Rissi Palmer

Rissi Palmer made history in 2007 with her breakthrough single "Country Girl" from her self-titled debut
album, becoming the first Black female country artist to chart on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart
in 19 years. Over 17 years later, Rissi’s debut album has earned its place in music history, with SPIN
Magazine recognizing it as one of “Ten Essential Albums by Black Artists” in 2024.
A trailblazer for Black women in country music, Palmer has since independently released three albums,
including Revival (2019), which was named one of Rolling Stone's “Top 25 Country-Soul Albums of All
Time.” Her discography also includes the Back Porch Sessions EP (2015) and the children's album Best
Day Ever.
In addition to her music, Palmer hosts Color Me Country Radio with Rissi Palmer, where she challenges
stereotypes about people of color in country music. She is also the founder of the Color Me Country
Artist Grant Fund, a nonprofit supporting emerging artists of color.
Her influence extends beyond the stage. In 2023, she was featured in PBS’s American Masters: In The
Making series, and the documentary Rissi Palmer: STILL HERE offered fans an intimate look at her life on
tour, her creative process, and balancing family with career.
A prominent figure in both Country and Americana music, Palmer has performed at prestigious venues
such as The White House, the Grand Ole Opry, Lincoln Center, and the Apollo Theater, and has appeared
on Good Morning America, CBS Mornings, Entertainment Tonight, and PBS NewsHour. Her work has
been recognized by The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Essence, Vibe, Washington Post and more.
Rissi has earned widespread recognition for her groundbreaking contributions to the music industry. In
2022, she was honored by Forbes as one of the "15 Black Artists Redefining Country Music" and was
featured in the GRAMMY Museum’s Power of Women in Country Music exhibit. That same year, Palmer
received two GRAMMY nominations for her contributions to children’s albums. In 2021, she was
included in Rolling Stone’s Future 25 list, highlighting her influence in the music industry, and in 2024,
she was celebrated as one of Billboard's Country Power Players. Palmer has also received prestigious
accolades like the SONA Warrior Award and the Icon Award, both recognizing her pioneering spirit and
excellence in music. Most recently, in 2025, she was honored with the ACM Lift Every Voice Award for
her advocacy in amplifying underrepresented voices and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in
country music.
As one of only nine Black female artists to chart on Billboard’s Country Charts, Rissi Palmer continues to
influence the music world. She tours both nationally and internationally, serves as a special
correspondent for CMT Hot 20 Countdown, and is a Governor at the Recording Academy Nashville.