Rhiannon Giddens Illustrates Color Me Country

Rhiannon Giddens, Grammy-winning musician and celebrated illustrator, brings her vibrant perspective to the children’s book “Color Me Country: A Celebration of Black Women Who Shaped Country Music.” Collaborating with editors Kelly McCartney and Rissi Palmer, Giddens’s artistry is front and center, with PEOPLE unveiling the book’s cover in an exclusive first look.

“Color Me Country” is designed for readers aged ten and up, but its resonance stretches far beyond the classroom. Through rich illustration and research, the book shines a light on the contributions of Black women to country music—a genre that has not always returned their love.

“We hope this project will also serve as an inspiration to the next generation of artists who see themselves reflected and represented in these images and stories,” McCartney and Palmer say, capturing the heart of the book’s mission.

The title is a tribute to Linda Martell and her trailblazing 1970 album, “Color Me Country.” Martell, along with icons like Rosetta Tharpe, Tina Turner, Odetta, and Valerie June, are among the artists honored in the book’s inclusive profiles.

“Color Me Country challenges stereotypes to inspire young readers, especially Black or brown girls with a dream, to lift their voices high,” the synopsis emphasizes—a call echoed through every page.

Journalists from the Rainey Day Fund, an advocacy organization founded by Kelly McCartney, have penned profiles spotlighting these musical pioneers. Their writing amplifies the stories of marginalized voices, pushing the music industry toward greater equity.

Rissi Palmer, whose hit “Country Girl” made a mark in 2007, not only co-edits but hosts Color Me Country Radio on Apple Music. Palmer’s own journey as a visible Black woman in country music deepens the book’s personal touch.

Giddens’s connection to the book is rooted in both emotional growth and artistic evolution. As she revealed on Instagram, “I am in the middle of a project that I will be able to talk about later; but it has been all-encompassing and very important for me personally rather than my mission.”

“We all grow, heal and learn through the making of art,” Giddens continues, articulating how the process of creation can also nurture personal healing.

The book arrives from Candlewick Studio in spring 2026, joining Giddens’s previous works “Build a House” and “We Could Fly.” Her shift from stage to page marks an ongoing journey of storytelling in multiple mediums.

“From start to finish, this book has been a labor of love,” the editors affirm. “Thanks to Rhiannon’s vision and our shared mission, the world will get to meet some of country music’s unsung sheroes and foremothers.”

By celebrating these overlooked contributors, “Color Me Country” seeks to encourage young readers—especially those who rarely see themselves in country music’s history—to dream boldly and sing with pride.

Pull Quotes:

• “Color Me Country challenges stereotypes to inspire young readers, especially Black or brown girls with a dream, to lift their voices high.”
• “We hope this project will also serve as an inspiration to the next generation of artists who see themselves reflected and represented in these images and stories.”
• “From start to finish, this book has been a labor of love.”
• “We all grow, heal and learn through the making of art — as a professional artist I sometimes get the perfect opportunity that marries a chance for emotional healing to artistic growth.”