First Family of Black Country mural unveiled [Video]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A new piece of art was unveiled on Wednesday near Fort Negley to celebrate Juneteenth.

It’s called the First Family of Black Country mural. It is painted on the Vanderbilt University Printing Services building on Chestnut Street.

The mural includes Deford Bailey, Lil Hardin, Ray Charles, Herb Jeffries, and Charley Pride.

All five artists had a major impact on the country music industry.

They are featured in Vanderbilt University professor and songwriter Alice Randall’s new book, My Black Country.

Public art has two very important roles: to sustain public memory and to invite future inquiry,” Randall said. “It just doesn’t look back. It looks back to move forward.”

The first people who arrived at Wednesday’s event received a complimentary copy of Randall’s book.

Tags Government Service, Making A Difference, Public Good, Public Responsibility, Public Servant