Black River Entertainment
MaRynn Taylor
Yes, it’s true. When most people think about country music, Michigan normally doesn’t come to mind. But just like Fort Worth — and everything with a western tinge these days — this genre of heartfelt music is why up-and-coming artist MaRynn pronounced (Muh-Rin) Taylor is prepping for a stop in Cowtown. More specifically, Dickies Arena, when she rolls in to support Kelsea Ballerini on Feb. 26.
“I want people to hear my story and connect it to their story,” she says with conviction. And so far, that connection has reached the ears of many listeners. To date, MaRynn has already been named one of CMT’s “Next Women of Country” (2023), boasts nearly 35 million cumulative streams, and has racked up 14 Telly Awards. With her self-reflective EP Get To Know Me, released on May 31, she’s proving that country’s next generation is about authenticity, storytelling, and a voice that sticks with you long after the last note fades.
But like many country artists worth their salt, her journey wasn’t handed to her. It was built on persistence — the kind you develop when you lose a singing competition at 12, come back at 15, and win the whole dang thing. The kind that takes you from Michigan fairs to Nashville’s most coveted stage. The kind that gets you a record deal because you talked your way into a last-minute audition at CMA Fest when you were five days shy of being old enough to qualify.
And now? Now, MaRynn is bringing that tenaciousness, charm, and undeniable talent to Fort Worth, where she’s set to prove that no matter where you come from, country music finds you when you’re meant for it.
For MaRynn, it all started at the tender age of 12. Growing up in Rockford, Michigan, she was introduced to country music’s power and emotion early on. It wasn’t your typical Michigan fare — this was a passion fueled by 90s and 2000s country, where women like Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert painted stories of love, heartbreak, and strength.
“I felt like I could put myself in their shoes,” she says. “The storytelling just clicked with me. I fell in love with it at a young age.”
Her journey to country music stardom wasn’t one of instant success.
“When I was 12, I auditioned for a singing competition called the 'Cherry Idol,'” she recalls. “I didn’t make it through the first round, and I was crushed.” But instead of giving up, she came back at 15, worked harder, and ended up winning the competition. That victory taught her something crucial: hard work pays off.
That hard work would eventually lead her to Nashville, where she moved at 17, throwing herself into the music industry. She hit the audition circuit — American Idol, The Voice — anything to get noticed. But it was at the 2019 CMA Fest where fate would intervene. At the tail end of a long day, MaRynn was handed a flyer for Black River Entertainment’s 60-Second Spotlight, an event where artists could perform for a quick 60 seconds. The catch? The event was already over for the day. But MaRynn wasn’t about to let that stop her. She convinced the Black River team to let her sing, despite being just underage at 17.
“They said, ‘You’re not even 18,’ and I was like, ‘I’m five days away from being 18,’” she laughs. They let her in. She sang. And just a few months later, MaRynn signed a contract with Black River Entertainment.
That break was just the beginning. MaRynn dove headfirst into the world of songwriting, learning, growing, and crafting the stories that would define her voice.
“I write about my life and my experiences,” she says. “I don’t hold back.”
It’s this raw authenticity that has helped her connect with listeners across the country. Her music — especially her latest singles like "Small Town Spinnin’" — is playful, flirty, and always genuine.
But it’s not all about fun and catchy hooks. MaRynn’s songs often tap into deeper emotions.
"I love a sad bop," she admits. "I think music should give you both something to cry to and something to pick you up."
This blend of vulnerability and empowerment is the heart of her work, and it’s something she believes connects her to listeners on a real level.
Her most unforgettable performance? It’s got to be her debut at the Grand Ole Opry.
“It was probably one of the best nights of my life,” she says, with awe still in her voice. The Opry is a rite of passage for country artists, and MaRynn’s rendition of “Make You Mine” marked a significant milestone — a moment she’ll never forget. And the year didn’t end there. She also took on professional sports arenas, performing the national anthem at Buffalo’s Highmark Stadium and even during a prime-time NFL game.
As much as the accolades have come, though, MaRynn is quick to acknowledge what’s really driving her — the fans.
“I want to be that artist that helps people through tough times,” she shares. “Music kept me sane during a rough upbringing. If I can do that for someone else, that’s everything to me.”
