From a young age, Beyoncé developed a passion for country music that has now come full circle in her career. The 42-year-old Black artist, known for her iconic pop and R&B hits, has surprised fans with a new country single titled “Texas Hold ‘Em” that has skyrocketed to the top of the charts.
The influence of country music on Beyoncé’s musical journey dates back to her childhood. According to her dad, Dr. Matthew Knowles, Beyoncé’s parents were avid fans of country music, and she spent summers with her grandparents in Alabama who introduced her to the genre. Her grandfather, in particular, would sing her country songs, leaving a lasting impression on her young mind.
Dr. Knowles believes that Beyoncé’s early exposure to country music has played a significant role in her decision to explore the genre now. As her former manager and music executive, Dr. Knowles has witnessed Beyoncé’s evolution as an artist and is proud to see her branching out into new musical territories.
Not only has Beyoncé released a new country single, but she has also announced plans for a full-length country album as part of her Renaissance project. The album is set to be released next month, with the second single “16 Carriages” already making its mark on the country charts.
While this may be Beyoncé’s first foray into the world of country music, she has dabbled in the genre before. Her 2016 album “Lemonade” featured the country-infused track “Daddy Lessons,” which showcased her versatility as an artist.
The response to Beyoncé’s venture into country music has been met with both praise and criticism. Some have hailed her as a trailblazer for breaking barriers in the traditionally homogenous country music industry, while others have questioned her authenticity as a country artist.
Despite the mixed reactions, Dr. Knowles remains optimistic about the impact Beyoncé’s country music endeavors will have on the industry. He believes that her influence could open doors for other diverse artists and attract a new audience to the genre.
In addition to supporting Beyoncé’s creative pursuits, Dr. Knowles is also committed to fostering talent in the music industry. He recently established a scholarship at the London College of Contemporary Music to support promising young musicians like Anna Prasek, who goes by the stage name anMari.
AnMari, a Polish composer, singer, and pianist, is the first recipient of the scholarship and has expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to further her music career. Dr. Knowles hopes that by investing in young talent, he can help cultivate a more inclusive and diverse music industry.
As Beyoncé continues to push boundaries and explore new musical genres, Dr. Knowles emphasizes the importance of passion, hard work, and perseverance in the music industry. He encourages aspiring musicians to stay true to their artistic vision and be open to trying new things.
With Beyoncé leading the charge, the future of country music looks brighter and more diverse than ever. Her bold experimentation and fearless creativity serve as an inspiration to artists and fans alike. As she blazes a trail in the world of country music, Beyoncé’s legacy continues to inspire a new generation of musicians to follow their dreams and make their mark on the industry.
