June Carter Cash’s daughter Carlene Carter praises Beyoncé’s new country album “Cowboy Carter,” saying that it embodies the spunk of the Carter family, which has been a part of their hearts for nearly 100 years, filled with love not only for country music but for all music genres. She expressed her delight at the connection.
Carter, the daughter of June Carter Cash and Carl Smith, the stepdaughter of Johnny Cash, and the granddaughter of Maybelle Carter of the Carter Family, debuted with the song “Friendly Gates” on her stepfather’s album “The Junkie and the Juicehead Minus Me.”
Beyoncé said Her newly released album, born out of an experience where she felt unwelcome, particularly after her performance with the Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) at the Country Music Awards, has sparked controversy in the country music community.
As she deepened her understanding of the history of Country music following this experience, she felt pleased to see how music can bring people together globally while also highlighting the voices of those who have dedicated their lives to educating on musical history.
Carter, a talented singer and songwriter, has enjoyed a successful career in country music, releasing her first solo album in the late 1970s and achieving her first top 40 hit in 1983.
In 2016, Carter shared with the Irish Times that her stepfather had a significant and unique impact on her life, referring to their special relationship and the inspiration she drew from witnessing his passion for new songs.
She considers herself fortunate to have been able to observe two of the world's greatest entertainers while also seeing their human side, particularly her stepfather’s excitement when he had a new song.
In the late 1980s, Carter alongside her mother and aunts revived the renowned Carter Family band as The Carter Sisters.
The Carter Family, a folk group that recorded from 1927 to 1956, is credited with laying the groundwork for bluegrass before transitioning from vocal performances to country music. Originally formed by Sara Carter, her husband A.P., and her sister-in-law Maybelle, the group evolved over time.
The second generation of the Carter Family gained recognition in Texas, with the children of A.P., Sara, and Maybelle, performing in San Antonio. After some members left, Maybelle continued to perform with her daughters June, Anita, and Helen.
Carter’s full statement can be found below.
“I’ve heard criticism regarding Beyoncé’s new country album 'Cowboy Carter.' As a Carter Girl myself, coming from a long line of Carter Girls, I wonder why anyone would mistreat a Carter this way.”
“She is a very talented and imaginative woman who obviously wanted to do this because she enjoys country music. In my opinion, she is part of our Carter family and we have always challenged the norms by pursuing the music that speaks to our souls and taking courageous risks. Sometimes the country music 'establishment' has not been very welcoming, but at other times, it has been embraced wholeheartedly. As Chuck Berry said, 'it goes to show you never can tell.'”
“I am here to convey my admiration and love for Beyoncé to all those who doubt her. I am happy to know that the spirit of the Carter family is in her, just as it has been for almost 100 years of us Carters following our hearts, hearts that are filled with love not just for country music but for all kinds of music.”
“Here’s a warm welcome to the Carter Girl Club! It’s only a matter of time before those nay sayers become Bey sayers,” Carlene concluded.
