Carlene Carter Welcomes Beyonce to the Carter Family
Beyonce Explores Country Music With “Cowboy Carter” Album Release
(Photo by Mickey Bernal/Getty Images)
In the weeks since Beyonce announced her much-anticipated “Cowboy Carter” album, the music industry has been abuzz with discussions over her venture into the realm of country music while shining a light on the often overlooked contributions of Black artists to the genre since its inception.
Beyonce: Following in the Footsteps of Black Artists in Country Music
Amidst the commentary, the album’s title has attracted some tongue-in-cheek references to Beyonce’s married surname and her husband, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, as well as the lasting impact of the Carter Family on the country music genre. The Carter Family, comprising of Sara Carter, A.P. Carter, and Maybelle Carter, cemented their place as a major influence in country music history through their recordings in the 1920s to 1950s. Maybelle’s daughters, June (later married to Johnny Cash), Anita, and Helen, also became integral members of the group.
Beyonce’s Extended Family
Carlene Carter, a respected country singer and daughter of June Carter Cash, extended a warm welcome to Beyonce, embracing her as a part of the “Carter Girl Club”. Carlene was quick to defend Beyonce against any negativity surrounding her foray into country music.
As a proud Carter woman, Carlene Carter expressed her support and admiration for the immensely talented Beyonce’s foray into “Cowboy Carter”. Carlene believes that Beyonce’s passion for the genre aligns with the spirit of the Carter family’s musical exploration and risk-taking. She enthusiastically states, “She is one of us Carter women, and we have always embraced music from the heart, pushing boundaries along the way. Sometimes the country music establishment welcomes us with open arms, while at other times it does not. As Chuck Berry said, ‘It goes to show you never can tell.'”
Carlene Carter concluded her welcome message affirming her love and admiration for Beyonce and her various musical endeavors. She celebrated the continuation of the “Carter spunk” in Beyonce and predicted that the naysayers will inevitably become Beyonce’s ardent supporters.
“Here’s a warm welcome to the Carter Girl Club! It’s only a matter of time before those naysayers become Bey sayers.”
With much love and support,
Carlene Carter
