“From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music” offers a musical history of African-Americans who toiled in the genre. Warner Bros. released the three-disc, 60-song set in 1998. It is a project of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Featured performers include:
DeFord Bailey: It took country music until 2005 to enshrine Bailey. In the 1920s and ’30s he was one of the first major stars on the Grand Ole Opry. A versatile musician, he has influenced generations of harmonica players.
Listen: “Legendary: Country Music’s First Black Superstar.”
Charley Pride: This one-time professional baseball player climbed to the top of the country mountain. No longer a superstar, he still tours, releases albums and performs on the Opry.
Listen: “Charley Pride – 24 Greatest Hits.”
Stoney Edwards: Pride says Edwards had the purest country voice of all the black acts. He was often compared to Merle Haggard.
Listen: “Poor Folks Stick Together: The Best of Stoney Edwards.”
Big Al Downing: This Oklahoman sang almost very genre of music except opera. Soul and blues laid a heavy influence on his country.
Listen: “Big Al Downing.”
Dobie Gray: A successful pop singer, Gray switched to country and won fans. But his real success in the genre came as a songwriter.
Listen: “Best of Dobie Gray.” – Ed Will
