Petrella, First Lady of Country-Soul Welcomes You
“SONGS OF MANY COLORS”
Natural ability, a strong will, and intense determination has propelled Petrella, First Lady of Country-Soul forward to this point in her career. While she has achieved so much, there’s still a great deal she wants to accomplish in the world of music.
Awards & Recognition
A Career of Firsts, a Legacy of Many Colors
For over 35 years, Petrella has built a career that defies convention and demands recognition. As the "First Lady of Country-Soul," she has broken barriers, bridged genres, and earned the respect of audiences, critics, and institutions across the nation. From her debut single to the halls of the Library of Congress, each milestone below represents another step in a journey that continues to inspire.
1988 — Career Launch
Petrella launches her professional recording career with the single "Blues Stay Away from Me," introducing her unique "Country-Soul" sound and establishing herself as a pioneering Black woman in country music.
1993 — Cashbox Magazine Cover & Cover Story
Petrella is featured on the cover of Cashbox Magazine with an accompanying cover story — a major recognition in the music industry press and a milestone for a Black woman in the country music genre.
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2000 — Countryversial Album Release
Petrella releases her debut studio album, Countryversial, on Garden Mound Records. The album features her signature song "I Found Somebody" and the fan-favorite "Blues Stay Away From Me," establishing the Country-Soul sound on a full-length recording for the first time.
2001 — Papa Did a Raindance Album Release
The second studio album, Papa Did a Raindance, deepens Petrella's catalog with soulful tracks including the title song"Papa Did A Raindance" The album showcases her growing confidence as a songwriter and performer
2005 — Dreams of the Heartland Album Release
Petrella's third album, Dreams of the Heartland, expands her thematic range with emotionally powerful songs including "Fixin" and the socially conscious "Paint It the USA."
2007 — 100 Proof Woman Album Release
The bold title track of Petrella's fourth album becomes a defining anthem — a declaration of authenticity and strength. The album also features the title song "100 Proof Woman."
2013 — Billboard 615 Spotlight Feature
Billboard's 615 Spotlight celebrates Petrella's 25th anniversary in music, recognizing a quarter-century of groundbreaking work as the "First Lady of Country-Soul" and highlighting her enduring contributions to Nashville's musical landscape.
2013 — Shine On Me Documentary & Album
Petrella releases the album Shine On Me alongside the documentary of the same name, directed by Cheryl Batts. The film chronicles 25 years of Petrella's journey as a Black woman in country music, offering an intimate and inspiring portrait of artistic perseverance.
2014 — University of Indiana African-American Archive of Music and Culture
The University of Indiana's African-American Archive of Music and Culture conducts a featured interview with Petrella, adding her story to an important academic collection dedicated to preserving Black musical heritage.
2018 — The HistoryMakers / Library of Congress
The HistoryMakers — the nation's largest African American oral history archive — records Petrella's comprehensive life story. The recording is permanently archived at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., ensuring that her contributions to American music will be preserved for future generations.
2022 — Songs of Many Colors Album Release
Petrella releases her sixth studio album, Songs of Many Colors, on Garden Mound Records. The album is a testament to her artistic evolution — a mature, multifaceted work that proves the "First Lady of Country-Soul" continues to grow, create, and inspire.
2026 — NMAAM Exhibit: National Museum of African American Music
Petrella is honored with an exhibit at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) in Nashville, Tennessee — the only museum in the United States devoted entirely to preserving and celebrating African American music genres. As NMAAM celebrates its 5th anniversary, Petrella's exhibit affirms her place in the permanent story of American music.
"Country music has always been music of many colors. I've spent 35 years proving it." — Petrella
About
A MUSICAL JOURNEY
Petrella, First Lady of Country-Soul is an influential Music Artist with a devoted following. Her incredible career began with a bang in 1988, with the release of their first smash hit "Blues Stay Away from Me". Since then, she has toured almost constantly and has put out music on a regular basis that manages to thrill and delight fans—both old and new—and critics alike. Her latest release is "SONGS OF MANY COLORS"
In the News
PAST AND PRESENT
There’s so much going on in the world of Petrella, First Lady of Country-Soul: from upcoming tour dates to new music releases. Find all of the news and press releases surrounding Petrella, First Lady of Country-Soul and stay in the know with her accomplishments.
