Black Women Rise in Country Music Spotlight
Table of Contents
Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Opens Doors for Diverse Voices
A new wave of Black women are making their mark in country music, empowered by Beyoncé‘s groundbreaking album, “Cowboy Carter,” and challenging long-held stereotypes within the genre.These artists are finding community and celebrating their unique stories.
From Wyoming to Nashville: Tanner Adell‘s Journey
Tanner Adell discovered her passion for country music early on, dividing her childhood between Los Angeles and Star Valley, WY. She recalls being captivated by keith Urban‘s music,solidifying her love for the genre.
Now, Adell is a rising star, featured on beyoncé‘s “Act II: Cowboy Carter.” This album made history at the Grammys, with Beyoncé becoming the first Black woman to win album of the year for a country album.
The journey wasn’t without its hurdles. When an Oklahoma radio station initially refused to play beyoncé‘s music, claiming it wasn’t country, a public outcry led to the station reversing its decision, sparking a broader conversation about inclusivity.
In March 2024, Beyoncé addressed the meaning of being a Black woman in country music in Kennedy tiera: Country Music Found Me
For artists like Kennedy tiera,being featured on “Blackbiird,” country music is deeply personal. She explains, “I always say I don’t feel like I found country music, I feel like country music found me. When I started making music, it just came out that way. I was writing what I was going through at the time, which was boy drama. And I fell in love with all things country music and just dove into it.”
UCCHeadline-sc-zezg1y-1 hZffnn”>The Complicated Reality of Being a Black Taylor Swift Fan
Relocating to Nashville seven years ago marked a turning point for Kennedy. The city is widely recognized as the heart of country music. She found a welcoming community,which helped her career.
Adell‘s move to Nashville three years ago also propelled her career. A crucial aspect of her journey has been the support of other Black women artists. “Oh, we have a group chat,”
she says. “We’re extremely supportive, and I think sometimes people are trying to pin us against each other or even pin us against Beyoncé, but you’re not going to get that beef or that drama.”
“country is just as much a part of the fabric of Black culture as hip-hop is.”–Prana Supreme Diggs, O.N.E the Duo
Confronting Racism and Sexism in Country Music
Despite the strong community, country music grapples with issues of racism and sexism. in 2023, artists like Jason Aldean and Morgan wallen faced criticism for using racism as a marketing tool, according to NPR. Maren Morris also distanced herself from the genre, citing biases that surfaced during the Trump era.
Though, Black artists have always been foundational to country music. Prana Supreme Diggs, of O.N.E the Duo, emphasizes, “Black Americans, so much of our history is rooted in the South. Country is just as much a part of the fabric of Black culture as hip-hop is.”
As Beyoncé‘s “Cowboy Carter” announcement, Diggs has felt a surge of excitement. She recalls listening to “Texas Hold ‘Em” and realizing, “We are finally here.”
According to a 2024 study by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, women make up only 20% of country artists on the radio, highlighting the need for greater depiction (USC Annenberg).
Tekitha shares this sentiment, stating, “In the Black and country community, we’ve really been needing a champion. We’ve been needing someone who can kind of blow the door open and to recognize our voice is important in this genre.”
Kennedy expresses her gratitude for Beyoncé‘s entry into the genre, hoping it will elevate artists who have been working hard for a long time. “I don’t think there’s anybody better than Beyoncé to do it.”