NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The country music genre is rapidly evolving: incorporating hip-hop, rap, and pop. Artists like Don Louis are contributing to the continued growth of country music.
Louis spoke exclusively with News 2 about the future of country music and the realities of being a Black artist in that genre.
"It's a takes a lot of different avenues: Americana, blues, rock, hip hop," Senior Vice President of Operations for Nashville EMPIRE, Heather Vassar, said.
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Throughout the years, country music has evolved from guitars and harmonicas to include rap and pop, with artists like Beyoncé and Shaboozey entering the genre.
"I think obviously Beyoncé was able to shine a spotlight on artists that have not been normally given an opportunity so, but we've been in the game, and we know starting when we worked with Kane Brown from the very beginning," Vassar explained.
According to a report from SongData, of the more than 2,000 artists played on country radio stations from 2002 to 2020, only 1.5% were black, compared to 98% who were white.
Since 1964, only three black artists have been inducted into the Country Hall of Fame.
For up-and-coming artist Don Louis, that means a whole world of possibilities.
"It feels good to be bi-racial, so I fit in on both sides of the spectrum," Country Music Artist Don Louis expressed. "The way we are knocking out music. I don't think anyone has been able to replicate or do what I do ever, so it feels good to have the lane that I am stepping into right now."
East Texas singer and songwriter Don Louis learned to play the guitar in 2021 after he was told if he didn't learn to play an instrument, he wouldn't make it in this career.
Louis said that from there, it was about shaking hands and confidently walking into rooms.
"Now they can't stop me," Louis said. "Look at the opportunities. Look where I am performing. Look at the rooms I am walking into taking names. Look at who I am impressing at this point."
His hard work is making waves throughout his label EMPIRE, where musician Shaboozey is also signed. Louis told News 2 that as a proud bi-racial Texan, he enters the stage hoping people look past the color of his skin and appreciate him for his music and authenticity.
"When you hear me singing my song, and you really hear me, you don't just listen to it; you know we are not just putting out fluff," Louis said. "This is good country music."
"You should just see me as an artist," Louis explained. "It sucks that we have to see it that kind of way cause the light and scrutiny behind it is such an awful stigma."
Vassar said that adding every diverse voice to the genre only enhances storytelling and music.
"To bring people from all walks of life, culturally, racially, ethnically — like there is a common theme and that is great music," Vassar said. "That's what continues to expand country music: them continuing to tell their story and us just helping elevate and provide that framework for them to have fans to hear."
Don Louis will be playing at the Nashville Palace Friday night from 7-8:30 p.m. To check out Don Louis' music, click here.