Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Illuminates the Trailblazing Legacy of Black Country Music Icon Linda Martell

Beyoncé’s latest album, “Cowboy Carter,” not only dominates with its flavorfully robust tracks but also casts a spotlight on a somewhat forgotten icon of country music, Linda Martell. Through songs like “The Linda Martell Show,” featured in the intro to “Ya Ya,” and “Spaghetti,” Martell’s distinctive voice and legacy are brought to the forefront, intriguing and even educating listeners about her remarkable yet underappreciated journey in the music world. Linda Martell, at 82, is a name intertwined with the roots of country music. Her seminal album “Color Me Country,” released in 1970, included the groundbreaking hit “Color Him Father,” along with other beloved tracks like “Bad Case of the Blues” and “Before the Next Teardrop Falls.” Martell’s unique blend of lively country rhythms and soul-stirring ballads, infused by her gospel and R&B roots, made her the first solo Black woman to grace the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. Her contributions to the genre were not limited to her music; she also made her mark on television, appearing on the syndicated variety show ‘Hee Haw’ and sharing stages with legends like Hank Snow and Waylon Jennings. According to Rolling Stone, Martell’s pioneering efforts in country music have been described as...