Beyoncé, the Banjo, and Black Musical Lineage: A Historic Grammy Win

Beyoncé’s latest Grammy win is more than just another trophy—it is a moment of cultural reclamation and historical recognition. Her newest album highlights the Black roots of country, folk, and blues music, challenging mainstream narratives that have long erased or minimized Black contributions to these genres.

The History of the Banjo

The banjo, often associated with country and bluegrass music, actually has African origins. Enslaved Africans brought the design and playing techniques of similar stringed instruments to the Americas, where they evolved into what is now recognized as the modern banjo. In the 19th century, Black musicians were central to the instrument’s development, but as minstrel shows popularized it, white performers appropriated the sound, leading to its eventual association with white Southern culture.

Despite this shift, Black artists continued to innovate and influence country and folk music, though their contributions were often uncredited. Musicians like Arnold Shultz, a Black fiddler and guitarist, helped shape what would later become bluegrass, influencing legendary white artists such as Bill Monroe. Yet, as country music became commercialized, Black pioneers were largely erased from its history.

Cultural Reclamation

In her album, Beyoncé strategically incorporates the banjo and other Southern Black musical elements to challenge long-standing cultural erasure. Her decision to blend these historical sounds with modern production techniques serves as both a tribute and a reclamation of Black artists’ contributions to American music. By doing so, she forces a reevaluation of the genre’s history and who is recognized as belonging to it.

This act of reclamation is particularly important because it disrupts the idea that country and folk music are exclusively white spaces. Beyoncé’s presence in the genre is a reminder that Black musicians have always been a part of these traditions and that their influence persists despite decades of exclusion.

The Broader Impact of Genre Erasure

Many musical genres—rock, jazz, blues, country, and more—were founded by Black artists but were later rebranded as predominantly white spaces. The music industry has historically marginalized Black musicians in these genres, often requiring them to conform to racialized expectations or relegating them to categories like “R&B” or “urban” instead of acknowledging their rightful place in the broader musical landscape.

Genre erasure is not just about music—it reflects broader societal patterns of cultural appropriation and exclusion. When Black artists are pushed out of genres they helped create, it limits their economic opportunities and shapes public perceptions of musical ownership and history. Beyoncé’s album is not just a celebration but an act of resistance against this erasure. By reclaiming these musical traditions, she challenges the industry’s gatekeeping and reminds audiences of the Black roots embedded in American music.

Multiple-Choice Questions

1. Why is Beyoncé’s use of the banjo in her album significant beyond just the music itself?

a) It adds a unique sound to her album.

b) It highlights the historical Black roots of the instrument.

c) She wanted to experiment with different musical styles.

d) The banjo has never been used in mainstream music before.

2. How does genre erasure impact the way we perceive Black musicians?

a) It gives Black musicians more opportunities in music.

b) It creates a false narrative about who originally contributed to certain genres.

c) It encourages diversity in the music industry.

d) It makes no difference in how Black musicians are viewed.

3. Why did country music become associated primarily with white artists despite its Black origins?

a) The music industry promoted white artists while excluding Black musicians.

b) Black artists never played country music.

c) White musicians were better at playing country music.

d) Black musicians voluntarily left the genre.

4. In what way does Beyoncé’s album serve as a form of activism?

a) It focuses only on her personal experiences.

b) It helps redefine the narrative around Black contributions to music.

c) It ignores historical influences in favor of modern music.

d) It follows traditional country music styles without innovation.

5. How can understanding the history of Black contributions to music change the way we listen to different genres today?

a) It makes music less enjoyable.

b) It has no effect on how people listen to music.

c) It allows listeners to recognize and appreciate the origins of musical styles.

d) It only matters for people studying music history.