Beyoncé, who has won the most Grammys ever, has set numerous records with her Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records release of her 8th studio album, Cowboy Carter [CC]. It’s the most streamed album in one day on Spotify for 2024. CC’s industry disruption is due to its 76.13 streams.
The remake of Dolly Parton’s Jolene, Protector f/ daughter Rumi Carter, Smoke Hour f/ Willie Nelson, and the duet with Miley Cyrus II Most Wanted has been highly praised by listeners.
Although the Queen has received massive pushback for not being an actual country music artist, the Bey Hive has fired back by reminding naysayers that she hails from the South. ABC News broadcasted a segment that documented her impact in the entertainment industry, highlighting her four performances at the Houston Rodeo from 2001 to 2007 (both solo and with Destiny’s Child).
Mrs. Carter’s entry into Western has brought about more attention and streams for a group of black and marginalized artists who have been ignored by the community for decades. Historically, country music is deeply rooted in African culture and black music. It is derived from bluegrass, hymns, and jug bands. Furthermore, the banjo is a musical instrument that is rooted in West African culture. A biracial musician from Greensboro, Rhiannon Giddens, who has been awarded a Grammy and Pulitzer Prize, uses a riff on the minstrel banjo for the Texas Hold’em intro. It has created a frenzy on TikTok with a line dance challenge. Moreover, Robert Randolph plays steel guitar on the emotionally charged yet epic 16 Carriages.
Manhattan Beach native Tanner Adell collaborates on Blackbiird (a remake of The Beatles), and it sounds good. She even called upon the magnificent Raye, a six-time Brit Award-winning artist, to help write Riverdance.
Overall, Beyonce is a powerful performer who continues to transcend. Her immense talent is undeniable, and regardless of whether you respect her entry into the southern secular arena, she continues to conquer.
Despite the craze surrounding Cowboy Carter, Beyonce gracefully hosted a CD signing at Tower Records in Shibuya, Japan, with her longtime bodyguard Julius, publicist Yvette Noel-Schure, and husband Jay-Z present.
Another heartfelt moment is when FAMU yodeling scholarship recipient, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and CMA performer K. Michelle tweeted a heart-felt letter bundled with a bouquet of flowers from Beyoncé. It acknowledged the former R&B diva’s transition to pop country and how both of them have had to endure harsh criticism in the male-dominated field.
