Beyoncé’s incredible story is more relevant, relatable and aspirational today than ever. Her most recent album, her eighth studio album Cowboy Carter won Best Album at the 66th Grammy Awards. This album honors the legacy of black country music. It is indicative of Beyoncé’s childhood bathing in the waters of the Texas and Louisiana swamps that raised her. In addition to her daughter’s Grammy, an anxious Tina Knowles, Beyoncé’s mother, worries about the burden that success places upon her grandchildren.
At the Grammy Awards, Beyoncé received recognition for her innovative album, which contextualizes the intersection of black culture and country music. This Oscar win adds to the artist’s already long list of feats. They’re known for genre-defining tracks like “Single Ladies,” “Crazy in Love,” “Halo,” and “Irreplaceable.” Young achievements At 13 years old, Blue Ivy—her daughter—has already taken steps to establish her own legacy. She impressed fans by joining her mother, the legendary Tina Knowles, on stage during the Renaissance tour.
From the day Beyoncé was born, Tina Knowles has been in her corner, through fame’s early successes and later pitfalls. She loves hanging out with her progeny most of all — Blue Ivy, plus the seven-year-old twins Rumi and Sir. She goes on to describe them as “the biggest joy in my life.” She says she’s concerned about the production pressure and public scrutiny that they are under as the children of celebrities.
“If I had my first choice, they would not have to deal with the things that they have to deal with as kids,” – Tina Knowles
Knowles points out the positive side, that through it all Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z have developed an enviable relationship with their three children. She’s inspired by their commitment to parenting. Despite the abnormal amount of time that they spend with their kids, or perhaps because of it, these parents have developed incredible relationships with their children.
“And they’re just great parents. I don’t think you could ask for better parents,” – Tina Knowles
Tina Knowles deserves credit for speaking out on the dangers of fame on children. She is especially concerned about the emotional toll that public humiliation might take on their lives.
“But one day they’ll read the ignorance that people put out there about them, the lies and all of that,” – Tina Knowles
Even with all these worries, Knowles is confident her daughter and son-in-law are talented at protecting their children from the hatefulness.
“They are very astute at blocking out the bull and the lies. And do they hurt them? Sure, but they don’t even focus on that,” – Tina Knowles
Knowles has recently battled her own health issues. Doctors found two tumors and diagnosed her with Stage 1 breast cancer. She gives credit to her daughters and her faith for getting her through this dark turning point.
“My daughters and my faith carried me through,” – Tina Knowles
In addition to discussing her family’s dynamics, Knowles has recently published a memoir titled Matriarch, which chronicles her childhood in Texas, Beyoncé’s rise to fame, and her experiences as a grandmother. Overarchingly in her book, she meditates on how her childhood experience helped inform her outlook on living and raising kids.
Beyoncé’s impact is felt most in her music, but it extends to her approach to motherhood. As a kid, she was always trying to disappear.
“She walked into every classroom trying to be invisible,” – Tina Knowles
She desires anonymity — something completely opposite to her present condition. Today, as one of the most well known human figures in the world, she shines that equal spotlight on Jay-Z. Regardless of how well known she is, Knowles feels there’s nothing fake about Beyoncé. That honesty and authenticity is what drives her to craft songs that deeply reflect her life and story.
“It is in her. It’s in her right to make whatever music she feels like making,” – Tina Knowles
Beyoncé’s musical evolution is evident in Cowboy Carter, which serves as a powerful reminder of the rich history of black contributions to country music. The album is an amazing testament to her artistry, but more so the deep roots that so noticeably continue to inspire her work today.
Though she continues to balance the demands of a high-profile career with those of family life, Beyoncé stands as an artistic and cultural force. Blue Ivy’s trumpeting debut suggests that this change in legacy will continue. Already, she’s stealing scenes and hearts, and all with the singularly fresh talent she brings to the frame. Tina Knowles playfully calls Blue Ivy Beyoncé’s “manager,” and for good reason—the duo is rarely heard from, but they do share a fierce, competitive edge.
“Well, I don’t call her my manager. Everybody else calls her my manager because she’s bossy. She’s a little Capricorn like me. So we have that bond,” – Tina Knowles
Leave a Reply