Beyoncé has made history as the first African American woman to attain the top spot on the US charts with a country song. Her new single, Texas Hold ‘Em, debuted at No 2 last week and has now climbed to No 1.
The upbeat country tune is the artist’s ninth individual chart-topper (preceded by four as a part of Destiny’s Child) and the initial of two songs to be dropped from Act II, the sequel to the rumored trilogy that will continue after the debut of Renaissance: Act I next year.
Beyoncé’s song, Texas Hold ‘Em, has achieved a new accomplishment by becoming the first song by a Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Despite facing pushback from some country radio programmers, the song has also earned Beyoncé the distinction of being the first woman to top both the Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts since 1958.
In the beginning of this month, a station in Oklahoma initially declined to play the song, but changed their decision after receiving an online petition from Beyoncé fans. This resulted in the song being officially promoted to country radio.
In the midst of the debate surrounding the appropriateness of the song for country radio, known for its conservative views and lack of representation for women and Black artists, Dolly Parton showed her support for Beyoncé’s foray into country music. She shared on Instagram, “I admire Beyoncé and am thrilled that she has released a country album. I congratulate her on her Billboard Hot Country No 1 single and am eager to listen to the entire album!”
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Tina Knowles, the mother of Beyoncé, confirmed that their family is connected to cowboy culture, in response to criticism about Beyoncé’s country connection. She explained that they have always recognized that cowboy culture is not exclusively for white people. Tina finds it amusing when people question Beyoncé’s choice to wear cowboy hats, as it has been a part of her style since she was a child and their family has a tradition of attending rodeos and dressing in western fashion every year.
Source: theguardian.com
