion trend that originated from women who worked on ranches in the Western Frontier. What was once used as protection and blockage from the sun is now worn to represent freedom and strength. Her hair is blonde and braided with a cute pink bow at the tail. She aces the theme of freedom with loose strands hanging past her modelesque neck.
2. Brittney Spencer
Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for CARE
Brittney’s feature on Cowboy Carter is a no-brainer, as her voice compliments the genre so angelically. She shines effortlessly wearing a half-up, half-down pony featuring big curls falling down her back and gracing her forehead into a bang. As a Maryland native, Brittney is flaunting her big vocals to compliment her big hair. Big hair became a big trend during the hairspray era in the 80s, and artists like Reba McEntire redefined “big” in the hairstyles we see today.
3. K. Michelle
Photo by Derek White/Getty Images
Originally introduced as an R&B artist, K. Michelle trotted onto the country genre effortlessly, as if this lane was curated just for her. The saying “The bigger the hair, the closer to God” places K. Michelle in the clouds as she takes us back to the 80s era of country music with this up-do. Her big and full high ponytail gives Dolly Parton the fullness and boldness of this extravagant style.
4. Linda Martell
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
The term “icon” is not used loosely, considering the major contributions of Linda Martell. She is the first black female artist to become a successful commercial country artist. Also featured on Cowboy Carter, Linda is captured rocking bangs hooded under a swoop that swoons into the perfect croissant bun.
This style is a cultural stamp amongst black women, yet Linda scores this look as if she invented the style herself. Looking closely, you will notice Linda wearing “bandana” styled patterns on her top. This style is a popular trend in cowgirl/cowboy culture today.
5. O.N.E The Duo
Image Source: @ONETHEDUO
This duo is one of one, debuting the first black country mom-and-daughter duo. Prana Supreme, the daughter of Rza from the iconic hip-hop group The Wu-Tang Clan, was raised with music as her origin story. The two combined their passions and made history. Tekitha (mom) was spotted wearing a high faux loc pony with Western Turquoise beads mixed between locs. The Western Turquoise Stone represents Navajo tradition, marking prosperity. Prana Supreme Diggs (daughter) is captured sporting full teased tresses.
6. Reyna Roberts
Scott Kirkland/DISNEY via Getty Images)REYNA ROBERTS
She hit the ground running as a sensation after a clip of her covering Carrie Underwood’s “Drinking Alone” went viral. Reyna Roberts is recognized for her amazing pen as a songwriter and songstress. Pictured at the 57th Country Music Awards, her red hair ablaze under a black wide-brimmed cowgirl hat coincides with her fiery red persona.
7. Allison Russell
Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Before her solo career, Allison introduced herself as a member of various music groups. Pairing her Canadian roots with her love for music, Allison has accomplished success in receiving Grammy recognition. Serving a buffet of elegance with her sleek knotless braids styled as a top bun. She is photographed at the Grammy’s with this simple, classy look complimenting her enchanting gold gown.
8. Mickey Guyton
Photo by Francis Specker/CBS via Getty Images
As a Texas native and OG country music diva, Mickey has dominated the country genre charts for over a decade. Upon signing up for Capitol Records, Mickey earned her spot on the charts, where she continued to drop hits. Mickey radiates at the 64th Grammy Awards, slaying a thigh-length low pony with colored accessories wrapped around her elongated braid.
9. Rissi Palmer
Photo by Terry Wyatt/WireImage
Not only is Miss Palmer a certified singer and songwriter, but she is also the host of Apple Music’s “Color Me Country Radio.” She easily weaves between both lanes while leveraging her hosting platform to acknowledge fellow country artists. Rissi is a trendsetter rocking this two-toned fro at the CMA’s. Rissi has a portion of her curls in the front dyed copper, contrasting well with her black curls.
10. Shaboozey
Image Source: @SHABOOZEY
We hope you didn’t think we were only showing love to the ladies in this thread. Shaboozey, another collaboration on Cowboy Carter, embraces his natural hair with light brown highlights on every wick. Shaboozey’s sound is unique as he combines both hip-hop and country genres, giving us the best of both worlds.
11. Chapel Hart
Image Source: @CHAPELHARTBAND
Originating from Mississippi, this trio delivers country music with attitude. They are the perfect example of sugar and spice and have the hair to prove it. This trio embodies their own styles individually, with Danica Hart (lead vocalist) rocking the traditional cowgirl hat, Devynn Hart styled wearing black deep wave tresses, and Trea Swindle slaying a short fade. Trea is also pictured wearing bedazzled fringe. Fringe is also significant in cowgirl culture as it was once a solution for cowboys in the West to avoid water absorption on threads or leather attire.
12. Camille Parker
Image Source: @IAMCAMILLEPARKER
Many of us were introduced to Camille via Apple TV’s music competition, “My Kind of Country.” She leveraged this platform for the success of her solo career, and now she is blazing to the charts in style. Camille Parker is a timeless beauty with her auburn-hued hair. Complimenting her bronze skin, Parker posted a photo rocking a bob full of loose curls.
13. Adia Victoria
Photo by Timothy Hiatt/WireImage
Singer, songwriter, and poet Adia is what one would call a triple entendre. She is everything but ordinary, with her free-falling hair resembling a style similar to that of music icon Jimmy Hendrix. Performing at a festival, Adia is sporting loose curled extensions and bangs towards the front to complete this look.
14. Rhiannon Giddens
Photo by Judith Burrows/Getty Images
Rhiannon Giddens gives the music a fun twist, incorporating the sounds of blues and folk music. This banjo queen keeps it simple and sleek. Loose curls with simple parting are perfect for her and her instrument.
15. Beyoncé Knowles Carter
Image Source: @BEYONCE
Last, Queen B needs no introduction as she slays her blonde hair with loose curls and a cowgirl hat. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, Western Turquoise necklace, and thigh-high boots, she is giving the ultimate cowgirl aesthetic. The Houston native helps redefine country music for black artists while promoting her critically acclaimed country album.
The country music icons featured above are mostly iconic because they pushed the boundary for how the masses would perceive country music today. These artists were bold enough to step into a genre that doesn’t always receive the most recognition in music. Not only did they successfully welcome a new era of country music, but they also emerged with a new era of style.
