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 was a wonderfully done story about Black country music. It was written perfectly and had everything that I enjoyed about the historical elements of this. It had everything that I was looking for and glad I got to read this.

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.