Marcus K. Dowling

Marcus K. Dowling is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. In the past 10 years, via his conceptual vision and marketing expertise, Marcus has aided creative entrepreneurs in the arts and entertainment industries in earning over $25 million in gross revenue. As a writer, he regularly contributes to the likes of VICE, Pitchfork, Complex, The Bitter Southerner, Bandcamp, Mixmag, the Washington City Paper, ESPN's Undefeated and more.

Want Traditional Country? Look to the Genre’s Black Women

There is a neo-traditionalist movement afoot that has the potential to dynamically alter the future of country music.

The Birthplace of Country Music: 5 Spots Country Fans Can’t Miss in Bristol

Country music uses a perfect synergy between people, places and things to create art that defines the folklore of an entire nation. And there is perhaps no better way to examine this notion than by visiting the Tennessee-Virginia border city of Bristol.

95 Years Ago: The Bristol Sessions Bring Country Music’s First Big Names to the Studio

Country music’s place as a permanent fixture of American life and culture is a direct result of the Bristol Sessions.

How the Pointer Sisters Blended Countrypolitan Flair With Champagne Soul on 1981’s ‘Slow Hand’

The Pointer Sisters’ “Slow Hand” stands the test of time as an essential and vital bridge in country, pop and soul’s musical legacies.

Who Is Brittney Spencer? 5 Things You Need to Know

The Baltimore-born artist's relatively rapid ascent from gifted, gospel-borne talent to country superstar on the rise is not a sign of catching lightning in a bottle; instead, it’s the thundering power of her talent blended with highly engaging songs.

Who Is Breland? 5 Things You Need to Know

Breland isn’t about to be just another Black one-hit wonder in country music.

A Brief History of Black Country Music, From Tee Tot to Breland

Because country music is a descendant of blues and folk music, the Black musical tradition in the genre extends to the 17th century, well before the genre’s established 1920s roots.

12 Essential Songs By Black Country Artists

The number of Black artists currently surging into country music’s mainstream is unquestionably unprecedented; however, Black artists’ current success in country music is not.

Patsy Cline’s ‘I Fall to Pieces’ Is an Enduring Classic Despite Her Reservations

Everything about the recording session that Cline disliked, in fact, adds to her performance.

Rissi Palmer Establishes Color Me Country Fund to Aid Artists of Color

The newly created fund offers another source of sustainability for Black artists, Indigenous artists and other artists of color within the country music community.