Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond Alice Randall
Mar 25, 2025
Alice Randall, a country music songwriter and bestselling author, shares her journey through the genre in her new memoir, 'My Black Country.' She discusses the powerful influence of Motown on her music and highlights the rich, yet often overlooked, contributions of Black artists to country music. Randall reflects on her personal battles, including a cancer diagnosis, and the emotional resonance of storytelling in song. With insights into the art of collaboration and the importance of diverse narratives, she advocates for a deeper understanding of country music's roots.
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First Country Song
- Alice Randall wrote her first country song at age four or five while sitting in a cherry tree.
- The song, "Daddy Don't Go in That Bar," was inspired by her father leaving her in the car outside bars.
Studying Lyrics
- As a young songwriter, Alice Randall would stay up all night listening to country radio and transcribe the lyrics.
- She studied the lyrics of songs like Red Bandana, analyzing their structure, themes, and references to other songs.
Challenging the Narrative
- Alice Randall's book challenges the prevailing narrative of country music as a white art form.
- She argues that country music has always had Black influences, even if they have been historically ignored or erased.
