Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Mickey Guyton’s ‘Black Like Me’ Shed Light On Inequality and Racism

Mickey Guyton's "Black Like Me"
by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

 A break from the usual country songs, Mickey Guyton’s “Black Like Me” touches on a more sensitive topic in our society. It’s not every day you get to hear songs about race in country music. Maybe in R&B or mainstream, but rarely in country. It led to Guyton stepping out of the shadow. She was the first Black woman in the country music scene who’s successfully made a name for herself.

Mickey Guyton’s Journey

When Mickey Guyton first signed a Nashville record deal, she has full respect for the industry. The American singer grew up in Texas listening to Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston. Soon, she worked hard to show how serious she was about making a name in the professional community. But, she faced the brutal reality of difficulty for a black woman to enter a genre that’s linked to the white.

Guyton became relentless in having to fit into the “standard.” She experienced twice the hardship for a Black person to align herself in country music. But, after many demoralizing years, the country singer created a new image for herself. She started to realize that embracing who she is making a big difference in her career.

At the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, she got nominated for a Best Country Solo Performance. And the first Black woman to make this accomplishment. The country singer said that she cannot think of any other song to make history. 

Story Behind ‘Black Like Me’

Together with Fraser Churchill, Nathan Chapman, and Emma Davidson Dillon, Mickey Guyton wrote the song ‘Black Like Me’ during the George Floyd protest back on June 2, 2020. The lyrics ask listeners to check the privilege given to them. The day of its release was on Blackout Tuesday, which further fueled its message. It wants to push everyone to act against racism and inequality.

Also, the historical song reflects on the racism Guyton encountered. The singer being the only Black woman signed under a major label (Capitol Records Nashville), it’s challenging to find success. They took the song title from the 1961 book of John Howard Griffin. He chronicled his experience when he darkened his white complexion. He made himself as a Black man and discovered how a true one is.

‘Black Like Me’ is a piano ballad that echoes not only Guyton’s life, but also other Black people. She has concluded her Grammy nomination as a testament never to give up and live your truth.

You can listen to the official audio here.

Latest Stories

Travis Tritt smiles in a black cowboy hat and shirt while performing "Good Ol' Boys" with a microphone in front of an American flag backdrop.

Travis Tritt Honors Waylon Jennings With Cover of “Good Ol’ Boys” Theme From The Dukes of Hazzard

Sometimes a song is so tied to a legend that when someone else picks it up, you’re half ready to wince, but then Travis Tritt walks up, tugs his hat ...

Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton perform together in a bar setting for their duet “A Song to Sing.

Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton’s “A Song to Sing” Duet Feels Like an Instant Classic

Sometimes country music gives you a line so pure it feels like it’s been here forever, and that’s exactly what Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton just pulled off with “A ...

Blake Shelton and Noah Cyrus standing side by side with microphones, performing their new country duet together.

Noah Cyrus Teams Up With Blake Shelton for New Country Duet and Fans Are Loving It

Sometimes country music needs a little shot of something wild, and Noah Cyrus just poured it straight into Blake Shelton’s glass. It’s not every day you see the Voice coach ...

George Strait performing on stage with his guitar and cowboy hat, pictured at a previous event not related to the upcoming Strait From the Heart benefit concert.

George Strait Will Play “Strait to the Heart” Benefit Concert to Raise Money for Flood Victims

Some kings wear crowns, some kings wear boots, and show up when the water’s rising. George Strait, the King of Country himself, is stepping up once again for the people ...

Blake Shelton smiles on stage with guitar and mic during Vegas show, putting his own spin on George Strait’s classic.

Blake Shelton Nails George Strait Classic With His Own Spin on “All My Ex’s Live in Texas”

Sometimes you don’t mess with a George Strait classic, unless you’re Blake Shelton standing under the Vegas lights with a grin that says you’re about to pay tribute and stir ...

Dolly Parton smiles during Khloé podcast interview, sitting by mic and lamp as she shares why she won't stop sharing faith.

Dolly Parton Says People Tell Her To Stop Talking About Her Faith But She Won’t Listen

If there’s one thing you can count on Dolly Parton for, it’s that she’ll say exactly what’s on her heart and not give a single rhinestone what anyone thinks. In ...

Little Mississippi boy in plaid shirt smiles at mic during preschool graduation where he recited New Testament books and sang a George Strait classic.

4-Year-Old Boy Recites New Testament Books Then Belts Out ‘All My Ex’s Live in Texas’

If there’s ever been a preschool graduation that screams “God bless the South,” this is it. Somewhere in Mississippi, a four-year-old kid just made the entire congregation beam with pride ...

Young George Strait smiling on stage playing guitar in 1987 when “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” hit No. 1 and proved he ran country.

On This Day in 1987, George Strait Hit No. 1 with ‘All My Ex’s Live in Texas’ and Proved He Ran Country

Sometimes a song just cements your throne forever, and for George Strait, it was a little tongue-in-cheek love letter that made every Texan proud to claim him as their king. ...

Scotty McCreery with his wife and both grandmothers, who he revealed passed away hours apart in a heartbreaking double loss.

Scotty McCreery Reveals Both His Grandmothers Died Hours Apart in Heartbreaking Double Loss

You just don’t see some country heartbreaks coming, and this one hit Scotty McCreery straight in the soul. This week, the North Carolina native and Opry favorite shared the gut-wrenching ...

Brooks & Dunn performing on stage together, fitting their story about admitting they struggled to get along for years.

Brooks and Dunn Admit They Struggled to Get Along for Years and Tried to Blow It Real Hard

Country music’s greatest duo was basically a bar fight waiting to happen. When Brooks & Dunn stormed out of the gate with “Brand New Man” in 1991, it looked like ...