The Sam Sanders Show Did Beyoncé Change Country Music Forever?
Aug 1, 2025
Tressie McMillan Cottom, a writer, cultural critic, and New York Times columnist, joins the discussion to unpack Beyoncé's impact on country music. They explore whether the genre still grapples with racial issues, highlighting historical barriers faced by Black artists. The conversation shifts to recent cultural changes and how diverse artists are reshaping the norms. Tressie also champions a standout summer hit, encouraging listeners to engage with music through dance and connection.
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Beyoncé's Human, Fun Tour Vibe
- Tressie McMillan Cottom attended Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour and found it fun and human unlike Renaissance's angelic vibe.
- Beyoncé showed more casual, relaxed interaction with the crowd, making the performance feel intimate and joyful.
Country Music's Persistent Race Problem
- Country music still has a race problem deeply embedded in its history and economics.
- Demography and technology will eventually change country music despite current fierce gatekeeping efforts.
Country Music's Racial Origins
- Country music originated as a multiracial Southern genre with African influences like the banjo.
- Its whiteness was created later to market it to a broader white audience, erasing Black contributions.