During the Super Bowl, Beyoncé premiered two country singles from her forthcoming album.
Following the debut of her two country singles, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” during the Super Bowl, some fans of the genre hoped Beyoncé’s influence would spotlight Black artists in country music. Many pointed out the genre’s African diaspora roots and saw Beyoncé’s foray into country as a way to reclaim a genre often associated with white male artists.
“I hope this will open people’s eyes to country music,” said Reyna Roberts, a Nashville-based singer. “Since Beyoncé released her music, I’ve gained around 12,000 fans just from people interested in Black Country music.”
Fans, especially those in the Beyhive, have been anticipating a full country album from Beyoncé since she released “Daddy Lessons” in 2016. As they await her album “Act II” set for release on March 29, they’ve begun exploring other Black country artists.
As Beyoncé’s “country era” gains traction on platforms like TikTok, users have been exposed to content from smaller Black country artists. Julie Williams, an independent artist from Nashville, used TikTok to advocate for more recognition of Black country artists as people started discussing Beyoncé’s singles.
Williams believes Beyoncé’s influence could blur the lines between genres and promote innovation in country music. She pointed out the impact of platforms like TikTok and YouTube in allowing marginalized artists to bypass traditional gatekeepers in the industry.
However, despite progress, challenges persist for Black artists in country music. Women, especially Black women, struggle to gain airplay on country radio. Francesca T. Royster, an English professor at DePaul University and author of “Black Country Music,” noted that Black musicians’ contributions to the genre have often been overlooked or erased by the industry.
Beyoncé’s venture into country music is seen as a significant step in reclaiming space within the genre. Her previous projects, such as her “Renaissance” project, have highlighted Black pioneers in various music genres. In her new album, Beyoncé pays homage to Black country trailblazers like Rhiannon Giddens, incorporating elements that acknowledge the genre’s Black roots.
Despite positive responses from fans, Beyoncé’s singles faced resistance from some quarters of the industry. Oklahoma radio station KYKC initially refused to play “Texas Hold ‘Em,” citing their status as a country music station. The incident highlighted the challenges Black artists face in getting airplay on country radio.
Reyna Roberts emphasized the struggle Black artists face in gaining recognition and platforms in country music, hoping Beyoncé’s journey sheds light on these disparities.
