Beyoncé’s Influence Spurs Streaming Surge for Black Women in Country Music

Beyoncé’s foray into country music has sparked a remarkable resurgence for black women in the industry. According to a recent report by Billboard, streaming gains have been witnessed in the music of several black female country artists following the release of Beyoncé’s tracks “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and “16 CARRIAGES.”

Among the beneficiaries of this newfound spotlight is Tanner Adell, whose catalog experienced a staggering 188% increase in streams from February 9-12 (230,000 official on-demand streams) to Feb. 16-19 (670,000 streams). Adell’s rise is emblematic of the broader trend sweeping through the genre, as audiences flock to discover and support black voices in country music.

Similarly, Reyna Roberts witnessed a meteoric 250% surge in streaming during the period from Feb 16-19, underscoring the growing appetite for diverse narratives within country music. K. Michelle’s “Tennesse” also experienced a notable uptick, with an 185% increase in stream activities, soaring from 11,000 streams (Feb. 2-8) to 32,000 (Feb. 9-15).

The impact of Beyoncé’s influence extends beyond contemporary artists, reaching back to trailblazers like Linda Martell, the first black woman to grace the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. During the period from February 16 to 19, Martell’s catalog received over 12,000 official broadcasts on demand, marking a remarkable 275% increase compared to the 3,000 broadcasts from February 9 to 12. Martell’s resurgence serves as a poignant reminder of the rich contributions black women have made to country music throughout its history.