Angel Taylor was featured as one of VH1's You Oughtta Know: Artists On The Rise in 2010. Taylor is a pop singer-songwriter based out of the Los Angeles area. Oh sure, she’s a Southern California native and her music is categorized as Soul and/or Pop. But there is no reason why her songs can’t be placed in the Country music genre.
If Capitol Records Nashville can sign on Darius Rucker (of “Hootie and the Blowfish” fame) as a country music artist, why shouldn’t Angel Taylor at least have her songs considered for the country music scene? Why don’t Angel Taylor and more black musicians promote their songs as country music? Should have, would have, could have- can’t, won’t, don’t?
I say “black”. African-American, if you prefer. But the singer doesn’t have to be an American. I'm a colored, Negro, black, African-(Bahamian)-American who has always enjoyed listening to country music. I used to watch the TV show “Hee Haw” faithfully and listen to Roy Clark and Buck Owens.
I know that I am on to something and I just wish that it would catch on fire and more people would realize that black folks singing country music is a GOLD MINE! I have to say it in a way that it translates into dollars and cents, otherwise the industry executives could care less about the great talent. That’s the nature of the business.
Country music is an awesome American music genre. Frankly, I don’t know why Charley Pride is the only black entertainer one who has managed to make a mark. The late genius Ray Charles said he started his career singing country music. Glen Campbell was one of my favorite singers. But we didn’t buy his records. Oh no! We bought the late Isaac Hayes and listened to his rendition of “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” on his album, “Hot Buttered Soul”. I had to settle for listening to Glen Campbell music on the radio or watch his TV show.
There isn't much more to say about the history of black country music in America. The facts are as follows:
- Past and Present: Charley Pride is the only recognized African-American in the country music industry.
- Present: Darius Rucker is (per Darius Rucker) singing the kind of music he likes to sing and Capitol Records placed their official genuine country music stamp of approval on his music by signing him to their record label.
- Future: Angel Taylor and other black artists are either going to cross over or begin their successful careers as country music singers. (Note 1)
So what is my point? My point is black people know they enjoy listening to country music. So why don’t more blacks sing country music? Why won’t more record labels sign blacks on as country music artists? Why don’t blacks promote themselves, not as “a new Charley Pride”, but as blacks who take pride and pleasure in singing country music with the same heart and soul that they sing pop, R&B, and gospel. Incorporating Bubba Sparks into a Timbaland video or having Whitney Houston sing a Dolly Parton song arranged by David Foster for a movie soundtrack is just not acceptable.
Others would seem to agree with me that Ms. Taylor should open all doors and expose a wider audience to her great talent. Last.fm, a music recommendation service, published a brief profile of Ms. Taylor. Check out their profile and scroll down to take a look at who they say are "Similar Artists": Last.fm Recommends Angel Taylor. This is what they see and hear; and I'm telling you what I see and hear
Motown has earned its place in American music history. Rap and Hip Hop are here to stay. We will never ever replace Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, the Mills Brothers and other notable artists like them. When I hear the voice of Mahalia Jackson sing a spiritual song, it still pierces my soul. And Tina Turner is always going to be my home-girl.
But I’m putting my two cents in for a young lady named Angel Taylor.
You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace.com; or visit her official website, AngelTaylorOnline. Her debut album, Angel Taylor - Love Travels enjoys wide circulation, especially via iTunes. So ladies and gentlemen. Here is her video I found at VEVO.com; pop/country/soul singer-songwriter Angel Taylor performing, “Like You Do”.
Note 1: (03/01/2011) Located an article of interest concerning blacks in country music after the initial publication of this article, about legendary "Harmonica Wizard", DeFord Bailey. A Black Star In Early Country Music
Note 2: Fellow Suite101 Writer Michelle Baugh explored the connection between rock and country music in her article titled Country Music and Its Place in Rock History: Early Country Music Greats Influenced the History of Rock n' Roll.
***** A Note of Appreciation: This was my first article for Suite101.com. Sincerest thanks to Lynn Coady for applying her much-needed editing expertise to the initial article draft, offering not only constructive criticism and pointers, but encouragement to a newbie writer.
Treathyl Fox - Renaissance woman Independent Investor. Home Business Entrepreneur. Freelance Writer. Articles cover diverse topics. (aka Cmoneyspinner)
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