Learn about Black Country before Beyoncé on February 12

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 6:30  to 7:30 pm, come to the Belle Haven Library (100 Terminal Avenue), to learn about “Black Country Before Beyoncé: The Secret History of African Americans in Country Music,” a humorous, highly immersive, and historically accurate talk that uncovers the African-American roots of Country, Folk, and Americana music.

Featuring: Charley Pride, Shaboozey, Lil Nas X, Ray Charles, Rhiannon Giddens, Deford Bailey, Linda Martell, Darius Rucker, Rissi Palmer, and more!

Beyoncé, Tracy Chapman, and Shaboozey have had recent number-one Country singles, yet Spotify (and other music gatekeepers) perpetuate the myth that African Americans don’t create “real country music”— despite African Americans having helped to create country music in the first place.

This music culture theft started with segregated song lists and continues today with institutionally racist music algorithms.

Music historian Mark Montgomery French will right this wrong, introduce you to exciting tunes, and dive deep into the talent and tales of unfairly obscured African American Country artists.

Plus, there will be jokes.

Photo provided by Menlo Park Library