A Night for Linda Martell: Nashville Event Honors a Country Music Pioneer

(L to R: Dara Tucker, Amythyst Kiah, Blessing Offor, Saaneah; photo credit: 353 Media Group/NMAAM)
(L to R: Dara Tucker, Amythyst Kiah, Blessing Offor, Saaneah; photo credit: 353 Media Group/NMAAM)

A Night for Linda Martell: Nashville Event Honors a Country Music Pioneer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — On the evening of June 4, Sun Records and the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) came together to celebrate the music and legacy of Linda Martell—on her 84th birthday and in honor of Black Music Month and the 55th anniversary of her groundbreaking album Color Me Country.

Held at NMAAM’s Roots Theater, the evening featured a video tribute, a panel discussion, and live performances honoring Martell’s pioneering role in country music. The program included appearances by artists and advocates she inspired: Amythyst Kiah, Dara Tucker, Blessing Offor, Saaneah, and a video greeting from Rissi Palmer.

Acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Dara Tucker led a panel discussion on the experiences of making country music as Black artists, reflecting on how Linda Martell paved the way.

Guests also explored a special archival display featuring rare artifacts from the Sun Records vault, including original Color Me Country materials and memorabilia from Martell’s Grand Ole Opry debut.

“It was such an honor getting to celebrate the legendary Linda Martell, whose light is shining brighter than ever,” said Dara Tucker. “Leading a panel of intelligent, informed invested black creators who are all a product of Linda’s influence was truly a watershed moment for me.

Tucker continued, “This tribute gave me an excuse to dive into Linda’s songbook in a way that I never have before, and what a treat it was. Linda Martell has left an indelible mark on the world of country music, and her groundbreaking achievements will stand the test of time.”

"What an amazing night to get to celebrate and honor a woman whose legacy we are all standing on,” said Offor. “I was honored to be there."

“I am glad that Linda Martell is able to enjoy the flowers she’s receiving,” reflected Palmer.

In 1969, Linda Martell became the first Black woman to chart on country radio and the first to perform on the Grand Ole Opry—breaking barriers and rewriting the narrative of what country music could be. That same year, her rendition of “Color Him Father” became a Top 25 hit, launching a career that would shape generations of artists. The song peaked at #22 on Billboard's Hot Country chart. It was the highest position held by a Black woman for 55 years until 2024, when Beyonce debuted at #1 with "Texas Hold 'Em." Though Martell released only one album, it remains an important work in the country music canon.

Sun Records helped reintroduce Martell’s music to a new generation in 2022, when the label remastered and reissued her landmark Color Me Country album as part of its 70th-anniversary celebration. Originally released on Plantation Records, the album’s revival affirmed Martell’s enduring influence and deepened the label’s commitment to preserving her legacy.

This gathering marked a powerful moment of reflection and recognition for an artist whose legacy continues to resonate across generations.

To learn more about the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), visit www.nmaam.org.

Established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records is renowned for discovering music legends including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The label moved to Nashville in 1969 where it continued cultivating acclaimed artists Jeannie C. Riley, The Dixie Cups, Linda Martell, and many others. As a member of the newly-formed Sun Label Group under Primary Wave, Sun Records continues to foster musical innovation while honoring its rich history of shaping American music culture.

For more information, visit https://sunrecords.com.


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