Marcus K. Dowling

Marcus K. Dowling is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. In the past 10 years, via his conceptual vision and marketing expertise, Marcus has aided creative entrepreneurs in the arts and entertainment industries in earning over $25 million in gross revenue. As a writer, he regularly contributes to the likes of VICE, Pitchfork, Complex, The Bitter Southerner, Bandcamp, Mixmag, the Washington City Paper, ESPN's Undefeated and more.

95 Years Ago: The Bristol Sessions Bring Country Music’s First Big Names to the Studio

Country music’s place as a permanent fixture of American life and culture is a direct result of the Bristol Sessions.

A Brief History of Black Country Music, From Tee Tot to Breland

Because country music is a descendant of blues and folk music, the Black musical tradition in the genre extends to the 17th century, well before the genre’s established 1920s roots.

In 2021, I Traveled 50,000 Miles With Five Tunes and Found America’s Truth in Country Music

Country music always tells a story.

How Vicente Fernández Influenced George Strait to Become the ‘King of Country’

You may not know him by name, but Vicente Fernández made a lasting impact on George Strait.

Want Traditional Country? Look to the Genre’s Black Women

There is a neo-traditionalist movement afoot that has the potential to dynamically alter the future of country music.

Kenny Rogers’ Lionel Richie-Penned Hit ‘Lady’ Sums Up Their Genre-Defying Greatness

In the annals of singer-songwriter collaborations, there is anthemic greatness, and then there is “Lady.”

Reflections From Bristol: Being in the Birthplace of Country Music on Juneteenth 2021

What it is about this 46-square-mile city that allowed my angst to be superseded during a racially and socially frustrating moment in country music’s century-long history?

The Birthplace of Country Music: 5 Spots Country Fans Can’t Miss in Bristol

Country music uses a perfect synergy between people, places and things to create art that defines the folklore of an entire nation. And there is perhaps no better way to examine this notion than by visiting the Tennessee-Virginia border city of Bristol.

How the Pointer Sisters Blended Countrypolitan Flair With Champagne Soul on 1981’s ‘Slow Hand’

The Pointer Sisters’ “Slow Hand” stands the test of time as an essential and vital bridge in country, pop and soul’s musical legacies.

Who Is Brittney Spencer? 5 Things You Need to Know

The Baltimore-born artist's relatively rapid ascent from gifted, gospel-borne talent to country superstar on the rise is not a sign of catching lightning in a bottle; instead, it’s the thundering power of her talent blended with highly engaging songs.