My Black Country is part memoir, part discussion of the past, present, and future of Black country which the author gives her definition of early on in the book. Randall describes her journey as a Black woman writing country music including the process of her chart topping song XXX’s and OOO’s. For fans of country music it’s really satisfying seeing the mentions of prominent country singers show up in this story. Additionally, Randall has an interesting life that fits well with the memoir parts. She also does well in bringing forward the stories of other Black people in country. Overall, I would recommend this book to fans of country music and those who want to know more about the experiences of Black women in the genre.

I enjoyed reading this memoir from Alice Randall about her experiences in the music industry, and specifically the country music industry. There is also a companion CD that I have on hold with the library.

I was very excited by the premise of this and the topic is fascinating but I was put-off by the repetitiveness of the writing. This is a memoir rather than a history book and it is written as though the reader already knows a lot about the author’s life.

thank you to netgalley and atria books for this copy to review.
half memoir half history lesson this book took me on a journey through the author’s life and through the history of people who were erased from history books and museums. i was unable to put this down my whole read. i practically read this in one sitting. there was no point that dragged down the pacing. each discovery and reveal of the way black people have had their credit and livelihood snatched away from them kept me thirsting for more history and knowledge. the author frames these lessons with her own story and how country music, specifically black country music, shaped her life every step of the way. this was an enjoyable and educating read.

This release could not have come at a better time! With Beyoncé's country era in full swing, My Black Country gave me such lovely knowledge about the history of Black people in country music. I'm excited to see how this book continues bringing awareness to the Black people that are pillars of country music. I really enjoyed Alice Randall's writing and am so glad I got to enjoy this book! Thank you so much to Atria/Black Privilege Publishing, Alice Randall and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

This book brought to light so many interesting tidbits of country music’s history. Specifically, it's Black roots and Black influences over time. From the start of country to country music today, from well-known to little-known artists, including songwriters and singers both male and female this book provides plenty of ah-ha moments. If you enjoy country music but don’t know its full history….this is a must read book.

In a time when Beyoncé is topping country charts, My Black Country, offers a wonderful mix of memoir and music history from a career songwriter who was the first Black woman to cowrite a number one country hit. She explores her influences as well as her research on a “first family of Black country music,” spotlighting: DeFord Bailey, Lil Hardin, Ray Charles, Charley Pride and Herb Jeffries and celebrating the deep Black roots of in Country music. Don’t miss the companion album, My Black Country: The Songs of Alice Randall featuring a whose who of black country and Americana artists including Allison Russell, Rhiannon Giddens, Adia Victoria, SistaStrings.