Beyoncé defies country music status quo in CNN documentary

CNN announced a new documentary, “CALL ME COUNTRY: BEYONCÉ & NASHVILLE’S RENAISSANCE,” delves into this cultural shift, exploring the impact of diverse artists like Beyoncé and Lil Nas X on the country music landscape. Streaming on Max starting April 26, the documentary features interviews with country musicians, including Rhiannon Giddens, who played banjo on Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em,” as well as Brothers Osborne, Rissi Palmer, Aaron Vance, and Denitia. Cultural experts and analysts also weigh in on the significance of this moment in country music history.

Beyoncé became the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with the release of her album “Cowboy Carter” on March 29. This achievement has ignited a larger conversation about the definition and boundaries of country music, challenging long-held perceptions of a genre traditionally dominated by white male artists.

The documentary sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of Black artists to the genre’s origins and evolution. Country music’s roots are deeply intertwined with African-American influences, from the banjo’s African origins to the techniques and innovations pioneered by Black musicians centuries ago. Despite this rich history, the genre has long been associated primarily with white working-class traditions.

Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” represents a bold creative choice that bridges the gap between seemingly disparate genres, highlighting the hidden history of Black artists‘ contributions to country music. The album’s success has sparked a revolution within the industry, with some embracing a more diverse and inclusive future while others cling to a narrower view of the genre.

As the documentary illustrates, Black artists in Nashville have been laying the foundation for this transformation for some time. “CALL ME COUNTRY: BEYONCÉ & NASHVILLE’S RENAISSANCE” offers a thought-provoking look at the ongoing cultural debate surrounding country music’s identity and the role of diverse voices in shaping its future.

With Beyoncé’s historic achievement and the growing recognition of Black artists’ contributions to country music, the genre finds itself at a crossroads. As the conversation continues, “CALL ME COUNTRY: BEYONCÉ & NASHVILLE’S RENAISSANCE” provides a timely and insightful exploration of this pivotal moment in music history.