CNN Explores the Impact of Beyoncé’s Country Venture in New Documentary
CNN’s FlashDocs unit is set to release a new documentary, “Call Me Country: Beyoncé & Nashville’s Renaissance,” which will be available for streaming on Max in the U.S. starting April 26. The documentary comes at a pivotal moment as Beyoncé recently became the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, sparking a broader conversation about the evolving definition of country music.
Produced by CNN FlashDocs, the documentary delves into the impact of high-profile artists like Beyoncé and Lil Nas X, who are challenging the traditional country music status quo. It explores how Black artists in Nashville have been laying the groundwork for this transformation, contributing to a larger revolution within the genre.
“Call Me Country” features interviews with prominent country musicians, including banjo player Rhiannon Giddens, who collaborated with Beyoncé on “Texas Hold ‘Em,” and John and T.J. Osborne of Brothers Osborne. Other interviewees include Rissi Palmer, Aaron Vance, and Denitia. The film also includes insights from culture and country music experts such as Touré, Larisha Paul, Chris Molanphy, Kyle Coroneos, Keith Hill, and Co-Directors of the Black Opry, Holly G. and Tanner D.
The documentary looks at the impact of Beyoncé’s country music venture, “Cowboy Carter,” released on March 29. The album arrived during a pivotal moment in the culture wars, with the country music industry grappling between embracing diversity and remaining entrenched in a narrow view that predominantly centers straight, white men.
“Call Me Country: Beyoncé & Nashville’s Renaissance” premieres on Max on April 26.
Image Credit: CNN Flashdocs/Max
