Mickey Guyton, a trailblazer in country music, has been making strides in the predominantly white industry, becoming the first Black woman to co-host the Academy of Country Music Awards and the first solo artist to be nominated for a Grammy in a country music category. With a new album titled “House on Fire,” Guyton continues to be vocal about Blackness and identity in country music. The album explores themes of family, hometown culture, and personal life, set to dance-pop beats. Guyton sees the mainstream shift in country music as a positive development, noting that the genre is universal and relatable to everyone’s life experiences.
Having released the poignant and popular track “Black Like Me” during the George Floyd protests in 2020, Guyton’s authenticity and bravery continue to shine through in her music. She dedicated her album “Remember Her Name” to Breonna Taylor, tackling issues of racism and sexism. With her new album and accompanying tour, Guyton is ready for a new adventure in country music. “House on Fire” reflects her journey to becoming free, as she embraces her true self and shares her personal experiences as a wife and mother. Guyton hopes that listeners can take away the message that it’s okay to be who you are, as someone will love you for it.
Despite her success, Guyton acknowledges the challenges faced by Black artists in country music. A study found that only 1% of artists signed to the top three Nashville country music labels were Black, highlighting the lack of diversity in the industry. Guyton has been a vocal advocate for Black representation in country music and continues to push for change. She was disappointed to see Beyoncé, another Black artist making strides in country music, be virtually shut out of CMA Award nominations. Guyton hopes that the recent appreciation of Black artists in country music is not just a passing trend and encourages other artists of color to pursue country music.
Guyton’s recent years in her career have been marked by creating the music she wants and addressing race and social issues in her work. She has performed at high-profile events such as the 2024 Democratic National Convention and the U.S. Open Tennis Championships, using her platform to advocate for change and inspire others. Guyton appreciates the support she has received from fellow artists and fans and remains dedicated to using her platform to amplify marginalized voices in country music. As the industry continues to evolve and diversify, Guyton remains hopeful for the future of country music and encourages artists of all backgrounds to share their unique stories and perspectives through their music.
