Linda Martell was the first African-American woman to make the country charts and to appear at the Grand Ole Opry. As one of the first African-American country performers, Martell helped lay the groundwork for future artists of color in the genre. Despite multiple TV appearances, a dozen appearances at the Opry, and some big hits - including "Color Him Father", "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" and "Bad Case of the Blues" - her 1970 debut album, Color Me Country, would be her last.