Linda Martell: The Forgotten Pioneer of Black Women in Country Music

Many country music fans may not be familiar with the name Linda Martell, but she holds a significant place in the history of country music. Recently, on March 29th, Beyonce released her highly anticipated new country album, Cowboy Carter, which features Martell’s name and voice on multiple tracks. This has sparked interest in who Linda Martell is and why she matters.

Who is Linda Martell?

Born Thelma Bynem in South Carolina in 1941, Martell discovered her love for singing at a young age. Growing up, she listened to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio with her family, which influenced her country music roots. Initially part of a vocal pop trio called the Anglos, which later became the Angelos, Martell took on the name Linda Martell at the suggestion of a local disc jockey who saw potential in her music. Despite the early success of the Angelos, Linda Martell was just getting started on her musical journey.

Martell would go on to become the first commercially successful Black female in country music. However, due to the racial climate of the time, her name was largely forgotten in the following decades.

How Did Linda Martell Become a Country Singer?

Martell caught the attention of Nashville producer Shelby Singleton Jr., who saw a crossover appeal between the country and R&B music audiences. Encouraged by Singleton, Martell made the transition to country music, blending her R&B influences with the storytelling essence of country music. Her cover of “Color Him Father” reached No. 22 on the Billboard country charts in 1969, followed by several more successful country singles. Despite facing racism at every turn during her country music career, Martell persevered and even performed at the Grand Ole Opry multiple times.

However, Martell’s promising career took a downturn when her debut album, Color Me Country, was released in 1970. Financial disputes with her manager and producer Shelby Singleton Jr., who shifted his focus to another white artist, led to Martell’s departure and subsequent blackballing in the music industry. Her once bright career came to an abrupt end, with only a handful of singles and one album left as reminders of her contributions to country music.

Where is Linda Martell Now?

Now at 82 years old, Linda Martell has experienced a resurgence in interest in recent years. Awarded the Equal Play Award at the 2021 CMT Music Awards, Martell’s groundbreaking work in country music has been recognized and celebrated. She appears on Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter album on two tracks, “The Linda Martell Show” and “Spaghetti,” where she delivers voiceovers.

Beyonce’s inclusion of Martell on her album serves as a tribute to one of country music’s unsung pioneers and highlights the struggles faced by Black artists in the genre. Martell’s story resonates with Beyonce, who also faced backlash when she ventured into country music. The album also features other legendary artists such as Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, and Post Malone.

Quia Tarantino has launched a GoFundMe campaign for a documentary about Martell titled Bad Case of the Country Blues, aimed at helping the pioneering singer “own her story.” For more information and to contribute to the project, visit Martell’s website.

As we celebrate the legacy of Linda Martell, her contribution to country music, and her resilience in the face of adversity, it’s essential to recognize her as a trailblazer for Black women in the genre. Despite the challenges she faced, Martell’s passion for music continues to inspire and influence the next generation of artists.