Beyoncé’s bringing country back to its roots with the release of her new album, Cowboy Carter.
Twenty-one years after the release of her first album—Dangerously in Love—Beyoncé deviated from her usual sound and has entered the realm of country music.
For decades, country music has been dominated and culturally espoused by white, Southern, upper-middle class men. Beyoncé’s new album isn’t just a departure from her usual sound—it’s a bold declaration of reclaiming a genre that has been historically whitewashed.
Country music has long been inspired by Black culture, with its roots tracing back to African American folk traditions and storytelling. Yet, as the genre gained popularity in the in the late 1950s and early 60s, Black artists were overshadowed and left behind.
The origins of country music in Black culture trace back to Lesley Riddle, an African American musician and songwriter who heavily influenced the Carter family—also known as the “First Family of Country Music.”
After losing part of his right leg in a cement plant accident, Riddle took up the guitar and mandolin. While working in a hotel in Bristol, Tennessee in the 1920s, Riddle met A.P. Carter. Recognizing Riddle’s talent and intimate knowledge of traditional folksongs, they became travelling companion and collaborators.
Together, the two traversed the Appalachian region, collecting and preserving a vast repertoire of folk songs that would become cornerstones of the country music genre.
Riddle’s contributions to the Carter Family’s recordings were invaluable, as his distinctive guitar playing and soulful vocals added depth and authenticity to their sound. While he couldn’t capitalize on his musical talents the same way the Carters did, he served as a bridge between Black and white musicians, helping to shape country music as we know it today.
Around the same time, Deford Bailey, another African American musician, made his mark on the country music scene. Bailey’s breakthrough came in 1927 during the Jim Crow-era when he became the first African American to perform on the Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville.
Despite facing discrimination and prejudice as a Black artist in a predominately white industry, Bailey made a name for himself, becoming one of the Opry’s most beloved performers.
His influence can be heard in the music of countless artists who followed in his footsteps, from Charley Pride to Hootie & The Blowfish’s Darius Rucker.
Since paving the way for Black artists in the genre, other Black artists—such as Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Ludacris, Nelly, and Snoop Dogg—have dabbled in country music, each bringing their own unique flair and perspective to the genre.
In recent years, there’s been a handful of newer artists making significant strides in breaking down barriers and reshaping the country music landscape.
Kane Brown, a biracial artist, has achieved unprecedented success in the genre, becoming one of the most prominent contemporary Black country artists. His blend of R&B with traditional country sounds earned him widespread acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
Similarly, Lil Nas X made history with his viral “Old Town Road,” which fused elements of country and hip-hop to create a genre-defying anthem that topped the charts and shattered records. Despite facing backlash from some quarters of the country music industry, Lil Nas X’s success served as a powerful testament to the genre’s ability to evolve and embrace diversity.
With Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé is building upon this legacy, using her platform to amplify the voices of Black artists and reclaim country music as a space for all people.
While she may not be the first to toss her cowboy hat into the country music genre, she’s certainly one of the most influential, representing a significant moment in the genre’s history. By bringing her unparalleled talent and artistry to the table, Beyoncé isn’t only paying homage to the genre’s Black roots but is pushing its boundaries in exciting new directions.
She’s not just bringing country back to its roots—she’s planting seeds for a more inclusive and brighter future for the genre.
Tags
Beyonce, Black artists, Country music, Cowboy Carter, Kane Brown, Lil Nas X
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