Byname of: Thelma Louise Bynem (Show more) Born: June 4, 1941, near Leesville, South Carolina, U.S. (Show more) Linda Martell (born June 4, 1941, near Leesville, South Carolina, U.S.) is a pioneering American country music singer who was the first Black female artist to perform at the venerable Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. She had a top 25 hit (“Color Him Father”) on Billboard’s country chart in 1969 but then faded into obscurity until a resurgence of interest in her career brought her back into the spotlight in the 21st century. In 2024 Martell was featured as a guest artist on Beyoncé’s country album, Cowboy Carter. Martell was born Thelma Bynem, the daughter of Clarence Bynem, a sharecropper ...(100 of 1179 words) Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!