How Beyoncé is Paving the Way for Black Artists in Country Music
Discover how Queen Bey is shining a spotlight on Black talent in a genre historically lacking diversity. Explore some of the incredible Black country artists she is championing.
Beyoncé is getting people hyped about country music. In a genre that has often been criticized for not being diverse enough, her album "Act II: Cowboy Carter" is sparking discussions and raising awareness about Black country artists.
Beyoncé may have stated that her latest album is not a Country album, but the genre's influence is evident. From her cowgirl fashion style to covering Dolly Parton's "Jolene," and featuring Black country artists like Tanner Adell, Willie Jones, Tiera Kennedy, Linda Martell, Reyna Roberts, Brittney Spencer, and alt-country artist Shaboozey.
Many artists stand to benefit from Beyoncé's foray into country music. With the spotlight now on Black performers making their mark in the genre, there is potential for rising tides to lift all boats.
The BoykinZ
The BoykinZ perform onstage during the Atlanta chapter member and nominee celebration on January 25, 2024 in Atlanta.
The BoykinZ perform onstage during the Atlanta chapter member and nominee celebration on January 25, 2024 in Atlanta.
Derek White/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
A quartet of singing sisters from the suburbs near Atlanta has already gained fans like Kelly Clarkson and Shania Twain.
Their tight harmonies and lively dance moves caught the attention of many after going viral on TikTok. This led to a surprise meeting with Twain during an appearance on Clarkson's talk show last year. Twain was so impressed that she invited them to perform with her at the CMT Awards.
Shania Twain shared that she invited them to do a small acappella performance with her tonight, as a way to support young female artists who may feel excluded in the music industry today.
The group is currently thrilled about Beyoncé's latest album and the excitement it has generated.
Kylan Boykin, 22, shared with CNN that he finds Beyoncé's album to be incredibly beautiful. He mentioned being amazed by her creativity and believes that it is inspiring for artists like himself to be more creative in their own work.
Following her brother's sentiment, Nytere Boykin, 19, and also a member of the group, acknowledged Beyoncé's intention of not creating a traditional country album with "Cowboy Carter".
Nytere Boykin expressed admiration for her work, stating, "I love what she did. Each song has its own unique style, not sticking to just one genre."
The siblings, Nytere, Anale, and Alona, are currently collaborating on their first album and are fueled by their inspiration.
Kylan Boykin shared that Beyoncé's ability to do what she wanted was truly inspiring to her. Boykin believes that Beyoncé's actions resonate with people in various ways, showing that it is possible to pursue your passions without being held back by societal expectations based on factors like race, background, or physical appearance.
RVSHVD performs during a Sticks and Swamp tour concert at the Exit/In in Nashville on April 21, 2023.
RVSHVD performs during a Sticks and Swamp tour concert at the Exit/In in Nashville on April 21, 2023.
Andrew Nelles /The Tennessean/USA Today Network
RVSHVD (pronounced Ra-shad) is another Georgia native who is making his way in the country music industry.
His songs combine a mix of hip-hop and country influences, such as "Hit Different," "For The Streets," and "Small Town Talk."
The artist, Clint Rashad Johnson, revealed to Billboard that his musical journey began after being inspired by Keith Urban's 2009 hit "Sweet Thing."
My dad exposed me to a variety of music genres like Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, and gospel while we worked together on various jobs like washing cars and hauling scraps. He also tried to get me into country music, but I didn't like it initially. However, after discovering artists like Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, and Florida Georgia Line, I became hooked and started to enjoy it.
RVSHVD is also making beautiful music with his wife, Angel Rewis-Johnson.
She’s credited as a writer on his playful and irreverent Christmas carol, “My Tree.”
Ashlie Amber
Ashlie Amber in "My Kind of Country," now streaming on Apple TV+.
Ashlie Amber in "My Kind of Country," now streaming on Apple TV+.
Apple TV+
Ashlie Amber didn't win the TV competition designed to showcase country artists who are often overlooked, but she is certainly gaining a lot of supporters.
