Source: Frank Micelotta / Getty
RELATED: [RODEO HOUSTON 2025] Here’s the Full Lineup
RELATED: Every Artist Bun B Has Brought to the Houston Rodeo (2022-24)
Since then, the rodeo has grown to include parades, a carnival, cooking competitions and of course.. music. The very first musical act to be featured at the rodeo took place in 1942, when Gene Autry “The Singing Cowboy,” and his majestic horse Champion trodded onto the scene and kicked off what would become a long-held tradition of featuring big name acts to entertain the crowd.
In 1970, Charley Pride would also make history — becoming the first black entertainer to hit the rodeo soundstage. The decades that followed would see more black entertainers including The Jackson 5, The Isley Brothers, Kool & The Gang, Ray Charles, Bun B, Drake, Beyonce and even a few popular comedians!
Scroll below for a look back at the history of black performers at Rodeo Houston.
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
1. 2024: 50 Cent
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
2. 2004: Ashanti
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
3. 2004 & 2007: Beyonce
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
4. 1990-91: Bill Cosby
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
5. 1985: Billy Ocean
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
6. 2010: Black Eyed Peas
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
7. 1997: Bo Diddley
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
8. 2004: Bow Wow
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
9. 2000: Boyz II Men
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
10. 1999 & 2002: Brian McKnight
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
11. 2022-2025: Bun B
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
12. 1991: C+C Music Factory
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
13. 2019: Cardi B
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
14. 2020: Chance the Rapper
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
15. 1970, 1972-87, 1989, 1991, 2002: Charley Pride
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
16. 2007: Cheetah Girls
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
17. 2012: China Anne McClain from A.N.T. Farm with the McClain Sisters
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
18. 1992: Color Me Badd
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
19. 2009-10, 2016: Darius Rucker
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
20. 2001-02: Destiny’s Child
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
21. 2001: Diana Ross
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
22. 1997: Earth Wind and Fire
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
23. 2017: Fifth Harmony
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
24. 1991, 1993-94, 2006: Frankie Beverly & Maze
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
25. 1994, 1996, 2001, 2009 (with The Pips 1984): Gladys Knight
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
26. 1990: James Ingram
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
27. 2011: Janet Jackson
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
28. 2016: Jason Derulo
Source:2016 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
29. 2008, 2012, 2015: John Legend
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
30. 2019, 2022: Kane Brown
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
31. 2019, 2022: KC and The Sunshine Band
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
32. 2007: Kem
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
33. 2022: Khalid
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
34. 1982-83, 1986, 1996: Kool & The Gang
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
35. 2018: Leon Bridges
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
36. 1999: Lionel Richie
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
37. 1990: Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
38. 2003: LL Cool J
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
39. 1989, 1998: Luther Vandross
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
40. 2004: Marques Houston
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
41. 2004 (with Destiny’s Child — 2001-02): Michelle Williams
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
42. 1999: Monica
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
43. 1995, 2007: Natalie Cole
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
44. 2004: Omarion
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
45. 1987, 1990, 1992, 2001: Patti LaBelle
Source:R1 Digital
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
46. 1995: Peabo Bryson
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
47. 2006: Raven Symone
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
48. 2003: Ray Charles
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
49. 1975: Rufus with Chaka Khan
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
50. 1993: Sinbad
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
51. 2000: Smokey Robinson
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
52. 2009: Solange
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
53. 1991: Stevie B
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
54. 1972-73: The Fifth Dimension
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
55. 1985: The Commodores
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
56. 1991: The Isley Brothers
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
57. 1973-74: The Jackson 5
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
58. 1993: The Winans
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
59. 2014: Usher
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
60. 1988: Zapp (featuring Roger)
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
61. 2023: Juvenile & Mannie Fresh
Source:Juvenile & Mannie Fresh
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
62. 2024: Drake
Source:Drake
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
63. 2024: Rick Ross
Source:Rick Ross
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
64. 2024: Nelly
Source:Nelly
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
65. 2023: 8Ball and MJG
Source:8Ball and MJG
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
66. 2024: Eve
Source:RODEO HOUSTON
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
67. 2024: That Mexican OT
Source:That Mexican OT
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
68. 2024: The Ying Yang Twins
Source:The Ying Yang Twins
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
69. 2022: Tobe Nwigwe
Source:Tobe Nwigwe
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
70. 2023: Erykah Badu
Source:Erykah Badu
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
71. 2022: Lil Keke
Source:Radio One
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
72. 2022: Slim Thug
Source:Slim Thug
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
73. 2023: Big KRIT
Source:Big KRIT
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
74. 2022: Big Mike
Source:Big Mike
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
75. 2024: DMC
Source:DMC
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
76. 2022: Devin the Dude
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
77. 2023: Yungstar
Source:Yungstar
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
78. 2022: Z-Ro
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
79. 2022: Frankie J and Baby Bash
Source:Frankie J and Baby Bash
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
80. 2023: David Banner
Source:David Banner
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
81. 2024: E-40
Source:Radio One Houston
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
82. 2024: Too Short
Source:Too Short
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
83. 2022-03: Lil Flip
Source:Lil Flip
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
84. 2023: Jazze Pha
Source:Jazze Pha
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
85. 2022: Willie D
Source:Willie D
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
86. 2022: That Girl LayLay
Source:That Girl LayLay
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
87. 2023: Cupid
Source:Cupid
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
88. 2023: Tela
Source:Tela
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
89. 2023: Scarface
Source:Getty
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
90. 2023: Chalie Boy
Source:Chalie Boy
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
91. 2022: H-Town
Source:H-Town
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
92. 2022: Letoya Luckett
Source:LeToya Luckett
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
93. 2022: Big Pokey & Paul Wall
Source:Big Pokey & Paul Wall
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
94. 2025: Keith Sweat
Source:HLSR
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
95. 2025: Jagged Edge
Source:Radio One
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
96. 2025: Yolanda Adams
Source:HLSR
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
97. 2025: Ludacris
Source:HLSR
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
98. 2025: T.I.
Source:HLSR
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
99. 2025: Don Toliver
Source:HLSR
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
100. 2025: Coco Jones
Source:HLSR
1970-2025: Every Black Artist Who Has Performed at Rodeo Houston was originally published on theboxhouston.com
