Mickey Guyton Talks ‘Challenges’ Of Being A Country Trailblazer

Mickey Guyton is reshaping the landscape of country music with her vibrant, pop-infused vocals and heartfelt lyrics, all while making history.

In 2020, the Arlington, Texas, native captured attention with her powerful anthem “Black Like Me,” released during the protests following George Floyd’s death. Its poignant message earned her a Grammy nomination, making her the first Black female solo artist to receive a nod in a country category (Best Country Solo Performance). Guyton performed the song at the 2021 Grammy Awards, marking another historic milestone.

On being a trailblazer.

In a recent feature with Vibe published on Oct. 10, Guyton reflected on her journey, expressing surprise at how her dreams have propelled her to incredible heights. She’s proud to be at the forefront of change and is committed to supporting other Black artists aspiring to break barriers in country music.

“Being a trailblazer in country music is something I didn’t expect, and while it’s an honor, it definitely comes with its challenges,” the singer shared. “When you’re breaking barriers, you’re faced with a lot of adversity, and you have to be strong. Sometimes, that strength is hard to find, but I accept the assignment. At the same time, being a trailblazer means putting your ego aside. It’s about more than just being the first—it’s about opening doors for others.”

In September, Guyton released her sophomore album, House On Fire, described as a heartfelt tribute to her husband, son, and family in an Instagram post shared Sept. 27. The album showcases a blend of lively, vulnerable moments, effortlessly transitioning between traditional country melodies and contemporary pop ballads that highlight her ethereal vocals. Creating House On Fire proved therapeutic for Guyton, who faced various challenges during the process. She expressed gratitude to her husband for his unwavering support throughout her journey.

“I wrote House On Fire during Mental Health Awareness Month because mental health is something I’ve been deeply focused on. The song is also about my husband, and in many ways, the entire album House On Fire is a love letter to him and our relationship,” the country star said. “Life brings us all challenges, and we carry those battles into our relationships. But when you strip everything down to the core of who someone really is—their beauty, their pain, all the things that make them whole—it’s incredible how you can truly see and appreciate that person for who they are, and let them be themselves.”

Guyton dedicated the album’s hit song, “Scary Love,” to her son Grayson.

Life took a challenging turn for Guyton in 2021 when her son, Grayson, fell seriously ill at just nine months old. She opened up about the difficult experience in her song “Scary Love,” capturing the emotional roller coaster of motherhood with the sentiment that “when a baby’s born, that’s when a mother’s born, too.” Guyton revealed that her son’s illness turned septic, almost endangering his life.

“In 2021, when my son was just nine months old, he got really sick, and it turned septic. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. We were in the ER, and I was watching him lose consciousness. I remember asking the nurse, ‘Is he going to die?’ And she said, ‘I’m not going to lie to you. I’m very concerned. He is the sickest person in the ER right now,’” the hitmaker recalled.

“This was during the height of COVID, and I just fell to my knees and started praying. I held the hand of a woman on a stretcher next to me, and we prayed together for my son. That kind of love is terrifying. Before we have kids, we wonder why our moms are so protective, but once I had my own, I understood. That’s what this song is about—the overwhelming, beautiful love of being a parent. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me, but it’s also terrifying. You’re constantly on edge because you love something so precious.”

Guyton embodies strength and resilience, qualities she has relied on throughout her career to achieve success. Her hard work is finally paying off as she embarks on a 10-city tour across the U.S. and Canada, with stops in her home state of Texas, as well as Toronto, Chicago, and Philadelphia, among others. Through her performances, Guyton aims to inspire fans, especially Black artists who have historically faced underrepresentation in country music, showing them that they, too, can reach for the stars.

“It’s not enough to simply be the first to break through. You have to ensure that you’re creating a path for others to follow,” Guyton stressed. “It’s incredibly important to reach back and mentor, to make sure the door stays open for more people of color to walk through. And this idea applies to any line of work, whether you’re in country music, finance, or any other industry. If you’re in a position to lead, it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re uplifting others, so we can all build that generational wealth and success together.”

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