Mickey Guyton (born Candace Mycale Guyton on June 17, 1983, in Arlington, Texas) is an American country singer-songwriter celebrated for her powerful voice, groundbreaking advocacy, and role in expanding representation within the country music genre. Raised in Texas, Guyton grew up singing in church and developed a love for a wide range of music, from traditional country to gospel, pop, and R&B. Her multicultural musical upbringing would later shape her distinct sound: a blend of classic country storytelling and soulful vocal depth.

Guyton moved to Los Angeles as a young adult to pursue music, eventually relocating to Nashville to immerse herself in the country scene. She signed with Capitol Nashville in 2011, becoming one of the few Black women signed to a major country label. Her early single “Better Than You Left Me” (2015) introduced her to country audiences and showcased her remarkable vocal range, earning critical praise and attention on the country charts.

As she navigated Nashville, Guyton increasingly used her voice to confront systemic barriers in the industry. In 2020, she released “Black Like Me,” a deeply personal song reflecting on race, identity, and perseverance in America. The track became a cultural milestone in modern country music—earning widespread acclaim, spotlighting Guyton’s artistry, and making her the first Black female solo artist to receive a Grammy nomination in the country genre.

Her 2021 EP, Bridges, and debut full-length album, Remember Her Name, further cemented her reputation as a fearless storyteller addressing themes of justice, womanhood, and self-worth. In 2021, she made history again by co-hosting the Academy of Country Music Awards, the first Black woman ever to do so, and by performing the national anthem at the 2022 Super Bowl, reaching one of the largest audiences in her career.

Known for her unwavering authenticity, emotional transparency, and advocacy for diversity within country music, Mickey Guyton has become a symbol of both artistic excellence and cultural progress. She continues to inspire audiences worldwide, carving a place in the genre that reflects resilience, truth, and the evolution of country music in the 21st century.