Country radio programmers at the annual Country Radio Seminar in Nashville were met with a sobering presentation on the lack of diversity in country music. Researcher Jada Watson shared slides showing that songs by White artists dominate airplay, while artists of color, especially women, are severely underrepresented. The panel, titled “Diversi-‘tea’: Spilling the Data on Inclusive Programming,” aimed to address the need for change in the industry.
At the same time, Beyoncé’s foray into country music with her song “Texas Hold ’Em” sparked a heated debate after a radio station initially refused to play the track. The incident highlighted long-standing issues of racism and exclusion in the genre, especially for Black artists. Despite Beyoncé’s chart-topping success in country music, industry insiders recognize that there is still a lack of representation for Black artists on country radio.
Discussions at CRS reflected the industry’s hesitance to embrace newcomers from other genres like Beyoncé, but also acknowledged the potential for increased visibility and interest in country music. While Beyoncé’s success opens up new opportunities for Black artists in the genre, there is a call for systemic change to ensure that diverse voices are not just exceptions, but the norm in country music.
Singer-songwriter Julie Williams, a member of the Black Opry, emphasized the importance of highlighting other Black country artists alongside Beyoncé. She sees Beyoncé’s influence as a chance to amplify the voices of artists who have long been overlooked in the industry. Overall, the conversation at CRS underscored the need for greater inclusivity and support for Black artists in country music.
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