Mickey Guyton is a country music singer from the United States known for breaking boundaries in a genre historically dominated by white artists. Her powerful voice and songwriting have earned her critical recognition and industry accolades.
Capitol Records released Guyton’s debut single, Better Than You Left Me, in 2015. Co-written with Jennifer Hanson, Jen Schott, and Nathan Chapman and co-produced by Dann Huff, the song debuted with significant attention, receiving 79 radio ads in its first week—a record at the time. It peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and garnered her an Academy of Country Music Award nomination. That same year, she released her self-titled second EP, which reached number 17 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart and was praised for its stylistic diversity.
In 2020, Guyton released Black Like Me, a poignant single addressing her experiences as a Black woman in country music. Inspired by the national conversations sparked by the Black Lives Matter movement and the George Floyd protests, the song marked a significant moment in her career. It earned Guyton her first Grammy nomination, making her the first Black woman nominated for Best Country Solo Performance.
Born on June 17, 1983, in Arlington, Texas, Mickey Guyton is the second of four children of Michael Eugene Guyton, an engineer, and Phyllis Ann Roddy. The family moved frequently within Texas due to her father's work. She began singing at a young age and developed a passion for music by the age of five. Guyton frequently sang in church choirs, notably at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Arlington.
After witnessing LeAnn Rimes perform the national anthem at a Texas Rangers game, Guyton was inspired to pursue a music career. She eventually moved to Los Angeles, California, after high school and enrolled at Santa Monica College, studying business while working a series of low-wage jobs. She gained experience through background vocal work and landed a role singing in Nick Cannon’s film Underclassman. She also auditioned for American Idol, but was cut just before the Top 24, appearing briefly during her audition episode.
While in Los Angeles, Guyton met producer Julian Raymond, who introduced her to Gary Borman and Steve Moir—well-known figures in country music development. Their support helped her transition to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2011, where she immersed herself in the city's songwriting community.
Later that year, she auditioned for Mike Dungan of UMG Nashville, performing a Patty Loveless song. This led to her signing with Capitol Records Nashville, making her the only Black female artist signed to a major label in the country genre at that time. One of her early appearances after signing was a White House performance alongside James Taylor, Lyle Lovett, Kris Kristofferson, and Darius Rucker.
Guyton faced industry pressure to fit the mold of traditional country music. She recalled advice warning her against integrating R&B elements into her songs out of fear audiences would question her authenticity. A country radio DJ even suggested she write only "fluffy" and "happy" songs. Coping with this led to a period of personal stress, including insomnia and drinking, and delayed music releases. Despite the challenges, her acoustic debut EP, Unbreakable, was released in 2014 and reached number 14 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart.
