*Photo Credit to Columbia Records
The growth of the Western industry is something I am fiercely passionate about, so when I see shows like Yellowstone and artists like Post Malone collaborate with artists like Reba McEntire, my soul sings for our industry. Which is why, when I heard so much backlash about Beyonce’s latest album, I was a little taken aback. This isn’t the first time that an artist who is not traditionally country has put out a self-proclaimed “country” album. A couple of others that everyone should be familiar with include, Daris Rucker who made the transition from his well-known lead in Hootie and the Blowfish. Kid Rock has been dabbling in the country/western world for quite some time. Enough time that it’s hard to remember a time when Kid Rock was ever once considered a rapper, or a rocker. The artist has been seen repeatedly with Florida Georgia Line and Jon Pardi and most recently, had his name on a new rodeo event in Texas. As far as women who have moved genres, I hate to use Taylor Swift as an example, but we are all seeing how well she is doing for herself. Another female artist example is Elle King, who started with “Exes and Ohs,” originally debuting in the rock genre. She later repeated this success in the country music scene. King’s first significant impact in country music was as a featured duet guest on Dierks Bentley’s “Different for Girls” in 2016.
The list goes on and on for artists who have either dabbled in the country music scene or made the switch entirely. Which begs the question, why so much pushback on Beyonce? I should have prefaced this article with the fact that I feel strongly that everyone is absolutely entitled to their opinion, and I would love to hear yours on this topic but isn’t music also an opinion? Albeit, an artistic one. It is still an expression of the artist creating it. In my research, I came across a quote that Beyonce shared in an Instagram post on the Monday before, counting down to the release of “Act II: Cowboy Carter.”
“This album has been over five years in the making. It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t. But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive. It feels good to see how music can unite so many people around the world, while also amplifying the voices of some of the people who have dedicated so much of their lives educating on our musical history,” she wrote.
A couple of things really hit home for me in this quote from her. First, it makes me wonder how many others, like her, have tried to have a place in our world and were turned away, unwelcome, and unwanted. Then second, I believe the Western industry and country music were based on storytelling. We all have a story, and truthfully, I believe everyone deserves a chance to share it. How you share it should be one hundred percent up to you, because if you let someone else do it, it would lack the nuance and details that makes it yours.
Critics might argue that Beyoncé’s shift to country music could be perceived as inauthentic or opportunistic, a means to capitalize on a new market rather than a genuine artistic evolution. Country music has always been known for its emphasis on storytelling and authenticity, which “big media” has claimed may present a challenge for an artist known for highly produced, polished performances.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the greats, but I also think we forget that music was meant to change and evolve. Take Garth Brooks for example, if you’ve done any research on Garth, you will find stories that claim he single-handedly changed and/or saved the country music industry. Why? Because his music was not “traditional” country (for what it was at the time) and was influenced by an eclectic array of musicians, from George Jones and George Strait to Queen and KISS. In 1992, Forbes featured him on its cover, proclaiming “Led Zeppelin meets Roy Rogers . . . country conquers rock.” If that’s not a cross-over of genres, I don’t know what is.
The question I find myself asking you, regardless if you are #TeamBeyonce or not, is this. If Beyonce was an influencer for the Western industry, how much would we have had to pay her to introduce new fans to our industry? Think about how many people have bought cowboy hats, cowboy boots, a new pair of Wranglers, or even stopped into their local Boot Barn for the first time. What is that worth to our industry?
To me, that’s priceless. In a day and age where rodeos are being banned from cities and Cody Johnson is being labeled as “too country”, I think it’s time for a change. And if Beyonce plays a small part in introducing people to our industry and getting them excited about going to their first rodeo or buying their first pair of boots, I’m here for it. And you should be too. You don’t have to like her music, but you should support what she is doing for our industry.
Have your own thoughts on this Modern Cowboy Hot Take? Join me on Instagram @KrystaPaffrath and leave your opinions in the comments!
