Rhiannon Giddens, the talented two-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, is once again making waves in the realm of country music, but this time through a unique lens. On November 20, she officially announced her involvement in a compelling new project: a children’s book titled Color Me Country: A Celebration of Black Women Who Shaped Country Music. This book aims to highlight and celebrate the significant yet often overlooked contributions of Black women to the country music genre.
Giddens shared her excitement on Instagram, where she revealed the beautifully illustrated cover. The project was edited by Kelly McCartney and Rissi Palmer, and all proceeds from the book will benefit the Color Me Country Fund, which provides support for underrepresented voices in country music.
The title of the book pays homage to Linda Martell’s groundbreaking 1970 album Color Me Country, serving as a vibrant tribute to the Black women who have shaped and redefined country music. These women often operated within a genre that has historically marginalized their voices. Through their stories, the book showcases how they “defiantly loved a genre that didn’t always love them back,” exploring the barriers they’ve overcome while celebrating their artistry.
The book features profiles of iconic figures like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Tina Turner, Odetta, and Valerie June. These profiles have been written by journalists affiliated with the Rainey Day Fund, which aims to uplift marginalized voices within the roots and country music community. The synopsis emphasizes the book’s mission to inspire the next generation of artists, particularly young Black or brown girls, by encouraging them to lift their voices and pursue their dreams.
Giddens is no stranger to the country and folk music scene; she first rose to prominence in the late 2000s as a founding member of The Carolina Chocolate Drops, a Grammy-winning old-time string band. Her roots in North Carolina, coupled with her current transatlantic lifestyle between the U.S. and Ireland, have endowed her with a rich blend of tradition and storytelling. Throughout her career, Giddens has been instrumental in reclaiming space for Black women in these music genres, often infusing her performances with powerful messages of heritage and identity.
In the days leading up to the announcement, Giddens hinted at her deep engagement in an “all-encompassing” project. Sharing her thoughts through a separate Instagram post, she reflected on the personal significance of this endeavor. “We all grow, heal, and learn through the making of art,” she stated, highlighting her journey of self-discovery and empowerment, particularly as she enters a new chapter in her life. Giddens expressed her determination to embrace her power fully, both on stage and in her daily life.
Set to be released by Candlewick Studio on May 5, 2026, Color Me Country: A Celebration of Black Women Who Shaped Country Music promises to be much more than just a children’s book; it aims to be an educational tool that fosters awareness, appreciation, and inspiration, inviting readers to recognize the essential roles that Black women have played in shaping the sound of country music.