Beyoncé officially marks the beginning of a new chapter in her career today with the release of Cowboy Carter. This project serves as “Act II” following Renaissance, which leaned into House and Dance music. Hailing from H-Town, Beyoncé has consistently shown love for her hometown whether it was music, giving back to the community, all the way to fashion. As her eighth studio album arrives, fans are eager to uncover the inspiration behind her venture into the realm of country music and other genres.
Looking back on Beyoncé’s release of “Daddy Lessons” off the landmark album Lemonade, it was evident that she would be dipping her toe deeper into the waters of country music. This became clearer during her performance of the down-home track with accompaniment from The Dixie Chicks at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards, where they performed the song together. However, the performance stirred mixed reactions, highlighting the ongoing challenges of acceptance and diversity within the country music space. Beyoncé recently took to Instagram to share a message, hinting at the racist backlash she encountered as a performer during that event.
Looking back in history, it’s crucial to acknowledge that country music deeply rooted in the contributions of Black artists. From its inception, Black musicians played a pivotal role in shaping the genre through infusing it with elements of blues, gospel, negro spirituals and folk traditions. Despite facing systemic barriers and marginalization, these artists laid the foundation for what would become a beloved and influential genre. However, this lineage has been erased and ultimately ignored over time—but we ain’t forget. Some notable Black artists who have made significant contributions to country music include Charley Pride, Mickey Guyton, Rhiannon Giddens and many more. As Beyoncé makes her presence known in this musical rodeo, she shines a spotlight on these trailblazing artists. A true music historian and student of the craft, this project underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse voices that have shaped the genre’s evolution.
Cowboy Carter is more than a display of her unique artistry; it is a history lesson in action.
Furthermore, Beyoncé’s fashion choices have always been a reflection of her evolving artistry. Her specific homage to country influences marks a significant shift in her aesthetic. From embodying cowboy hats to embracing bright blonde hair down to the boots, Beyoncé’s southern-inspired look signals a stark but innovative departure from her previous styles. It’s a visual representation of her exploration into the influences correlated to her own heritage and connection to the American South. By incorporating elements like denim, and leather into her wardrobe, Beyoncé not only celebrates the iconic imagery associated with country music but also adds a contemporary twist that is unmistakably her own.
When Beyoncé unveiled the tracklist, some may have missed the respect she was paying to “The Chitlin’ Circuit,” a 20th-century network of performance venues curated for Black artists during the segregation era. These spaces provided varied opportunities for Black musicians to tour and establish their careers when mainstream spaces were inaccessible due to limiting racial discrimination. The Chitlin’ Circuit played a pivotal role in launching the careers of iconic artists like Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, James Brown and Aretha Franklin, while also fostering the development of Blues, Jazz, and Soul as distinct genres.
Beyoncé’s tracklist includes collaborations with artists known for embracing the southern countryside, such as Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, and Shaboozey. Additionally, she pays tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton with a cover of “Jolene” and honors The Beatles with her rendition of “Blackbird.” Beyoncé is not only expanding the boundaries of country music but also amplifying the voices of Black artists within genres that often reject their imprint. Even her recent historic achievement as the first Black female artist to reach number one with a country record underscores the demand for diverse representation and the willingness of audiences to embrace artists who challenge traditional norms.
Listen to the album and let us know your favorite tracks off Cowboy Carter.
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