First Listen: A music pioneer, Rissi Palmer is "Still Here"

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    (March 25, 2023) Rissi Palmer has stories to tell. A music pioneer who in 2007 became the first Black woman in two decades to land a hit on the country music charts, she has experienced more than her share of ups and downs in the business and from the business, much of which is chronicled in the new episode of the PBS documentary series American Masters: In the Making.

    It’s been awhile since we’ve heard new music from Palmer, and she returns this week as a recording artist with a song that hits close to home. “Still Here” features fellow country music artist Miko Marks and delivers a very personal message about resilience in the face of obstacles:

    (March 25, 2023) Rissi Palmer has stories to tell. A music pioneer who in 2007 became the first Black woman in two decades to land a hit on the country music charts, she has experienced more than her share of ups and downs in the business and from the business, much of which is chronicled in the new episode of the PBS documentary series American Masters: In the Making.

    It’s been awhile since we’ve heard new music from Palmer, and she returns this week as a recording artist with a song that hits close to home. “Still Here” features fellow country music artist Miko Marks and delivers a very personal message about resilience in the face of obstacles:

     I'm still here / Made it through the mud and tears / Here / Tried to make me disappear / Counted me out for all these years / Whom shall I fear? / I'm still here / Rooted in the truth I speak / Here / Like the spirits that carry me / Birthed by the struggle, sharp as a spear / So whom shall I fear? / I'm still here!

    While a country song at its core, “Still Here” bears elements of rock, gospel and even R&B in its genre-bending expression. And both singers absolutely deliver vocally. We think SoulTrackers will find a lot to like here. Check out “Still Here” below and welcome the still-standing Rissi Palmer back to SoulTracks

    By Chris Rizik

    Rissi Palmer feat. Miko Marks
    “Still Here”