Reflecting on a century of country music, I could think of no one better to talk to than Frankie Staton, Rissi Palmer, and Holly G to get a finger on the pulse of the country music industry. Although the history of the country music business is a story of impressive commercial success, its growth has also come at the cost of the exclusion of artists and fans of color. Staton, Palmer, and Holly G are three generations of Black women in country music whom I deeply admire as artists and creatives, and for their commitment to building and sustaining pathways for marginalized artists, fans, and industry professionals in the genre. Staton first arrived in Nashville in the early 1980s, and when Rissi Palmer came to town in the 2000s, Staton provided community and guidance for her. When Holly G moved to the city after establishing the Black Opry in 2021, she also built camaraderie with Palmer and Staton. I spoke to them about their journeys in country music as both artists and fans and to see where they believe future hope lies for Black country artists.