Marcus K. Dowling is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. In the past 10 years, via his conceptual vision and marketing expertise, Marcus has aided creative entrepreneurs in the arts and entertainment industries in earning over $25 million in gross revenue. As a writer, he regularly contributes to the likes of VICE, Pitchfork, Complex, The Bitter Southerner, Bandcamp, Mixmag, the Washington City Paper, ESPN's Undefeated and more.
Marcus K. Dowling
A Brief History of Black Country Music, From Tee Tot to Breland
Because country music is a descendant of blues and folk music, the Black musical tradition in the genre extends to the 17th century, well before the genre’s established 1920s roots.
In 2021, I Traveled 50,000 Miles With Five Tunes and Found America’s Truth in Country Music
Country music always tells a story.
How Vicente Fernández Influenced George Strait to Become the ‘King of Country’
You may not know him by name, but Vicente Fernández made a lasting impact on George Strait.
Kenny Rogers’ Lionel Richie-Penned Hit ‘Lady’ Sums Up Their Genre-Defying Greatness
In the annals of singer-songwriter collaborations, there is anthemic greatness, and then there is “Lady.”
Reflections From Bristol: Being in the Birthplace of Country Music on Juneteenth 2021
What it is about this 46-square-mile city that allowed my angst to be superseded during a racially and socially frustrating moment in country music’s century-long history?
95 Years Ago: The Bristol Sessions Bring Country Music’s First Big Names to the Studio
Country music’s place as a permanent fixture of American life and culture is a direct result of the Bristol Sessions.
How Reba McEntire Flipped ‘Whoever’s in New England’ (and Her Sound) to Create a Mega-Hit
The country legend’s most heartfelt song became a breakthrough hit, attached to a stellar and groundbreaking music video released during that medium’s early heights.
‘Kiss an Angel Good Mornin”: The Life, Times and Music That Made Charley Pride’s Greatest Hit
That songwriter Ben Peters’ tune about how much he loved his newborn daughter became Pride’s signature song is an intriguing story with many layers.
‘9 to 5′, 40 Years Later: Dolly Parton’s Movie Theme Remains One of the Most Socially Impactful Songs Ever
Every time you see Reba McEntire on the silver or TV screen or hear Shania Twain singing songs with a vamping, rock core, Dolly Parton's there.
12 Essential Songs By Black Country Artists
The number of Black artists currently surging into country music’s mainstream is unquestionably unprecedented; however, Black artists’ current success in country music is not.