Signature Series Presents Country Music: Black Roots and Branches

As Ray Charles once said, “You take country music, you take Black music, you got the same goddamn thing exactly.” Berklee’s Signature Series concert Country Music: Black Roots and Branches brings this truth to life, celebrating the often-overlooked contributions of Black musicians to country music with performances by New Dangerfield, Farayi Malek, Dom Flemons, Donna McElroy, and more.

Produced by Farayi Malek, an assistant professor in the Ensemble Department, and Matt Glaser, artistic director of the American Roots Music Program, the event expands the narrative around country music’s roots by highlighting the rich, interconnected history between Black and White traditions within the genre.

The concert takes place at the Berklee Performance Center on Tuesday, October 29, and will feature four sets, by New Dangerfield, Malek, Flemons, and McElroy, with additional appearances from Berklee faculty and esteemed guests. Highlights include Malek’s homage to Black country singers and a grand finale performance of "Freedom Highway" by the Staple Singers, featuring all of the artists.

About the Performers

New Dangerfield: This Afro-futurist string band brings a fresh take on Black musical traditions, blending old-time music with contemporary influences. Founded by award-winning banjoist Tray Wellington, the band includes Kaïa Kater, Nelson Williams, and Jake Blount. Together, they celebrate and reimagine the Black string band tradition, weaving both original and historical pieces into their performances.

Farayi Malek: A Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist and rising star in American roots music, Malek will perform a set that features an homage to Black country pioneers like Linda Martell and a tribute to Ray Charles’s country-soul fusion. Her dynamic interpretations honor the legacy of these artists, combining tradition with innovation.

Dom Flemons: Known as “The American Songster,” Flemons is a Grammy-winning musician, historian, and multi-instrumentalist whose work spans over a century of American roots music. A cofounder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Flemons is an expert on the contributions of Black cowboys and will showcase this fascinating part of country music history in his set.

Donna McElroy: A powerhouse vocalist, McElroy will explore the connections between jazz, blues, and country music. Her set will feature unique takes on country-influenced songs, including a Nat King Cole version of Hank Williams’s “Cold Cold Heart” and a playful rendition of “The Ballad of Thelonious Monk.” McElroy, professor emeritus of voice, retired from the college in 2021 after 24 years of service.

Admission is $15/$20 in advance and $20/$25 day of show. For those with a Berklee ID, admission is free/$5 in advance and $5/$10 day of show. 

Tickets are available online or at the Berklee box office.