Grammy-award winning musician Dom Flemons believes that folk music can trace its roots back to Black music, noting that country songs often have similarities to soul music. Flemons, who specializes in banjo and guitar, credits his love for music and the banjo to his middle school Mountain Music Club, and considers the banjo as the nearest connection to his ancestral heritage.
As a Black musician in the predominantly white-dominated genres of folk and bluegrass, Flemons embraces the opportunity to educate others about the strong traditions of Black musicianship in country music. He describes folk music as a storytelling genre that has the power to convey messages and connect with people in a different way. He feels that current mainstream music often feels disconnected from people’s lives and yearns for more lyricism and meaningful messages in music.
Flemons’ own musical endeavors include co-founding a band that showcases early African-American fiddle and banjo string band music and performing at bluegrass festivals as one of the only Black musicians in the genre. He aims to complicate and challenge the stereotypes associated with country music, hoping to bring a more inclusive and diverse perspective to the genre.
Amid a growing Black revival in country music, Flemons is committed to lifting up the voices of different musicians, broadening the representation of African-American folk music traditions, and offering a more comprehensive picture of the genre. As he continues to make music and captivate audiences, Flemons endeavors to broaden and break barriers within the music industry, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the process.
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