"Texas Hold 'Em" from Beyonce Makes History #MusicMonday

Source: YouTube.com

Beyonce made music history last week as the first female black artist to have a #1 song on the Billboard Country Charts with her new song “Texas Hold ‘Em.” And during Black History Month no less! It’s quite the fab song!

Since it’s Black History Month and this year’s focus is on the arts, let’s dive a little more into the history of female black artists on the Country Chart.

Just last year, Tracy Chapman was the first female black artist to write a #1 Country Song when Luke Combs hit the top of the chart with his rendition of her song “Fast Car.” Here they are at the Grammy Awards this year, together:

But there’s more history here. Know another female black artist who topped the Country Chart 43 years before Tracy? Donna Summer. Yes Donna co-wrote a song that Dolly Parton recorded to great success, topping the Billboard Country Chart in 1981 with “Starting Over Again.”

Donna wrote the song with her then boyfriend Bruce Sudano (who later became her husband) about his parents getting a divorce. Donna sang it on her 1980 ABC television special and when Dolly heard it she called Donna and asked if she could sing it. She and Bruce apparently obliged!

Years later, Reba McEntire picked up “Starting Over Again,” and once again it went to #1 on the Country Chart. That’s two times for Donna at #1 on the Country Chart as a female black artist.

So yes, big congrats to Beyonce for being the first black female to top the Country chart with a song she co-wrote and sang. Huge progress, with a history of advances leading up to her achievement!

What’s your experience? JIM