Beyoncé reporter explores Nashville’s music culture ahead of superstar’s country album release

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Beyoncé is now the first Black woman to top the Billboard country charts. It’s an accomplishment that’s shining light on the strides Black country artists have already been making in the industry.

As Queen Bey continues to dominate music headlines, there’s a new journalist in the country music capital of the world who is keeping up with the icon’s cultural impact.

“This is big for Beyoncé. This is big for country music, and this is big for Black women in that landscape,” said USA Today Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter Caché McClay.

Beyoncé’s announcement was perfect timing for McClay, who just moved to Nashville for the role in February. When the superstar dropped singles and mentioned her country music album, it took some people by surprise but not McClay.

“Beyoncé has always been country,” McClay said. “We’ve seen her attend the Houston Rodeo in the 2000s. She performed at the CMAs in 2016 with The Chicks. So now, she’s sort of diving into the scene, but it’s always been a part of her.”

Beyoncé’s crossover into country is giving other Black country artists even more visibility. Artists like O.N.E the Duo, Miko Marks, K. Michelle, Camille Parker and Brittney Carter have already been breaking barriers in the industry.

“I was able to talk to other country music artists who happened to be Black and women at the Grand Ole Opry and in their own words: ‘The flood gates are open,’” McClay said.

McClay has started her new role by getting better acquainted with the country music scene in Nashville as Beyoncé prepares to release her country album.

“I’m going to historical venues and just being really embedded in the country music culture,” she said. “I don’t think I would have gotten that experience in the same way with that same proximity had I been based anywhere else.”

Beyoncé’s country album is set to release in late March.

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