Music
BEST OF THE BEST
Fusing vocal talent, precision, and skill with masterful production, Petrella, First Lady of Country-Soul has created an impressive catalogue. From up-tempo tunes to more mellow tracks, check out a selection of music recorded over her career.
Shine on Me
25TH SILVER ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
With Album "Shine on Me", Petrella, First Lady of Country-Soul has created some of her most compelling and polished work to date. Listen and enjoy the superior sound quality of this album that’s been called an instant classic. Vevo embraced the Video of Track #10 "Working in the USA" and Daily Motion also featured it.
100 Proof Woman
MUSIC FOR THE SOUL
With its catchy songs and piercing instrumental melodies, this album is a fan favorite. Petrella, First Lady of Country-Soul worked incredibly hard on all the lyrics and accompanying arrangements. Listen to discover the magic of her music. Track #10 "I Want to Know You Forever" reached number #14 on the Hot Billboard Single Sales via distribution through Warner Brothers.
Dreams of the Heartland
SETTING THE MOOD
When mind and music come together, the result is a masterful album such as "Dreams of the Heartland". Digging deep into her musical soul, Petrella, First Lady of Country-Soul has produced a compilation of powerful lyrics and harmonious melodies. Track #4 "Paint it the USA" was featured by the The Texas Fallen Soldier project.
Countryversial
FIRST ALBUM FROM PETRELLA
Initially released by Playback Records, Country-Soul Division entitled "Petrella". Three singles reached the Top 100 Cashbox Country Single Charts: Track #1, 'I Found Somebody", Track #3, "Blues Stay Away from Me" and Track #9, "This Isn't Goodbye". This landed Petrella on the Cover of Cashbox Magazine and propelled her into the Country Music Spotlight.
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PERFORMANCES AND MUSIC
Here are links to live music performances and a link to some of the music.
Comments & Critiques
RESPECTED INSIGHTS
Indie Shark
"SONGS OF MANY COLORS"
Nominated for Album of the Year. "
Songs of Many Colors has something for every listening taste and rates among the year’s most satisfying music releases."
Mark Druery
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Hollywood Digest
"SONGS OF MANY COLORS"
"It is an intensely personal document though, a testament of her journey here, and a harbinger of peaks to come."
Garth Thomas
Too Much Love Magazine
"SONGS OF MANY COLORS"
It’s not an album of its time alone but an album for all time as it delves deep into timeless human emotions and features a powerhouse performance from Petrella. It’s well worth seeking out.
John McCall
Colin Jordan
"SONGS OF MANY COLORS"
Petrella is still thrilled by music, inspired by its potential, and hasn’t lost even a degree of engagement with her material. You can hear her unyielding yearning to create during each of the album’s eleven songs and sings with go-for-broke passion. Few modern singers put so much of themselves into their own work.
Colin Jordan
Indie Pulse Music
"SONGS OF MANY COLORS"
Songs of Many Colors easily rates among the finest country releases in 2021 but, equally, stands as one of the year’s best, regardless of genre
Mindy McCall
Rambles
"100 PROOF WOMAN"
"Anybody who dreams in country will enjoy the sound of this CD" Rambles.net
Rambles
"DREAMS OF THE HEARTLAND"
Petrella's Dreams of the Heartland is worth having a listen to with her great guitar, high energy and cool lyrics. And have a go at Countryversial, released in 1993, while you're at it.
by Virginia MacIsaac
Rambles.NET
Dreams of the Heartland Foundation, Inc.
A POSITIVE IMAGE FOR OUR NATIONS CHILDREN
Created by Petrella in 1996, Dreams of the Heartland has provided more than $100,000 in gifts and contributions to a variety of Community Organizations including The Lupus Foundation of Arkansas, Philander Smith College, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and many, many more.
Minority Internship Program for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
A REAL SUCCESS
2016 Recipients of Dreams of the Heartland Foundation Inc. donations
EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
Dreams of the Heartland Scholarship Program at Philander Smith College for Choir Members or Music Majors
PERFECT EXECUTION
P.H.O.E.B.E. and the Uzuri Project Refurbishing the John Webb home in Hot Springs Arkansas
A REAL SUCCESS
Property donated to Habitat for Humanity, Garland Co. Arkansas for 4 Homes on the corner of Garden and Mound streets in Hot Springs, AR
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
Contact
Do you want to know more about Petrella, her music or her tour dates.
1535 Canal St. #728, New Orleans, LA 70112
501-226-9180
