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Linda Martell Is ‘Proud’ of Beyoncé for ‘Exploring Her Country Music Roots’ on ‘Cowboy Carter’

The living legend is featured on two tracks on the superstar's new album.

Linda Martell Is ‘Proud’ of Beyoncé for ‘Exploring Her Country Music Roots’ on ‘Cowboy Carter’

Linda Martell is passing the torch. Shortly after the release of Beyoncé‘s new album Cowboy Carter Friday (March 29) — on which the living legend is featured twice — she shared a touching message praising the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer’s decision to embrace country music through the project.

Regarded as the first Black woman to become commercially successful as a country soloist, Martell lent her voice to two tracks on Cowboy Carter: “Spaghetti” and “The Linda Martell Show.” Sharing a screenshot of the latter track, the musician wrote on Instagram Friday morning, “I am proud that @beyonce is exploring her country music roots.”


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“What she is doing is beautiful, and I’m honored to be a part of it,” she continued. “It’s Beyoncé, after all!”

On “Spaghetti,” Martell introduces the song — which also features Virginia country star Shaboozey — with a voice note touching on Bey’s experimentation with musical styles on Cowboy Carter. “Genres are a funny little concept, aren’t they?” she says. “In theory, they have a simple definition that’s easy to understand, but in practice, well, some may feel confined.”

Released as the second act to 2022’s Renaissance, the Ivy Park founder’s new album also features cameos from Dolly Parton — whose classic hit “Jolene” Bey reimagines on the album — Willie Nelson, Post Malone, Miley Cyrus and Willie Jones. On a haunting rendition of The Beatles “Blackbird,” the 32-time Grammy winner invited a handful of modern Black female country stars — Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy and Reyna Roberts — to sing harmonies.

Cyrus posted her own thank-you note to Beyoncé Friday morning in celebration of their Cowboy Carter duet, titled “II Most Wanted.”

“I’ve loved Beyonce since long before I had the opportunity to meet & work with her,” the “Flowers” singer wrote. “My admiration runs so much deeper now that I’ve created along side of her. Thank you Beyonce. You’re everything & more.”

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See Martell’s post about Cowboy Carter below.

This article was first published by Billboard U.S.

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Josh Ross
Jack Owens
Josh Ross
Chart Beat

Josh Ross Earns First Country Airplay No. 1 With ‘Hate How You Look’

Plus, Bailey Zimmerman rolls to the top 10.

Josh Ross achieves his first Billboard Country Airplay No. 1 as “Hate How You Look” rises a spot in its 40th week on the chart dated July 4. The song drew 32.7 million audience impressions (up 4%) June 19-25, according to Luminate.

Written by Jessica Farren, Chris McKenna, Nicholas Sainato and Christian Yancey, the track assumes the lead from Ella Langley’s “Be Her,” which descends to No. 3 after a four-week run at the summit. Ross’ sole prior Country Airplay entry, “Single Again,” reached No. 2 last summer, in its 68th week.

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