Country music has always been a male dominated genre, but with the rise of women in the format will that change in the future? Looking at country radio charts for this week (4/10/16) there are only six women in the top 50 with only one woman in the top 30. This is unacceptable and the women of country music are taking a stand along with added support from country radio and music industry executives.
The only woman in the top 30 on country radio is Maren Morris with her hit “My Church,” sitting right outside of the top 10 at the number 11 spot. Maren is the latest in a string of women to have single success with her debut single and album. Maren (Columbia Nashville) along with Sony label mate Cam (Arista Nashville) and Kelsea Ballerini (Black River Entertainment) have all had recent success as new females in country music. Maren’s music is new and unique; she brings a twist of classic country with a fresh new sound, with her success on radio she can hopefully open the minds of radio programmers to play more artists like her including Kacey Musgraves.
As a friend of a friend I’ve been watching Cam for years now and she is finally getting the attention she deserves. As Sony Arista’s brightest new star, Cam is blazing her way to the top. Her second single released to radio “Burning House” was nominated for Best Country Solo Performance at the Grammy’s and went number one on country radio. In December the RIAA certified that “Burning House” went platinum, having sold more than 1 million units. Cam’s radio success is making an impact on award nominations as well; she was the most nominated female at year’s ACM Awards with six nominations. She is once again climbing the radio charts with her new single “Mayday.”
While Cam and Maren are enjoying their success, Kelsea Ballerini is arguably the most successful new woman in country music. Kelsea was the first woman to have her debut single “Love Me Like You Mean It” go number one in December 2015, this made Ballerini one of only 11 females in country music history to have their debut single go number one on country charts. With “Love Me” going number one she was the first woman to top country charts since 2013. She made even more history when her second single “Dibs” topped the charts in early 2016. Ballerini joins only 4 other women in history who have had their first two singles go number one including: Jamie O’Neal (2000), Deana Carter (1996), Faith Hill (1994) and Wynonna (1992). Kelsea’s third single “Peter Pan” is the best one yet and in a matter of time should find it’s way to the top of country charts.
These three new women are pushing the boundaries on country radio, which will hopefully open the doors for more women’s music to be heard. If you’re a fan of great country songs listen to these three artists and support them and their music.