Last year, she participated as a contestant on the reality music competition show "My Kind of Country" on Apple TV+, which was produced by Reese Witherspoon and Kacey Musgraves.
Black country artists Jimmie Allen and Mickey Guyton, along with country artist Orville Peck, took on the role of scouts. Their mission was to carefully select a group of talented up-and-coming artists and bring them to Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of country music, to showcase their unique musical styles.
Among the talented artists, Micaela Kleinsmith emerged as the ultimate champion. However, the show also provided a platform for Amber, who had been working in the industry for over a decade and previously appeared on the 2012 season of "American Idol."
The singer-songwriter recently spoke to the Instagram account Black Country Music about Beyoncé’s impact on country music for people of color.
She expressed, “It’s about damn time.” She emphasized the importance of recognizing the talent of Black women who have been working hard to be noticed in the country music scene. According to her, breaking into the genre has been a tough challenge.
Country music, she explained, is known for being a tight-knit community that often praises a particular kind of artist.
Amber pointed out that it required someone as influential as Beyoncé to challenge the norms of the industry. She emphasized that Beyoncé, as the queen bee and an iconic figure, was able to make a stand and say, "This is not acceptable to me anymore."
The Kentucky Gentleman
Derek Campbell and Brandon Campbell of The Kentucky Gentlemen perform at City Winery Nashville on August 15, 2023 in Nashville.
Derek Campbell and Brandon Campbell of The Kentucky Gentlemen perform at City Winery Nashville on August 15, 2023 in Nashville.
Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Twins Derek Campbell and Brandon Campbell are working to promote inclusivity in country music in multiple ways. Last year, the brothers, who are gay, shared with GLAAD that they have finally connected with other creatives and fans who support their vision and make them feel welcomed and secure.
In 2022, Rolling Stone magazine named Versailles, Kentucky-natives' single "Whatever You're Up For" as "the most compelling commercial-country slow jam of the year." The brothers are focused on making a name for themselves in Nashville.
Derek Campbell shared with WSMV4 last year that being true to themselves every day is just like being Black and gay in America - something they are accustomed to. They face challenges head on, persevere, and keep moving forward.
(From left) Trea Swindle, Danica Hart and Devynn Hart of Chapel Hart perform at the CMT Music Awards in Austin, Texas.
(From left) Trea Swindle, Danica Hart and Devynn Hart of Chapel Hart perform at the CMT Music Awards in Austin, Texas.
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Beyoncé has given us a cover of “Jolene,” but a few years ago, Chapel Hart dropped “You Can Have Him Jolene.”
The trio, consisting of sisters Danica and Devynn Hart and cousin Trea Swindle, are independent artists who gained recognition for their golden buzzer moment and fifth place finish on "America’s Got Talent" in 2022.
Their original song performed during the audition was a modern twist on a classic by Parton, which caught the attention and approval of the legendary singer herself.
"I love the fresh twist you put on my song, @ChapelHartBand!" exclaimed Parton in 2022.
The women, originally from Mississippi and Louisiana, are no strangers to the obstacles faced by artists of color. Despite this, their main focus remains on creating music that they are passionate about.
Swindle recently told News Channel 5 Nashville that as country artists, they initially didn't realize they were breaking barriers. Their main focus has always been on the music.
Editor's P/S:
Beyoncé's latest album "Act II: Cowboy Carter" is making waves in the music industry, sparking discussions about diversity and inclusion in country music. The album, while not explicitly classified as country, features influences from the genre and collaborations with Black country artists. This has brought attention to the often-overlooked talents of Black performers in country music.
The article highlights several rising artists who are making their mark in the country scene, including The BoykinZ, RVSHVD, Ashlie Amber, The Kentucky Gentlemen, and Chapel Hart. These artists represent a diverse range of styles, backgrounds, and experiences, showcasing the richness and diversity that Black artists bring to country music. Their stories and music challenge traditional notions of the genre, fostering inclusivity and opening doors for future generations of Black country musicians.
