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

Jon Batiste performs a jazz-infused rendition of the national anthem at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, honoring his Louisiana roots.

Jon Batiste Delivers Unique Super Bowl National Anthem Performance

Jon Batiste delivered a uniquely soulful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl LIX, infusing the national anthem with the unmistakable spirit of his Louisiana roots. The seven-time Grammy ...

2025 CMT Music Awards Cancelled

Why Were the 2025 CMT Music Awards Canceled? The Truth Revealed

Country music fans will have to mark a different night on their calendars this year. The 2025 CMT Music Awards have been officially canceled, leaving many wondering what led to ...

Darius Rucker announces he's now living in London, sparking curiosity among fans about whether the move is permanent and the reasons behind his life change.

Darius Rucker Reveals He’s No Longer Living in the U.S.

Darius Rucker and the American South go hand in hand. Whether it’s Hootie & The Blowfish’s “Cracked Rear View” playing at a summer cookout or “Wagon Wheel” blasting from the ...

Country singer Andrew Millsaps shares how his fiancée ended their engagement via text before a show, inspiring him to channel the heartbreak into new music.

Country Singer Andrew Millsaps Got Dumped in the Worst Way Possible—Right Before a Show

Breakups are never easy, but some are downright brutal. For country singer Andrew Millsaps, the heartbreak hit at the worst possible time—while he was on stage. The Neon Union vocalist ...

Rascal Flatts and the Jonas Brothers collaborate on 'I Dare You,' a powerful heartbreak anthem, ahead of Rascal Flatts' 25th Anniversary Life Is a Highway Tour.

Rascal Flatts and Jonas Brothers Collaborate on New Song “I Dare You”

Rascal Flatts may have built their legacy on heartfelt country anthems. Still, their latest collaboration proves they’re not afraid to shake things up. The iconic trio has teamed up with ...

Cody Johnson opens up about learning to be romantic with his wife, Brandi, after 15 years of marriage, emphasizing the importance of simple gestures.

Cody Johnson Shares How He Learned to Be Romantic With His Wife Brandi

Cody Johnson might be a country music powerhouse, but he’s just a husband trying to get it right at home. Married to his wife, Brandi, since 2008, Johnson has spent ...

Luke Bryan Says Beyonce Is The Greatest Singer Of All Time

Luke Bryan Just Called Beyoncé “The Greatest Singer of Our Lifetime”

Luke Bryan poured gasoline on an already blazing fire by calling Beyoncé “the greatest singer in our lifetime.” As Cowboy Carter continues to divide country music fans, Bryan’s comments feel ...

At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Beyoncé, dressed in a champagne-colored gown, sits wide-eyed and open-mouthed in her seat, displaying visible shock as Taylor Swift announces her as the winner for Best Country Album. In the background, Kacey Musgraves, wearing a white tank top, claps with a neutral expression, her face showing no visible emotion.

The Real Reason Beyoncé Won a Grammy for Best Country Album

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter winning Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys was never about the music. It was about power, control, and pushing an agenda unrelated to country music. The ...

Whoopi Goldberg passionately defends Beyoncé's Grammy win for Best Country Album on 'The View.' Seated at the show's panel, Goldberg gestures emphatically, her expression animated as she addresses the camera. She wears a patterned blouse and round glasses, conveying determination. Co-hosts listen attentively, and the studio backdrop features 'The View' logo. Goldberg's body language underscores her firm stance against critics of Beyoncé's achievement.

Whoopi Goldberg Sides With Beyoncé’s Country Grammy Win and Tells Critics to “Sit Down”

Whoopi Goldberg has a long history of running her mouth without understanding the issue. Still, this time, she’s stomping all over country music like it’s just another Hollywood punchline. On ...

Wynonna Judd raising her granddaughter Kaliyah as her daughter Grace Kelley navigates ongoing legal challenges.

Wynonna Judd Reveals She’s Raising Her Granddaughter After Daughter’s Legal Troubles

In two weeks, Wynonna Judd’s world changed forever. She lost her mother. She became a grandmother. And somewhere in the middle of grief and joy, she stepped into a role ...