Beyonce Makes History with 'Cowboy Carter' as 1st Black Woman to Top Country Album Chart

Beyonce Becomes The 1st Black Woman to Achieve A No 1 Country Album

Beyoncé. Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood

Beyoncé has achieved another impressive milestone in her legendary career by becoming the first Black woman to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

Her newest album, Cowboy Carter, not only debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart but also sold 407,000 album units within the first week of April. With this success, the 32-time Grammy winner now holds the fourth-most No. 1 hits among women, trailing behind Taylor Swift (13), Barbra Streisand (11), and Madonna (nine).

Beyoncé had the best-selling week of 2024 and her biggest debut since her Lemonade album sold 653,000 units in May 2016.

In February, Beyoncé introduced Cowboy Carter with "Texas Hold 'Em," making it the first song by a Black female artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart.

Cowboy Carter has a diverse lineup of guest artists, including big names like Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, and many more. The list also features up-and-coming talents like Tanner Adell and Willie Jones. Other notable artists who have collaborated with Cowboy Carter include Tiera Kennedy, Linda Martell, Reyna Roberts, and Jon Batiste.

The CMT Awards on Sunday, April 7, saw Jelly Roll taking home three honors for his song "Need a Favor." During his red carpet interview, Jelly Roll expressed his admiration for Cowboy Carter, highlighting the impact the artist has had on the music industry.

He expressed his admiration for her by saying, "I love that she showcased her talent throughout the entire album. I especially admire her courage in covering 'Jolene.' That was a bold move." According to E! News, he added, "She's truly the queen. Anyone who disagrees is just a hater."

Beyonce Becomes The 1st Black Woman to Achieve A No 1 Country Album

Beyoncé faced resistance from some country music fans and radio stations when she tried her hand at country music. Despite fans requesting her songs to be played on air, Cowboy Carter's success came after this initial pushback.

At the iHeartRadio Music Awards on April 1 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Beyoncé received the Innovator Award for her controversial new music. She was honored by Stevie Wonder, who played harmonica on her version of “Jolene.” Wonder, 73, thanked Beyoncé for inspiring positive change in the world while presenting the award.

Beyoncé emphasized in her acceptance speech that innovation begins with a dream. She highlighted the importance of turning that dream into reality, even though the journey may be challenging. According to her, being an innovator involves going against the norm and believing in what others may consider impossible.

She also mentioned that being an innovator can come with criticism, which can be a test of one's mental fortitude. Beyoncé shared that having faith and trusting in a higher power can provide the strength and guidance needed to navigate through obstacles on the path of innovation.

Beyoncé responded to the criticism she faced by expressing her hope for more openness in the music industry. She urged record labels, radio stations, and award shows to embrace the joy and liberation of experiencing art without any preconceived ideas.

During her acceptance speech, Beyoncé acknowledged and thanked those who have made significant contributions to the music industry. She mentioned icons such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Tracy Chapman, Martell, Prince, André 3000, Tina Turner, and Michael Jackson, who have dedicated their lives to creating impactful changes in music.

She expressed gratitude for those who defied labels and pursued their dreams, inspiring others to do the same.

Beyonce extended her thanks to her husband, Jay-Z, calling him her rock and best friend. She also expressed love for her three children, who are her biggest inspiration and blessing. The couple has a daughter named Blue Ivy, who is 12 years old, and twins named Rumi and Sir, who are 6 years old.

Editor's P/S:

Beyoncé's historic achievement as the first Black woman to top the Billboard Top Country Albums chart is a testament to her boundary-pushing artistry and unwavering determination. Despite initial resistance from the country music establishment, she has proven that talent and innovation can transcend genre boundaries. Her embrace of country music not only expands the definition of the genre but also challenges the industry's systemic biases.

Furthermore, Beyoncé's acceptance speech at the iHeartRadio Music Awards highlights the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Her message of inclusivity and the embrace of diversity in music resonates deeply, especially in a time when the industry is still grappling with issues of representation and equality. Her recognition of the contributions of trailblazing artists who came before her serves as a reminder of the power of collective efforts to create lasting change.