Beyoncé’s Grammy Win and the Backlash
Recently, Beyoncé made history by winning a Grammy Award for Best Country Album, but instead of universal praise, she was met with backlash. Many critics, especially within the country music scene, argued that she wasn’t a “real” country artist. Some said she didn’t belong in the genre, despite being a born-and-raised Texan—one of the states most associated with country music.
But let’s pause for a moment. Who actually created country music? And why is there such a strong reaction when a Black artist finds success in a genre that her ancestors helped shape?
The True Roots of Country Music
The irony of this controversy is that country music was originally created by Black Americans. Yes, you read that right. The banjo, one of the defining instruments of country music, originated from West African instruments brought to America by enslaved Africans. These early musicians played a huge role in the creation of folk, bluegrass, and eventually country music.
In the early 1900s, Black artists were playing what we now recognize as country music, but the music industry at the time segregated genres to keep Black artists out of mainstream white audiences’ reach. This led to the separation of “race records” (music by Black artists, including blues and gospel) and “hillbilly records” (music marketed to white rural audiences, which later became country music).
One of the earliest Black pioneers in country music was DeFord Bailey, a harmonica player who performed on the Grand Ole Opry in the 1920s and 1930s. Despite his talent, he was pushed out of the industry as country music became more whitewashed.
The Pattern of Black Influence Being Erased
This isn’t just about country music. Black musicians have pioneered nearly every major American music genre, only for their contributions to be erased or overshadowed.
Let’s take a look:
• Rock & Roll: Before Elvis Presley was crowned the “King of Rock & Roll,” there was Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe—Black artists who created rock’s foundation.
• Jazz & Blues: The blues came straight from the Black experience in America, particularly from enslaved people singing spirituals and work songs.
• Hip-Hop: Created in 1973, DJ Kool Herc, Black and Latino youth in the Bronx, hip-hop has become one of the most dominant music genres in the world.
• R&B & Soul: From Aretha Franklin to Marvin Gaye, Black artists have set the standard for rhythm and blues.
So why is it that when Black artists excel in these genres, the credit is often shifted elsewhere?
Is Talent Really Colorblind?
Music should be universal, but racism has always played a role in who gets recognized and who gets excluded. Many country fans claimed that Beyoncé “wasn’t country enough,” yet white pop stars like Taylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves have successfully crossed into country with little pushback. Why is it that when a Black woman does it, there’s outrage?
The truth is, many people believe country music belongs to white America, despite its Black roots. This selective memory allows them to gatekeep the genre while benefiting from its Black influences. The backlash Beyoncé received isn’t just about her music—it’s a continuation of the historical erasure of Black contributions in America.
Why This Matters
If we don’t know our history, we risk believing the lies that tell us we don’t belong in spaces we created. Beyoncé’s Grammy win wasn’t just about her—it was about Black artists reclaiming a legacy that was stolen from them.
This conversation isn’t just about music. It reflects a broader struggle: the fight for Black people to receive the recognition, credit, and respect we deserve. From inventions to culture to political movements, Black people have shaped America in ways that cannot be ignored.
So the next time someone says Beyoncé isn’t a country artist, remind them: country music wouldn’t exist without Black people in the first place.
Citations:
• Filene, Benjamin. Romancing the Folk: Public Memory & American Roots Music. University of North Carolina Press, 2000.
• Malone, Bill C. Country Music, U.S.A. University of Texas Press, 2002.
• Wald, Elijah. How the Beatles Destroyed Rock ‘n’ Roll: An Alternative History of American Popular Music. Oxford University Press, 2009.
• Russell, Tony. Country Music Originals: The Legends and the Lost. Oxford University Press, 2007.
Final Thought
Black excellence in music is nothing new, and the attempt to erase Black history is nothing new either. But as long as we know our history, we can’t be fooled. Let’s celebrate Beyoncé’s win and remember: we’ve been country before country even had a name.
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