Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” and the Legacy of Black Country Music
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter has sparked wide discussion about the history and future of Black country music. The project not only showcases her versatility as an artist but also shines a light on pioneers who helped shape the genre. Among them is Linda Martell, the first Black woman to perform solo at the Grand Ole Opry, whose voice and story are featured on the album. Rising artists such as Shaboozey also appear, signaling a new chapter for Black musicians in country music.
According to NBC News, Martell is featured on two tracks, including an introduction titled The Linda Martell Show and the song Spaghettii, which also includes Shaboozey. By placing Martell’s voice at the center of her project, Beyoncé highlights a history that has often been overlooked in mainstream country music.
Honoring Linda Martell’s Legacy
Linda Martell’s career in country music began in the late 1960s, when she released her album Color Me Country. Her single “Color Him Father” reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1969, making her the highest‑charting Black woman in country music until Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em” debuted at number one in 2024.
As Billboard reported, Martell expressed pride in Beyoncé for exploring country music and said she was honored to be part of the project. Her voice introduces Spaghettii with a reflection on how genres can feel confining, a reminder of the barriers she faced in her own career.
Shaboozey and the Next Generation
While Cowboy Carter honors the past, it also points toward the future. Shaboozey, a Nigerian American artist blending country with hip hop and R&B, appears alongside Beyoncé and Martell on Spaghettii. His inclusion reflects the growing presence of young Black artists who are expanding the boundaries of country music.
As Billboard noted, Shaboozey credited Beyoncé with “opening a door” for Black artists in country. His breakout hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” later replaced Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em” at number one on the Hot Country Songs chart, marking the first time two Black artists topped the ranking back‑to‑back.
Country Music’s Overlooked Black Roots
Country music has deep ties to African American traditions, including blues, gospel, and folk. Instruments such as the banjo trace their origins to West Africa, yet the contributions of Black musicians have often been minimized in mainstream narratives.
By centering voices like Martell’s and collaborating with artists like Shaboozey, Beyoncé highlights these overlooked roots. Her project encourages listeners to reconsider what country music is and who it belongs to.
Cultural Impact and Industry Response
The release of Cowboy Carter has sparked conversations about representation in country music. For many fans, seeing Beyoncé embrace the genre validates the presence of Black artists who have long contributed to it. For others, it raises awareness of pioneers like Martell, whose stories deserve to be remembered.
The album’s lead single, “Texas Hold ’Em,” debuted at number one on both the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and the Billboard Hot 100, making Beyoncé the first Black woman to achieve this milestone. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Cowboy Carter won Album of the Year, with Beyoncé dedicating the award to Linda Martell.
This visibility may open doors for more Black country artists to gain mainstream recognition. By bridging past and present, Beyoncé demonstrates how honoring history can create opportunities for the future. The inclusion of Martell and Shaboozey shows that Black country music is not a novelty but a tradition with deep roots and ongoing relevance.
