BY: Leroy Graham

Quick, name your favourite black country singer — see, it’s not as easy as you think. That’s why emerging country crooner Rissi Palmer is such a breath of fresh air. Sway caught up with the barrier-breaking cowgirl last year while on tour in the US.

What was it like being an unknown black performer walking into a country bar for the first time?
There are not a lot of black people in these places, so a lot of times it was like, “Is it R&B night here? What’s going on?” But then when they heard our set and what we were doing, they’d say, “Oh, she’s for real. Wow.”

Do you feel your race overshadows your talent?
I’m hoping that once someone has heard the album and seen me perform it won’t be a question anymore. I totally look forward to the day when it’s, “So Rissi, tell me about the album” as opposed to “You’re black. Tell me how that feels.”

Early on you were offered a deal by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the production duo that made Janet Jackson a star. Why did you turn them down?
A lot of people in my family said, “I can’t believe you just did that. That’s money.” But I couldn’t imagine having to sing something I didn’t feel, I didn’t identify with and didn’t feel sincere about.

Aside from the race issue, what are some of the difficulties that you’ve faced in the industry?
Aside from the black thing, I’m a new artist — a female artist — on an independent label. A lot of radio people are saying, “I like it, but is she going to be here six months from now, or a year from now?” We’re trying to show people that we’re here to stay, we’re here for the long haul.

What do you say to people who question whether a black singer can penetrate the country charts?
I don’t feel there should be any difference in whether you’re a black or white female country singer. Just like there are white people who love country music, there are black people who love it, too. It’s what I love and what I do.