February 19th 2024.
In a recent interview on the conservative One America News network, John Schneider, known for his role as Bo Duke on the beloved television series "Dukes of Hazzard," shared his thoughts on Beyoncé's foray into country music. According to Newsweek, Schneider likened Beyoncé's move to "a dog peeing on a tree," using the analogy to express his frustration with what he sees as a takeover of the country music industry by left-leaning individuals. The OAN host echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Beyoncé's country song was like a dog peeing on their tree.
While Schneider and the OAN host may be upset about Beyoncé's recent country song, it's important to note that Black artists have been participating in the country music scene for decades. In fact, the Pointer Sisters, a Black female group, performed at the Grand Ole Opry in 1974 and even won a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. In Anita Pointer's autobiography, she describes the group's experience at the Opry and the unsettling feeling of being protested because of their race. But ultimately, their performance won over the audience, proving that talent knows no color.
The sentiment of "keep country, country" is not a new one, as it was echoed in Schneider's interview. However, many argue that this phrase is code for "keep country white." This mindset not only ignores the history of Black artists in country music, but it also disregards the present and future of the genre, which includes rising stars like Mickey Guyton, Kane Brown, and Breland. Ken Burns, in his 2019 documentary "Country Music," delves into the roots of the genre and recognizes the influence of African-American style from the very beginning. Yet, as historian Bill C. Malone points out, Black artists were often forgotten as the genre developed professionally.
One notable exception to this erasure is the late Charley Pride, a highly respected and recognized country singer who paved the way for many Black artists in the industry. However, even with Pride's success, Black country artists continue to face challenges in getting their music played on country radio stations. A 2021 study revealed that only 2.3% of country music played on airwaves over the last 20 years was by Black or other people of color, despite the undeniable talent and chart-topping success of artists like Pride, Brown, and Guyton.
So, it's not surprising that when Beyoncé released two country songs, some radio stations initially refused to play them, citing her not being a "true" country artist. But as the success of Black artists in the genre continues to grow, it's time for country music to recognize and embrace its diverse roots and future. As Beyoncé herself once said, "The more diverse we are, the more we all win."
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