Rhiannon Giddens Illustrates “Color Me Country: A Celebration of Black Women Who Shaped Country Music” — See the Cover! (Exclusive)

Rhiannon Giddens Unveils ‘Colour Me Country’ Book Cover in Exclusive Peek

Renowned musician and artist Rhiannon Giddens has recently lent her creative talents to the illustrative storytelling in a new children’s book, ‘Colour Me Country: A Celebration of Black Women Who Shaped Country Music’, co-edited by Kelly McCartney and Rissi Palmer. This exciting project, which is set to be published by Candlewick Studio in the spring of next year, showcases Giddens’ illustrations that exclusively reveal the book’s cover.

‘Colour Me Country’ serves as a touching tribute to the extraordinary Black women who have played instrumental roles in the evolution and development of country music. These women have fearlessly navigated and overcome the challenges of a genre that historically did not always embrace them with open arms. The book takes its name from Linda Martell’s groundbreaking 1970 album and honours legendary artists such as Rosetta Tharpe, Tina Turner, Odetta, and Valerie June.

Authored by journalists associated with the Rainey Day Fund – an organisation co-founded by McCartney that seeks to empower underrepresented voices within the music industry – the profiles featured in ‘Colour Me Country’ celebrate these trailblazing figures in the country music landscape. By challenging stereotypes, the book aims to inspire young readers, particularly Black and brown girls, to boldly raise their voices and pursue their dreams.

The collaboration between Giddens, McCartney, and Palmer in bringing ‘Colour Me Country’ to life has been nothing short of a labour of love. The editors express their excitement at the opportunity to shed light on the often overlooked heroines and pioneers of country music, presenting their stories in a way that resonates and uplifts readers. They hope that the narratives and illustrations within the book will serve as a source of inspiration for budding artists who see themselves reflected in these empowering tales.

Teasing an upcoming project on her Instagram account, Giddens shared her personal investment in this particular endeavour, alluding to the emotional significance of the work she has poured into it. As a seasoned Grammy-winning artist, Giddens brings a wealth of experience and talent to the project, having made significant contributions to the music industry both as a solo artist and as a member of the acclaimed Carolina Chocolate Drops.

In addition to her musical pursuits, Giddens is also an accomplished author, with previous works such as ‘Build a House’ and ‘We Could Fly’ to her credit. Her creative vision, coupled with McCartney’s journalistic expertise and Palmer’s musical prowess, has culminated in the creation of a book that promises to be both a celebration of Black excellence in country music and a source of inspiration for future generations.

As ‘Colour Me Country: A Celebration of Black Women Who Shaped Country Music’ prepares to hit shelves on May 5, 2026, readers can now pre-order this compelling and visually stunning tribute to the women who have made an indelible mark on the genre. This book not only honours the past contributions of these remarkable artists but also paves the way for a more inclusive and diverse future within the realm of country music.