No matter how you look at it, the last couple of years have been nothing short of a dizzying rise to the top for Austin duo Black Pumas. Almost two years on from the release of their debut album (and four years since they first formed), the group are receiving the sort of recognition it usually takes seasoned artists decades to obtain.
The story of Black Pumas’ success dates back to June of 2019 when they released their debut self-titled album. While it charted globally, the majority of its success was in the group’s native US, where the record peaked at #4 on the Americana/Folk albums chart, along with top 40 placings on the Indie and Rock charts.
But after the dust had settled, they were far from being done with the limelight. In 2020, their single “Colors” rose to the top of the US Adult Alternative Airplay chart, while other charts too bestowed some popularity upon the group, and their global profile continued to rise.
While a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2020 Grammy Awards was an unexpected honour, the level of recognition skyrocketed just a few months ago. Following the deluxe reissue of their debut, it found itself nominated for Album of The Year at the 2021 Grammys, while “Colors” received a nod for Record of The Year and best American Roots Performance.
Since then, the duo have found themselves at the forefront of almost every opportunity. In addition to appearances on late night talk shows and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, Black Pumas even showed up performing ‘Colors’ as part of the Joe Biden and Kamala Harris inauguration proceedings last week.
With the eyes of the world on them as the 2021 Grammy Awards get nearer, Black Pumas have shared with us a rendition of “Colors”, recorded for their appearance on the US edition of Rolling Stone’s ‘In My Room’ series.
A striking, soulful rendition of one of the most immersive and enduring songs of the last couple of years, find Black Pumas’ ‘In My Room’ performance above, their original version below, and be sure to keep a close eye on the Grammys this March, where ‘Colors’ might just receive an historical honour in front of the entire music world.
