From “Daddy Lessons” to Act II: A Look at Beyoncé’s Love for Country Music

Beyoncé never fails to leave our jaws on the floor and our bank accounts empty when she announces a tour or any sort of musical release. The Houston vocalist continues to astonish fans with her performances and surprise releases, and her latest surprise announcement may be her most internet-shattering one yet. Following her Super Bowl commercial debut with Verizon, Beyoncé surprised fans with two new singles, "Texas Hold ‘Em" and "16 Carriages." What was particularly striking about these new releases was their heavy influence from country music, hinting at a potential country-themed Act II as a follow-up to last year’s Renaissance. Her recent fashion choices have made this shift evident, with cowboy hats and boots from brands like Louis Vouitton and Gaurav Gupta becoming her go-to since the Grammys. 

Beyoncé's interest in country music isn’t a recent development, though. Just look at the material. In 2016, she dropped her first country single “Daddy Lessons,” featuring traditional country sounds and storytelling. She has also collaborated with country artists during live performances starting as early as 2016. Despite primarily being known for her R&B and pop music offerings, Beyoncé has consistently demonstrated her versatility and willingness to explore different genres, which makes her full (albeit temporary) transition into country music a natural progression. Here’s a brief outline of Beyoncé’s history with the genre that doesn’t seem to want to love her back (yet). 

In 2021, Beyoncé's IVY Park, her popular athleisure collection in collaboration with Adidas, celebrated her Southern heritage by paying homage to Black cowboys and cowgirls. The campaign featured Beyoncé alongside Houston rappers Tobe Nwigwe and Monaleo, as well as her mother, Tina Knowles Lawson, and real-life cowboy Glynn Turman. They were adorned in items featuring traditional Western elements such as cowboy boots, fringe, oversized buckles, chaps, and cow print. Beyoncé explained to the Houston Chronicle that the inspiration behind the collection stemmed from the rich cultural tapestry of the Houston Rodeo, which she frequented as a child. “The Houston Rodeo is a gumbo of family, connection, delicious food and eclectic genres of music,” she reminisced to the Houston Chronicle. “I grew up seeing artists like Selena and Frankie Beverly and Maze and today it is just as eclectic with artists like Kacey Musgraves to Mary J. Blige. I remember the trail ride, with people riding from all over to the Houston Rodeo.”

During a recent broadcast on NBC 10 Boston, journalist Colton Bradford recalled an interesting interaction with Bey’s father, Mathew Knowles, saying, “seven, almost eight years ago, I was hosting a nightly radio show on a country station here in Boston. All of a sudden, a guy comes knocking on the door and it’s Mathew Knowles, Beyoncé's dad.” According to Colton, Knowles wanted “to talk to the program director of the radio station because he said that there was someone in their musical family who was interested in country music.” He didn’t specify who it was, but given Beyoncé's foray into the genre, it’s likely she was the one he was referring to.