Linda Martell was the first black woman solo artist to perform at the Grand Ole Opry and three of her singles earned spots on the country charts in the 1960s, yet her name rarely appears alongside contemporaries like Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton. This Rolling Stone profile focuses on Martell's career trajectory, beginning in gospel and R&B before blossoming as a country singer billed as the "First Female Negro Country Artist." Martell's performances of her only album, Color Me Country, earned standing ovations at the Opry before her career came to an abrupt halt in the 1970s. In the article, writer David Browne talks to Martell about the impact of black voices on country music, her experiences with racism as a country singer, and her thoughts on the country music genre today.