In Conversation With the Black Country Music Association and the Black Opry

Earlier this year, Black Opry founder Holly G and her co-director, Tanner Davenport, along with singer-songwriter Frankie Staton—who led the Black Country Music Association (BCMA) from the mid-1990s into the early 2000s—visited the Museum to discuss their organizations’ histories and impact, as well as their future goals for representation and expanding diversity and inclusion within the country music industry.

In this clip from the program, Frankie Staton recalls performing alongside members of the BCMA at fairs around the state of Tennessee. "What we drew at our showcases was right down the middle—generally, it was half Black, half white," she says. "And that made me know that people who want to support you will support you."

The BCMA is featured in this year’s installment of "American Currents: State of the Music" alongside the Black Opry, which continues the work of the BCMA. "American Currents," the annual Museum exhibition designed to offer perspective on country music's latest chapter, is open now through February 2024.

Watch the full program: https://watch.countrymusichalloffame….