Discovering Linda Martell: Country Music's Unsung Hero

Linda Martell is a name even many country music fans have not heard — until Friday (March 29), when Beyonce released her much-anticipated new country album, Cowboy Carter. Martell's name and voice appear in multiple places on this landmark project, igniting curiosity about who she is and why she matters in the country music scene. While many may be learning about her for the first time, fans who are well-versed in the history of country music recognize Martell as one of its most significant Black female pioneers.

Born Thelma Bynem in South Carolina in 1941, Martell discovered her love for singing at an early age. Growing up, she was influenced by the sounds of the Grand Ole Opry, which she listened to with her family. This early exposure to country music would shape her future and inspire her career.

Martell's journey into the music industry began with the formation of her vocal pop trio, initially called the Anglos, later rebranded as the Angelos. It was a local disc jockey who inspired her to adopt the stage name Linda Martell. Although the Angelos recorded several singles for reputable labels, they eventually disbanded, leaving Martell to forge her own path in the country music landscape.

Biography of Linda Martell

Attribute	Details
Name	Linda Martell
Birth Name	Thelma Bynem
Birth Date	1941
Birth Place	South Carolina, USA
Career Start	1960s
Notable Achievement	First commercially successful Black female in country music
Current Age	82

How Linda Martell Entered Country Music

Linda's entry into country music was facilitated by Nashville producer Shelby Singleton Jr., who recognized her potential and suggested a shift from R&B to country. Initially hesitant about this transition, she found common ground during the recording of "Color Him Father," a cover of a soul group's song that Singleton wanted her to transform with a country twist. This melding of genres became a hallmark of her work.

Martell described country music as having a unique ability to tell stories. In her words, "When you choose a song and you can feel it, that’s what made me feel great about what I was singing." Her passion for storytelling through music resonated with audiences and helped her carve a niche in a predominantly white industry.

Challenges Faced by Linda Martell

Despite her accomplishments, Martell faced an uphill battle against racism throughout her career. She experienced discrimination, from audience members hurling racial slurs to promoters canceling shows upon learning she was Black. Singleton's creation of Plantation Records, meant to support her work, raised eyebrows due to its name, which many saw as racially charged.

Martell's first album, Color Me Country, received critical acclaim but was not enough to sustain her career. Financial disputes between Singleton and her manager led to her being overshadowed by other artists, particularly white performers like Jeannie C. Riley. This shift in focus left Martell feeling marginalized, ultimately leading her to leave Singleton's label.

After a series of struggles, including being blackballed in the industry, Martell found herself stepping away from music. She took on various roles, including singing on cruise ships, managing a record store, and working with children with disabilities. As she reverted to her birth name, many in her everyday life were unaware of her past as a successful singer.

Linda Martell's Legacy and Recent Recognition

At 82, Linda Martell is experiencing a resurgence of interest in her life and career. Her influence was acknowledged when Rissi Palmer referenced her in the Color Me Country podcast. Additionally, Martell received the Equal Play Award at the 2021 CMT Music Awards, highlighting her groundbreaking contributions as a Black female artist in country music.

Martell's voice can be heard on two tracks from Beyonce's Cowboy Carter, titled "The Linda Martell Show" and "Spaghetti." These contributions serve as a tribute to her legacy and link her struggles in the music industry to Beyonce's own experiences as a Black artist in country music.

As new generations discover her work, efforts are underway to document her story through a GoFundMe campaign for a documentary titled Bad Case of the Country Blues. This project aims to ensure that Linda Martell's contributions to music and culture are recognized and celebrated for years to come.

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