Beyoncé Fans Celebrate “Cowboy Carter” Album in Nashville
Beyoncé fans in Nashville took the city by storm as they raced from store to store in search of cowboy hats, white cowboy boots, denim jackets, and other Western-inspired attire. The reason? The release of Beyoncé’s new album, “Cowboy Carter,” which blends country music with contemporary pop, funk, and other genres.
The excitement culminated in a listening party on Lower Broadway, where fans gathered to celebrate the album’s release. Nia Blair, 24, marveled at the sight of so many people in cowboy hats, saying, “I’ve never seen so many people that look like me in cowboy hats in my life.”
The event, titled “Kinfolk,” was organized by Dede Neahn West and Aaron Bell, who wanted to create a space for Black fans to celebrate the album’s artistry and the barriers faced by musicians of color in the industry. The party drew a diverse crowd of fans, many of whom expressed gratitude for Beyoncé’s role in bringing attention to Black country artists.
The release of “Cowboy Carter” has sparked conversations about diversity in the country music industry, with some hoping it will lead to more opportunities for Black artists. Holly G, founder of the Black Opry, sees the album as a chance to build a fan base outside of traditional country music spaces.
As the album played at the listening party, fans danced, sang along, and shed tears of joy. When featured artists Brittney Spencer and Reyna Roberts took the stage, the crowd erupted in applause. Spencer expressed her love for “Black Nashville,” highlighting the importance of representation in the music industry.
Overall, the event was a powerful celebration of Beyoncé’s influence on country music and a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the genre. Fans left the party feeling proud, inspired, and hopeful for the future of Black artists in Nashville.
