On Thursday, April 11, 2024, Good Morning America welcomes author Alice Randall to discuss her latest book, “My Black Country,” and continues its mouth-watering journey across America with day four of Comfort Food America, this time highlighting culinary delights in Boston, Massachusetts. Airing at 7:00 a.m. EDT on ABC, this episode promises engaging conversations and a celebration of delicious comfort food.
Alice Randall sits down with the show’s anchors to Randall will discuss her new book, My Black Country, which explores the history of Black contributions to country music and celebrates the genre’s Black pioneers.
Alice Randall is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning songwriter, and educator. She is widely recognised as one of the most significant voices in modern Black fiction and has emerged as a food activist committed to promoting healthy communities. Randall’s novel, The Wind Done Gone, caused a sensation as a “parody sequel” to Gone with the Wind. She is also known for her memoir, Soul Food Love, co-authored with her daughter, Caroline Randall Williams.
My Black Country is both a book and an album, released in conjunction. The book, published by Atria/Black Privilege Publishing, traces Randall’s four-decade journey in the country music industry and celebrates the genre’s Black pioneers. It highlights the contributions of artists like DeFord Bailey, Lil Hardin, Ray Charles, Charley Pride, and Herb Jeffries, whom Randall considers the “first family of Black country music.”
The album, produced by Ebonie Smith and released through Oh Boy Records, features Randall’s songs reinterpreted by prominent Black female voices in country, roots, and folk music. Artists include Rhiannon Giddens, Valerie June, Leyla McCalla, Allison Russell, Sunny War, and Adia Victoria. The album aims to centre Black female creativity and showcase the influence of Black culture on country music.
In an industry where Black artists have often been erased or overlooked, Randall’s work is a powerful reclamation of their stories and contributions. As the first Black woman to co-write a number-one country hit, Trisha Yearwood’s “XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl),” Randall understands the importance of representation and the need to “rescue” Black characters in country music. Her work challenges the notion that country music is solely white, revealing the genre’s diverse roots.
Transitioning to culinary delights, the show travels to Boston, Massachusetts, for day four of Comfort Food America. Fitness expert Jessica Sims takes viewers on a tasty tour of the city, showcasing the unique and comforting dishes that Boston has to offer. From classic New England fare to innovative creations with a modern twist, Sims highlights the small businesses and restaurants that have become beloved staples in their communities. Through this series, Good Morning America continues to celebrate the diversity and richness of American cuisine.
In a special treat for viewers, the show presents another instalment of Deals & Steals with ABC’s e-commerce editor Tory Johnson. Johnson offers exclusive deals and discounts on a variety of products, providing viewers with the opportunity to indulge in some retail therapy. From fashion and accessories to home goods, viewers can expect significant savings on must-have items, making this segment a highly anticipated highlight of the show.
As always, the anchors of Good Morning America bring their enthusiasm and expertise to the day’s proceedings, ensuring that viewers are informed, entertained, and ready to take on the day.
Good Morning America airs Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. EDT on ABC.
