Linda Martell
- First Name
- Linda
- Last Name
- Martell
- Additional Name
- Thelma Bynem
- Date of Birth
- June 4, 1941
- Place of Birth
- South Carolina
- Notable Work
- Color Me Country (1970); Featured on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter (2024)
Although she isn’t a star on the magnitude of the other names Linda Martell left a sizable mark on country music. Released in 1970, her sole album, Color Me Country, was the first major release by a Black female artist in country. A mix of honky-tonk spunk and heartbreak balladry, all infused with her roots in gospel and R&B, the album spawned three country hits and led to Martell becoming the first solo Black woman country artist to play the Grand Ole Opry. During that time, she also appeared on the hugely popular syndicated country variety show Hee Haw and shared stages with country artists like Hank Snow and Waylon Jennings.
Those may not seem like huge victories in the context of 2024, but back then, Martell’s mere presence was historic. But as much as Martell shattered a glass ceiling in country, her moment would prove to be fleeting. She relocated to Nashville, but on the road, she endured occasional taunts from country fans unaccustomed to seeing a Black woman onstage, singing country songs.
In the last few years, Martell has finally started receiving her due. She is featured on Beyoncé’s 2024 album Cowboy Carter (along with other country luminaries like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton) introducing two tracks on the album, “Spaghetti” and “The Linda Martell Show.” — David Browne