Palmer's PBS Documentary, "Rissi Palmer: Still Here" to premiere tonight on American Masters: In The Making
March 24, 9pET (Check Local Listings)
Nashville, TN (March 24, 2023) -- Acclaimed country singer, songwriter and radio host, Rissi Palmer, is announcing the worldwide release of her new single, "Still Here," featuring CMT Next Women of Country artist, Miko Marks. Co-penned by Palmer, Marks, Deanna Walker and producers, Steve Wyreman and Justin Phipps, the empowering song is available now at all digital streaming platforms, including iTunes, Spotify and Amazon. “Still Here” is the first from Palmer’s upcoming new album set for release later this year.
The tune's powerful lyrics serve as inspiration to women struggling to hold their own in today's society, with Palmer and Marks singing on the chorus: I'm still here / Made it through the mud and tears / Here / Tried to make me disappear / Counted me out for all these years / Whom shall I fear? / I'm still here / Rooted in the truth I speak / Here / Like the spirits that carry me / Birthed by the struggle, sharp as a spear / So whom shall I fear? / I'm still here!
"One day I was cooking and just thinking about how hard this [music] business is and how so many people I started out with are no longer doing it," Palmer notes. "I laughed to myself because I'm either stubborn or crazy to still want to be here. The opening line came to me in that moment, adds Palmer. "This is a song for everyone who has endured the rain long enough to enjoy and appreciate the rainbow on the other side. You've earned it!"
Listen: "Still Here"
In addition to the release of her new single, Palmer's new documentary will be featured during the second season of the documentary short series American Masters: In the Making. The series focuses on nine artists across a variety of disciplines, whose work explores and influences American culture today.
Hosted by Tony Award–winning actress and singer Audra McDonald, the broadcast premiere will feature two short films focused on two barrier–breaking musicians, with Grammy-winning opera singer, J'Nai Bridges' film, Unamplified opening the episode, followed by Palmer's "Rissi Palmer: Still Here." Directed by Dilsey Davis, Rissi Palmer: Still Here follows Palmer on tour and as she works on her upcoming new album, all while managing family life and one of the busiest professional years she has had in a decade. Tune in to watch both compelling films on Friday, March 24 at 9pE (check local listings) on PBS, pbs.org/americanmasters
As one of only five African American women to ever hit the Billboard charts in the history of country music, Palmer continues to create a spotlight for herself and other women of color. In 2007, she became the first Black woman to chart a country song since Dona Mason in 1987. At the time, there wasn't as much representation in the genre there is today, and Rissi had to deal with numerous obstacles to pursue her career in country music. Since parting ways with her label in 2010, Palmer has redefined success on her own terms. She has released three critically acclaimed albums independently and scored two Grammy nominations in the Best Children's Music Album category. Palmer also hosts her own Apple Music Country radio show titled, "Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer," where she is working to change perceptions about people of color's involvement in country music - both past and present. She is a leading name in the music industry who has performed at The White House, The Grand Ole Opry, and New York's Apollo Theater and Lincoln Center. Palmer is also a CMT Hot 20 Countdown correspondent and Governor of the Recording Academy Nashville chapter.
This summer, Palmer and Marks will launch their co-headlining U.S. acoustic tour beginning May 3rd, making stops in Washington, DC, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Nashville, among others. For a complete list of tour dates and upcoming special events, visit rissipalmermusic.com.