The Alabama Library Association Multicultural Information Round Table presents a webinar celebrating Black History Month: “African American Covers of Country Music BEFORE Ray Charles” on Wednesday, February 25 at 2 – 3 p.m. Central Time. The presenter is Dr. Tim Dodge, History, Political Science, Economics, and Theatre and Dance Librarian, Auburn University.
In early 1962 famed Soul/R. & B./Jazz star Ray Charles recorded his “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music” against the wishes of his record company. The album and several spun-off single releases was a resounding success that, in effect, made it “legitimate” for African Americans to record country music ultimately leading to the success of such artists as Charley Pride and, more recently, Beyonce’ and Shaboozey. However, African American interest in and participation in country music long predates Ray Charles’s musical and cultural breakthrough.
While much music history scholarship has looked at the major influence of African American popular music and recordings on white country music, very little has, so far, explored the reverse influence. The musical exchange was not all one-way. This webinar will explore African American covers of records first made by white country artists and will help confirm that African Americans were an important, if usually unacknowledged, part of the country music scene from the early 1920’s when the American record industry first began marketing popular music according to the racial categories of “race music” and “hillbilly music.” The reality has always been more complicated.
Zoom link:
Tim Dodge is inviting you to a scheduled Auburn University Zoom e-meeting. If you're a new participant, we have a quick start guide here: https://aub.ie/zoomquickstart
Topic: ALLA MCIRT Webinar: African American Covers of Country Music before Ray Charles
Time: Feb 25, 2026 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://auburn.zoom.us/j/82848426228
Connect using Computer/Device audio if possible.
Or Telephone: Meeting ID: 828 4842 6228
Dial: +1 301 715 8592 (US Toll)
or +1 305 224 1968 (US Toll)
Or an H.323/SIP room system:
H.323: 144.195.19.161 (US West) or 206.247.11.121 (US East)
Meeting ID: 828 4842 6228
SIP: 82848426228@zoomcrc.com
Tim Dodge
Moderator
Multicultural Information Round Table
Alabama Library Association
