As the 2025 American Music Awards unfolded, a seemingly fleeting moment during the Favorite Country Duo or Group presentation sparked a conversation about the true origins of country music. Rising country star Shaboozey, poised to become a household name, found himself at the center of a viral sensation when co-presenter Megan Moroney attributed the invention of country music to the Carter family. Shaboozey’s subtle yet profound reaction—a knowing side-eye and a soft chuckle—spoke volumes, resonating deeply within the Black community and beyond.
Later, Shaboozey eloquently addressed the moment, articulating what many Black artists and historians have long asserted: the often uncredited Black influence on country music. He spotlighted trailblazers like Lesley Riddle, an extraordinary Black guitarist who significantly shaped the Carter family’s sound, and DeFord Bailey, the pioneering Black harmonica virtuoso and the first Black star of the Grand Ole Opry. Their contributions, alongside countless others, form the very bedrock of the genre, yet have been systematically marginalized or erased from mainstream narratives. Last year, the Nigerian-American singer-songwriter became the first Black male artist to simultaneously top Billboard’s Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts with “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Shaboozey was also featured on “Spaghettii” and “Sweet Honey Buckin‘” from Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album.
This incident has served as a powerful catalyst, re-energizing discussions about country music’s diverse roots and the imperative of acknowledging the foundational role of Black artists. It’s a stark reminder that the history of American music is inextricably linked to Black creativity, innovation, and resilience, and that true recognition is long overdue. Shaboozey’s quiet defiance has amplified a vital truth, prompting a much-needed re-evaluation of country music’s past and a more inclusive vision for its future.
