For the “Live at the Hall” series, Rissi Palmer—a singer, songwriter, and host of Apple Music’s “Color Me Country”—talks about her life and career and performs “Summerville” and “Country Girl,” backed by Charles Newkirk on guitar.

Palmer debuted on the record charts with the single “Country Girl” in 2007, and is still one of the few Black female singers to place records on the “Billboard” country chart. The 2021 installment of “American Currents: State of the Music”—the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s annual exhibition focused on the most significant developments in country music over the previous year—recognized Palmer for “Color Me Country,” the bi-weekly radio show she hosts on Apple Music.

Palmer launched “Color Me Country” in 2020 to create a platform for Black and brown artists to share their music and stories. Guests on early episodes included Mickey Guyton, Miko Marks, Darius Rucker, Brittney Spencer, and the War and Treaty.

The first part of Palmer’s “Live at the Hall” interview—recorded at the Museum on July 29, 2021, with the Museum’s Michael Gray—centers on her early family life (including the inspiration for “Summerville”), her music influences, songwriting beginnings, and entry into the music business. Palmer discusses her interactions with hit R&B/pop producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who were interested in working with her before she released her debut album.

Later, Palmer shares the circumstances of her move to Nashville, her experience as a Black woman pursuing country music in Nashville, and why she ultimately left Music City. Palmer also talks about her motivations for creating “Color Me Country,” how pioneering Black country singer Linda Martell inspired the name of the radio show, and reactions to the show’s first year.

FOR MORE

Watch Bonus Tracks from Rissi Palmer's "Live at the Hall": https://watch.countrymusichalloffame.org/videos/rissi-palmer-bonus-tracks-live-at-the-hall-2021

Explore the Museum’s public programming: https://countrymusichalloffame.org/plan-your-visit/exhibits-activities/public-programs/

Learn about current exhibitions: https://countrymusichalloffame.org/current-exhibits/

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