INTERVIEW: HOLLY G

Anyone who’s listened to Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” featuring newcomer chart topper Shaboozey or recently watched the Christmas halftime show featuring Compton Cowboys and the first black rodeo queen, knows black country music hit the mainstream cultural zeitgeist in a big way in 2024. One person who knew its potential and always understood its cultural roots and significance is Black Opry founder Holly G. After not seeing herself being represented within the country music scene, she’s broken-down racial barriers since 2021 for black country artists in Nashville, a place with a documented history of racism and a storied rep for not being welcoming to those in the genre with brown skin.

I caught up with this country music disrupter earlier this year at 2024’s She Rocks Awards where she was honored with The Champion Award for her tireless impactful work, shining light on a community that’s been there all along and amplifying talented voices worthy of attention. Check out our red-carpet interview below where she explains why Black Opry exists, other artists we should listen to and describes WTF moments with Willie Nelson! Click HERE for more Black Opry info!