All this week, 9513 is running a series of columns on the African-American experience in country music. This column is brought to us by a guest writer, by Bobby Reed- Chicago Sun Times contributor and freelance writer.Scores of African-American artists have focused on country music over the years. Here's a brief look at some of them from the past and present:
DeFord Bailey -- The harmonica virtuoso was one of the Grand Ole Opry's biggest stars in the Depression era. He was inducted posthumously into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.
Big Al Downing -- The multitalented Downing recorded R&B, country, rockabilly and even disco songs. His country peak came in 1978-80, when he charted with "Mr. Jones,'' "Touch Me'' and "Bring it on Home.'' Downing died on July 4, 2005.
Stoney Edwards -- The late singer-songwriter recorded five albums for Capitol and had hits with "She's My Rock'' and "Hank and Lefty Raised My Country Soul.''
Ruby Falls -- A native Tennessean and onetime resident of Milwaukee, the late Falls had nine charting hits between 1974 and 1979, including "You've Got to Mend this Heartache.''
Cleve Francis -- Cardiologist Francis left his medical practice to pursue a career in country music. He released three albums for Liberty in the '90s. He continues to perform today.
Dobie Gray -- Best known for the pop smash "Drift Away,'' Gray released charting country singles in the mid-'80s, including "From Where I Stand.'' That song provided the title for the three-disc box set "From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music,'' released in 1998 by Warner Bros. Gray sings on blues belter Shemekia Copeland's 2005 album "The Soul Truth.''
Linda Martell -- The first African-American woman to sing at the Grand Ole Opry, Martell had a Top 25 hit with "Color Him Father'' in 1969.
O.B. McClinton -- The late singer released albums on Enterprise (a division of Stax) and Epic. He had a big hit in 1973 with "Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You.''
Alice Randall -- This songwriter's compositions include the Judy Rodman hit "Girls Ride Horses, Too'' and Trisha Yearwood's No. 1 smash "XXX's and OOO's (An American Girl).''
Carl Ray -- A native Texan, Ray has performed at Nashville's famous Bluebird Cafe and in Switzerland. He has recorded a track with David Ball, which should appear on Ray's forthcoming album.
James Sharp -- Based in Atlanta, Sharp has performed in Nashville and Branson, Mo. He appeared in a recent TV ad for Cargill promoting barbeque pork.
Trini Triggs -- Signed to Curb in the '90s, Triggs had a hit single with "Straight Tequila.'' He is a guest vocalist on the Bellamy Brothers' 2005 album "Angels & Outlaws, Vol. 1.''
Darius Rucker-- Today's leading man of country music came from rock roots with Hootie & The Blowfish, but four straight top ten hits make him one of the most successful debuts in country music history.
Other oddities and missteps
The list of black artists who have recorded country music includes some surprising trivia.
In 1965, the same year the Supremes topped the pop charts with "Stop! In the Name of Love," Motown released the LP "The Supremes Sing Country Western & Pop."
The Pointer Sisters' "Fairy-tale" won them a 1974 Grammy award for best country vocal performance by a duo or group.
Sammy Davis Jr. cut a 1982 album called "Closest of Friends," which has been reissued on CD under various titles, including "Sammy in Nashville: Great Country Standards."
Michael and Janet's marginally talented sister, LaToya Jackson, flopped with her 1994 album "From Nashville to You."
Most bizarre of all is the 1970 album "Louis 'Country and Western' Armstrong," which was produced by Cowboy Jack Clement. The disc is considered a forgettable novelty among many jazz aficionados.
Clement has always regretted the poor quality of the album. He has spent years recording new instrumental backing and merging it with Louis Armstrong's original vocals.
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