In a recent interview with One American News Network, beloved actor John Schneider, known for his role in The Dukes of Hazzard, didn’t shy away from expressing his thoughts on Beyoncé’s latest foray into country music. Let’s take a closer look at his strong words.
During his conversation with OANN’s Alison Steinberg, Schneider, a 63-year-old artist, discussed how the country music genre has evolved over the years. Steinberg commented on the tendency of the “lefties in the entertainment industry” to infiltrate every area, to which Schneider responded with a colorful analogy. He compared Beyoncé’s venture into country music to a dog marking its territory by peeing on a tree.
Schneider, a country music veteran himself, expressed frustration at artists like Beyoncé, who have achieved tremendous success in their respective genres, venturing into country music. He believes that such artists should stick to their roots and avoid crossing over. However, there is growing anticipation around Beyoncé’s upcoming album, “Renaissance: Act II,” set to release on March 29, 2024, with speculation suggesting it could be a full-fledged country album.
Beyoncé is not the only pop star who has shown interest in exploring the country genre. Post Malone, Lana Del Rey, and others have also expressed curiosity about tapping into the vast country music fan base. With approximately 76 million Americans enjoying country music weekly, the appeal is understandable. Schneider’s concerns reflect a broader sentiment within the country music community regarding the influence of pop music on the genre.
It may come as a surprise to some that Schneider is voicing these opinions, but he has a significant background in country music himself. In the 80s, he made waves in the industry with nine studio albums, a greatest hits collection, and eighteen chart-topping singles. Hits like “I’ve Been Around Enough to Know,” “Country Girls,” “What’s a Memory Like You,” and “You’re the Last Thing I Needed Tonight” solidified his success. Even today, Schneider continues to perform, and in 2023, he impressed audiences as “Donut” on The Masked Singer.
Unsurprisingly, Beyoncé’s fans did not take kindly to Schneider’s harsh words. Some labeled his comments as racist and hateful, particularly his comparison of Beyoncé to a dog urinating. Supporters took to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their dissatisfaction, highlighting the fact that country music originally originated from black artists and pointing out other notable musicians, such as Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones, who have previously explored the country genre.
John Schneider’s remarks on Beyoncé’s venture into country music have undeniably sparked a debate among fans and observers. Now we turn the mic to you: What are your thoughts on this ongoing discussion? Feel free to share your opinions in the Facebook comment section below!
