The history of country music is as extensive and diverse as the icons and makers of the genre. In line with this, Beyoncé has honored the music icons who helped her along the way through her eagerly anticipated album, Cowboy Carter.
The pop star included Linda Martell alongside music icons like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton in her latest project to give them their due recognition. The album includes two tracks by the pioneer of country music: Spaghetti and The Linda Martell Show.
Linda Martell, born Thelma Bynem is a well-known country singer. Martell was born in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina in 1941. She was the first black female country musician to achieve commercial success and played at the Grand Ole Opry.
As one of the first African-American country musicians, Linda Martell used her influence to help pave the way for other minority musicians in Nashville.
While growing up in South Carolina, she formed Linda Martell and the Anglos, a singing group with her family. In the 1960s, the group put out a few R&B singles but the group’s lack of success led to their quick split.
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Her single Color Him Father peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard country music charts—the highest position held by a black woman for over fifty years.
Martell’s inclusion in Beyoncé’s extensive exploration of country music honors the trailblazing musician who transformed the genre.
Her considerable influence on culture and her skill as a musician were important factors in the 1960s and 1970s.
Most significantly, Martell is now getting her due decades after being completely ignored by Nashville’s predominately white country music gatekeepers.
Linda shared a picture of her feature on Instagram on March 29, 2024, writing, “I am proud that @beyonce is exploring her country music roots. What she is doing is beautiful, and I’m honored to be a part of it. It’s Beyoncé, after all!”