John Schneider Speaks Out Against Beyoncé’s Country Music Exploration
John Schneider, the beloved star of The Dukes of Hazzard, recently made headlines for expressing his strong opinions about Beyoncé’s foray into country music. In an interview with One American News Network, the 63-year-old actor didn’t hold back in his criticism, igniting a debate among fans and observers.
Schneider’s frustration stems from Beyoncé’s fans wanting her new song, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” to be played on a country music radio station in Oklahoma. During the interview, Schneider and host Alison Steinberg discussed the evolution of the country genre over the years.
Steinberg quipped, “The lefties in the entertainment industry just won’t leave any area alone, right? They just have to seize control over every aspect, don’t they?” Schneider responded with a colorful analogy, likening Beyoncé’s venture into country music to “a dog peeing on a tree” to mark her territory.
The actor believes that artists like Beyoncé, who have already achieved immense success in their respective genres (she has won 32 Grammy Awards), should stick to what they know best and avoid crossing over into country music. However, fans still anticipate Beyoncé’s upcoming album, “Renaissance: Act II,” set to release on March 29, 2024, with rumors suggesting it may be a full-fledged country album.
Schneider’s concerns extend beyond Beyoncé to other pop stars exploring country music. Artists like Post Malone and Lana Del Rey have also expressed interest in delving into this popular genre. With approximately 76 million Americans enjoying country music weekly, it’s understandable that these big-name artists want to tap into the vast fan base and expand their appeal. Schneider’s perspective reflects a wider concern within the country music community about the influence of pop on the genre.
It may surprise some that Schneider is voicing these opinions, but he has a substantial background in country music. In the 80s, he made his mark 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 recently participated in season ten of The Masked Singer as “Donut.”
Unsurprisingly, Beyoncé’s fans did not take kindly to Schneider’s harsh words. Many labeled his remarks as racist and hateful, particularly regarding his comparison of Beyoncé to a urinating dog. Some fans expressed their dissatisfaction on social media platforms, highlighting the fact that country music was originally created by black artists and that crossovers are not uncommon. They also pointed out other notable artists like Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones, who have explored the country genre.
John Schneider’s comments have sparked a heated debate among fans and observers. What are your thoughts? Feel free to share your opinions in the comment section below!
