Tina Knowles has recently addressed the ongoing debate surrounding Beyoncé's venture into country music. The discussion arose after Beyoncé released two new singles during the Super Bowl, hinting at a possible country genre for her upcoming album. However, Tina Knowles was quick to assert that Beyoncé has always had a country influence in her music.
In a video shared on Instagram by Yvette Noel-Schure, Beyoncé's long-time advisor and friend, Tina showcased various magazine covers and outfits where Beyoncé had embraced the country aesthetic. Tina emphasized that growing up in Texas, they celebrated cowboy culture and understood that it did not belong exclusively to White culture. She pointed out that there is a significant black cowboy culture in Texas, which has always been a part of their lives.
Taylor Crumpton's Time article highlighted the historical aspect of Black musicians contributing to country music and how they were often categorized separately from the white artists. Tina's upbringing in Galveston, Texas, the birthplace of Juneteenth, further underscored her unique experience as part of the state's first generation of freed Black people. Tina emphasized that the cowboy hats and western fashion seen on Beyoncé and her family had been a part of their culture from a young age.
Tina also praised Solange, Beyoncé's younger sister, for her project centered around Black Cowboy Culture, indicating that it was a fundamental aspect of their upbringing. She encouraged listeners to revisit Beyoncé's discography, particularly during her time with Destiny's Child, to recognize the country influences that have permeated her music throughout her career.
In conclusion, Tina Knowles' statements served as a reminder that Beyoncé's country music roots run deep, reflecting a cultural heritage that has always been a part of her artistic expression. Beyoncé's incorporation of cowboy hats, denim jeans, and horses into her music signifies a longstanding connection to her southern roots. By challenging preconceived notions of country music as solely white-dominated, Tina and Beyoncé highlight the diversity and inclusivity that have always been at the core of their musical journey.
