Country music star Darius Rucker has joined the wave of support for Beyoncé, celebrating her groundbreaking success with her latest project, “Cowboy Carter.” During a recent appearance on “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace,” Rucker emphasized the significance of Beyoncé’s contribution to the genre.
“I can’t express enough how big what she did was because she brought so many eyes to the genre,” Rucker shared. He praised Beyoncé for her role in making country music more inclusive and accessible to a broader audience.
Rucker, who transitioned to country music after his success with Hootie & the Blowfish, reflected on his own experiences. He recalled how African American fans would approach him, expressing their love for country music but feeling unable to openly admit it. Beyoncé’s project, he believes, has further opened the doors for more people to embrace the genre.
“I always say I want country music to look more like America, and I think she did a lot to make it go that way,” Rucker added. His journey in country music has been historic, becoming the first Black artist to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs since Charley Pride in 1983 and the second Black artist inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
Despite the progress, Rucker acknowledged that the stigma of racism and rebel flags still lingers in the genre. “It’s still around, you know. You still see it some places, and I don’t think that’s ever going to go away,” he said. However, he noted that it is not as prevalent as it once was.
Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” has been a topic of much discussion. While the album is not strictly a country album, it has made a significant impact on the genre. The project features collaborations with country legends like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Linda Martell, as well as contemporary stars like Miley Cyrus and Post Malone.
When the album debuted, Beyoncé made history as the first Black woman to hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. Her lead single “Texas Hold ‘Em” also went straight to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Songs chart, marking another historic first.
Despite initial resistance from some country radio stations, the album’s success has been undeniable. Beyoncé’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and her collaborations with various artists have earned widespread praise.
Miley Cyrus, who collaborated on the album, expressed her admiration for Beyoncé, saying, “I’ve loved Beyoncé since long before I had the opportunity to meet & work with her.” Post Malone also shared his gratitude, calling the album “beautiful.”
Beyoncé’s inclusion of several Black country artists on her cover of the Beatles’ “Blackbird” has also been celebrated. Artists like Brittney Spencer and Reyna Roberts have expressed their excitement and gratitude for being part of the project.
Shaboozey, a Virginia-born singer and rapper, paid homage to Linda Martell and Beyoncé, thanking her for breaking barriers in the genre. “You are country,” he wrote, acknowledging her Texas roots and hard work.
While Beyoncé’s list of collaborators is extensive, Taylor Swift is notably absent. Despite speculation, Swift had no part in the album. Beyoncé first announced the 27-track album in a Super Bowl commercial, releasing singles “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” that night.
The dual release sparked debate among country music fans, with some stations initially refusing to play her music. However, artists like Rissi Palmer came to her defense, emphasizing Beyoncé’s Southern roots and her right to be part of the genre.
Beyoncé’s father, Matthew Knowles, also highlighted her connection to country music, recalling how she spent summers with her country music-loving grandparents in Alabama. “At an early age, she heard this music,” he said.
Beyoncé herself has questioned the construct of genres, suggesting that they can be confining. In a recent Instagram post, she wrote, “This ain’t a Country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé album.'” She revealed that “Cowboy Carter” was born out of an experience where she did not feel welcomed in the genre.
Despite facing criticism when she first entered country music, Beyoncé has continued to push boundaries and blend genres. Her latest project is a testament to her resilience and creativity.
As Darius Rucker and others celebrate her success, it’s clear that Beyoncé’s impact on country music is profound and far-reaching.
