Country Music's Hidden History: A Side-Eye and a Conversation About Race

The 2025 American Music Awards saw a moment of unexpected controversy when singer Megan Moroney credited the Carter Family with inventing country music. This comment, captured on video, prompted a side-eye reaction from fellow presenter Shaboozey. The resulting online buzz highlights a larger conversation about the genre's complex history and the often-unacknowledged influence of Black artists. "It's more complicated than it seems," one social media user commented, reflecting the widespread reaction to Moroney's statement. The video brings to light the substantial contributions of figures like Lesley Riddle, a Black artist whose work significantly shaped the Carter Family's sound and the broader country music landscape. While the Carter Family remains legendary, their success was intertwined with the musical innovations and influences of Black artists, a fact that deserves greater recognition. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging the full and diverse history of musical genres.