It’s not her first historic triumph, but a new one: US singer Beyoncé becomes the first black woman to reach the top of the country music charts with her new song “Texas Hold ‘Em”.
Country is a genre that is perceived as somewhat controversial in the United States when it comes to its association with Black artists. Country has a racism problem and is considered the music of ultra-conservative Trump supporters. But country was never just white. With “Texas Hold ‘Em” Beyoncé has a track for her Southern states made, for her Texas – and history made.
She is now the first Black artist to top the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, Billboard magazine has announced. She is the second female solo artist to reach No. 1 on this list, after Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift achieved this with “Love Story” and “All Too Well” in 2021. Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” was streamed more than 19.2 million times just four days after its release in the USA. The track, which is also new, was streamed more than 19.2 million times “16 Carriages” landed on the country charts – at number 9. On the cross-genre charts, both songs reached numbers two and 38.
Beyoncé is also the first woman to top both Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Other singers who have achieved this include Justin Bieber, Billy Ray Cyrus and Ray Charles.
Country Music: Debates About the Relationship with Black Artists
It’s not Beyoncé’s first song inspired by southern country. “Daddy Lessons” from the album “Lemonade” also has country elements, but was rejected by the Recording Academy’s Country Music Committee and deemed unsuitable for the Country Grammys. Beyoncé later performed the song with the Dixie Chicks at the Country Music Association Awards – and sparked debate.
The debate about the relationship between black artists and country continued to flare up afterwards. Also in 2019, rapper Lil Nas The song wasn’t “country enough”. This makes superstar Beyoncé’s triumph all the more significant.
Beyoncé: New album “Act II” will be released soon
During a commercial break at the Super Bowl, the singer announced her next album “Act II” for March 29th. She was already seen at the Grammys in a cowboy hat, which many fans took as a hint for a country album. The singer had previously announced her album Renaissance as part of a trilogy – so Act II could be the sequel.
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Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
