Ashland City, Tennessee native, Valierie Ellis Hawkins, has proven herself as an anomaly in the country music sphere. With a twang-soaked voice known to defy expectations and command every listener’s attention, Hawkins has that rare vocal repertoire that is hard to find in present-day country music singing. Her signature raw country sound has garnered her praise from Bill Friskics-Warren in The Nashville Scene, who described her as one of the great female country singers in the Trisha Yearwood vein. With a background in singing at church with her mother and sisters since the age of four while being influenced by country music greats Don Williams, Vern Gosdin, Loretta Lynn, and the Judds, her roots have shaped her dynamic southern voice.

Even before performing in places such as The Bluebird Café, Wildhorse Saloon, Douglas Corner Cafe, The Sutler Saloon, Gibson Café, the General Jackson Showboat, and the Mid-South Fair, in the late ‘90s, Valierie’s traditional country style had already established her as one of the most singular female figures on the rise knocking on the door of country music stardom. That door, opened by major record label Warner Bros, was abruptly closed before the label finalized an artist development deal. Despite this outcome, Hawkins’ vocal know-how positioned her as one of the paramount voices of the Black Country Music Association (BCMA), the national organization founded by Frankie Staton that paved the way for country artists of color to have greater representation in the country music arena. With an ability to reshape the modern country music landscape on its own merit, Hawkins’ emotive voice also offers an African American perspective that celebrates her southern origins.

In her new single, “Colorblind,” Hawkins gives a fresh point of view of the indelible force of love, guiding the listener through her unique life story.