(L to R: Dara Tucker, Amythyst Kiah, Blessing Offor, Saaneah; photo credit: 353 Media Group/NMAAM)

On the evening of June 4, Sun Records and the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) came together to celebrate the music and legacy of Linda Martell—on her 84th birthday and in honor of Black Music Month and the 55th anniversary of her groundbreaking album Color Me Country.

Held at NMAAM’s Roots Theater, the evening featured a video tribute, a panel discussion, and live performances honoring Martell’s pioneering role in country music. The program included appearances by artists and advocates she inspired: Amythyst Kiah, Dara Tucker, Blessing Offor, Saaneah, and a video greeting from Rissi Palmer.

Watch Rissi Palmer’s video greeting here.

(L to R:  Dara Tucker, Saaneah, Blessing Offor, Amythyst Kiah; Photo credit: 53 Media Group/NMAAM)

Guests also explored a special archival display featuring rare artifacts from the Sun Records vault, including original Color Me Country materials and memorabilia from Martell’s Grand Ole Opry debut.

The special archival display of rare artifacts from the Sun Records vault, includes:

• An original vinyl pressing of Color Me Country
• Contact sheet from Martell’s Grand Ole Opry debut
• Negatives from the album’s original artwork
• A printed radio add list for “Color Him Father” from August 1969

“It was such an honor getting to celebrate the legendary Linda Martell, whose light is shining brighter than ever,” said Dara Tucker. “Leading a panel of intelligent, informed invested black creators who are all a product of Linda’s influence was truly a watershed moment for me.

Tucker continued, “This tribute gave me an excuse to dive into Linda’s songbook in a way that I never have before, and what a treat it was. Linda Martell has left an indelible mark on the world of country music, and her groundbreaking achievements will stand the test of time.”

(Dara Tucker’s performance at the Linda Martell celebration; Photo credit: 53 Media Group/NMAAM)

“What an amazing night to get to celebrate and honor a woman whose legacy we are all standing on,” said Offor. “I was honored to be there.”

“I am glad that Linda Martell is able to enjoy the flowers she’s receiving,” reflected Palmer.

(Blessing Offor’s performance at the Linda Martell celebration; Photo credit: 53 Media Group/NMAAM)

In 1969, Linda Martell became the first Black woman to chart on country radio and the first to perform on the Grand Ole Opry—breaking barriers and rewriting the narrative of what country music could be. That same year, her rendition of “Color Him Father” became a Top 25 hit, launching a career that would shape generations of artists. The song peaked at #22 on Billboard’s Hot Country chart. It was the highest position held by a Black woman for 55 years until 2024, when Beyonce debuted at #1 with “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Though Martell released only one album, it remains an important work in the country music canon.

Sun Records helped reintroduce Martell’s music to a new generation in 2022, when the label remastered and reissued her landmark Color Me Country album as part of its 70th-anniversary celebration. Originally released on Plantation Records, the album’s revival affirmed Martell’s enduring influence and deepened the label’s commitment to preserving her legacy.

(Artists and team members from NMAAM and Sun Records gathered to honor Linda Martell’s legacy during a special evening of music and conversation in Nashville. Photo credit: 353 Media Group/NMAAM)

This gathering marked a powerful moment of reflection and recognition for an artist whose legacy continues to resonate across generations.

To learn more about the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), visit www.nmaam.org.

Listen to and buy Color Me Country HERE.