Black country music pioneer thanks Beyoncé for including her on album
On Cowboy CarterBeyoncé turns the spotlight on country pioneer Linda Martell, whose 1970 LP, Color Me Country, was the first major country album released by a black woman. Martell talks about the introduction “Spaghetti,” speaking of the restrictive nature of the word “species,” and takes its own part, “The Linda Martell Show”, a segue track that introduces “Ya Ya” as a “melody [that] it spans a range of genres and that's what makes it a unique listening experience.”
Martell, 82, released a statement on Instagram on Friday thanking Beyoncé for the recognition. “I'm proud that Beyoncé is exploring her roots in country music,” Martell wrote, alongside a clip of “The Linda Martell Show” streaming on Spotify. “What he's doing is beautiful and I'm honored to be a part of it. It's Beyoncé after all!”
A few years ago, Martell reflected on her career and role as a country music trendsetter in a Rolling rock Profile. The artist, who was born Thelma Bynem and previously sang in girl groups, recalled a meeting in 1969 with Nashville label owner Shelby Singleton Jr., who asked her what she wanted from a career. When she said she just wanted to sing, he suggested she try country. “I looked at him, 'really?' he said. “I was a little shocked! I mostly did pop. But he said, 'You have to go to the country'.”
Color Me Country reached Number 40 on the country chart, but Martell never recorded a follow-up album, instead singing in clubs. She eventually settled in South Carolina and worked as a bus driver to be closer to her family. when Rolling rock asked her if she was proud of her status as a Black Country pioneer, she mysteriously replied, “Sometimes.”
from our partners at https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/beyonce-linda-martell-statement-cowboy-carter-1234996636/
