Currently, there's controversy surrounding a country music album featuring Beyoncé dressed as a cowboy and holding the American flag. Before delving into the controversy, let's first understand what country music is.
American country music finds its roots in the folk music traditions of European immigrants, particularly those from Ireland, Scotland, and England who settled in the Appalachian region of the southeastern United States. These settlers brought with them musical instruments such as the fiddle, banjo, and guitar, as well as their storytelling lyrical style. Over time, these musical traditions blended with African-American influences, including blues and gospel music, creating a unique genre that reflected the experiences and cultural heritage of rural America. By the early 20th century, country music had...