Mickey Guyton has become a trailblazing force in country music. Her journey from singing in Texas church choirs to earning Grammy nominations and performing at the Super Bowl is a testament to her talent and perseverance.
From Candace to Mickey: A Texas-Sized Dream
Growing up as Candace in Crawford, Texas, Mickey Guyton found her passion for music in church. Her parents, serving as deacon and deaconess, unknowingly laid the foundation for her future career.
Guyton recalls, “We spent a lot of time in the church, and that was the music that we’d sing.” However, it was Whitney Houston’s rendition of the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXV that truly inspired her.
She adds, “That was my introduction to music. There was a young person that sounded like a grown woman singing. I didn’t care what genre it was. I just wanted to be her.”
Breaking Barriers in Nashville’s Country Scene
Despite her love for country music, Guyton initially hesitated to pursue it professionally. She explains, “I’ve always loved it, but I just didn’t know that there was anybody out there for me or like me able to sing country music or even if Black people were allowed.”
Encouraged by journalist Jessica Bendinger, Guyton took a leap of faith and moved to Nashville. This bold move marked the beginning of her professional journey in country music.
Rising Star: From White House Performance to Grammy Nominations
Guyton’s talent quickly gained recognition. In 2011, she performed at the White House for the Obamas, singing Patsy Cline’s “Crazy.” This opportunity arose when Keith Urban couldn’t commit, proving that sometimes, luck favors the prepared.
Her self-titled EP, released in 2014, featured the breakout hit “Better Than You Left Me.” By 2021, Guyton had become a four-time Grammy-nominated artist and co-hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Amplifying Diverse Voices in Country Music
Guyton’s rise coincided with a push for inclusivity in country music. She embraced this momentum, using her platform to amplify other underrepresented voices in the genre.
“My rise came from a very difficult moment during all of the racial turmoil in our country,” Guyton reflects. “I felt the country music industry wanting to do better and be more inclusive.”
Beyond Trends: Supporting Black Country Artists
While celebrating increased recognition for Black country artists, Guyton emphasizes the importance of sustained support. She urges fans to go beyond social media follows and actively support these artists through streaming and attending shows.
Guyton states, “It’s great that you’re hitting that follow button, but are you hitting that streaming button? Are you showing up to their shows? That is where it really counts.”
New Album and Tour: Mickey Guyton’s ‘Love Era’
Guyton is set to release her sophomore album, “House On Fire,” featuring 12 tracks that explore themes of love, resilience, and the Black experience in the South. To support the album, she’s embarking on her first headline tour.
Excited about this new chapter, Guyton shares, “This is my love era. That’s what my music is reflecting right now. The tour is just so big; it’s spiritual, and I’m in a really exciting time in my life.”
