Trailblazer in Country Music at Ol’ Front Porch Festival

ORIENTAL – Rissi Palmer, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and passionate advocate for diversity in country music, is set to perform at the Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival on Oct. 4. Known for her soulful blend of country, pop, and R&B, Palmer brings a unique voice and perspective to the stage, captivating audiences with her heartfelt lyrics and powerful performances.

Born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Palmer grew up in a musical family with roots in Georgia, where her love for both country and R&B was nurtured. Her mother’s affection for Patsy Cline and her father’s admiration for Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Chaka Khan shaped her eclectic musical style, which she calls “Southern Soul.” In 2007, Palmer made history with her debut single, “Country Girl,” becoming the first Black woman to chart on the Billboard Hot Country Songs since Dona Mason in 1987. The song, along with “Hold On to Me” and a cover of “No Air,” showcased her ability to bridge genres and resonate with diverse audiences.