Dozens of Beyoncé fans swarmed Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Friday, decked out in cowboy hats, rhinestone denim vests, dusty jeans and leather boots for Beyoncé Fan Day, to celebrate the release of her new album, “Act II: Cowboy Carter.”
The event was also an opportunity for fans to learn about the artists who influenced and inspired Beyoncé’s music.
The global superstar kicked off her new era of music in February, when she released two new songs, “Texas Hold Em” and “16 Carriages” during the Superbowl. “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” is the singer’s anticipated follow up to her 2022 album, “Renaissance,” which the singer had initially revealed to be a three-part project.
While “Renaissance” paid homage to the disco and house music that inspired her, birthed a world tour and concert film and inspired chrome-heavy fashion looks, her new album is her official entry into country music.
The Cleveland Bey bash kicked off Thursday night with a book talk by author Francesa Royster, who discussed her new book, “Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions,” which highlights themes of Black performers in the music genre. Royster won the 2023 Ralph J. Gleason Music Book Award.
Signal Cleveland dropped by on Friday and spoke to some cowboys and rodeo queens about what Beyoncé — a.k.a Queen Bey or 👑🐝 — and her music and art means to them.
Mario Riley, 35, East Cleveland
How does Beyoncé’s music and art inspire you?
She’s like a beacon of hope. To see a woman of color be this impactful in the world is just so iconic to me. Every time she performs, she gives a different feel, a different essence. She’s my everything. She’s my girl.
What are you looking forward to in this new Beyoncé era?
I really want to see this album do well commercially. She’s already breaking history by being the first Black woman with the number one country hit. She’s breaking barriers, breaking down those walls. I’m just excited to see her do her thing.
Beyoncé albums are a snapshot of our time and culture. What album of hers resonates the most with you?
That’s a really hard question. “Dangerously in Love.” Every song on there was a banger. Her albums “4” and “Renaissance” are also some of my favorites.
Regina Callabrass, 61, Queens, New York
How did you hear about this event?
I signed up during the museum’s email campaign to vote for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees this year. I kept getting emails, and one email said that it was going to be Beyoncé [Fan Day], so I said I might as well come. I work in the airline industry, so I flew in today for this [event]. I also said, “Let’s have some fun and accessorize!”
How does Beyoncé’s music and art inspire you?
I’m all about powerful women. I love seeing women pilots and women who break down barriers. We don’t get the recognition that we deserve. But here’s an artist that is breaking barriers in music genres and in country music, and she’s continuing to open up the doorways for us.
What album of hers resonates the most with you?
I like her song “Halo.” Don’t ask me to sing it.
Nandy DelCastillo, 36 and her daughter, Megan, Cleveland
How does Beyoncé’s music and art inspire you?
I’m a visual artist and a mom. Beyoncé, who is also a female, specifically Black female artist and mom, means the epitome of success to me.
She is hard-working. Her perseverance and continuing to knock down the doors in music when they don’t let you in is so inspiring to me. That’s why I think her album is so monumental.
What lessons have you shared with your daughters about Beyoncé?
There’s days where I stay up all night long working on projects. I tell my daughter, “Greatness is not easy. Luck is not a coincidence. Greatness is something you strive for every single day.”
To me, her work ethic shows me: It just means that anything is possible for us.
What Beyoncé album resonates with you the most?
“Renaissance,” her latest album, came out when I was still living in New York. The ballroom dance scene in New York is huge. So when the album came out it was such a memorable moment for me and all my LGBTQ+ friends. She released it right after COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, and we definitely just needed a party. I think my favorite song is probably “Halo.” My husband dedicated the song to me when we got married.
Lawrence Williams, 33, Nikkole Terney, 31, and Fred Quinn, 32, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
How does Beyoncé’s music and art inspire you?
She is everything I strive to be as a Black woman. She is powerful. She embodies grace and beauty. I’ve really appreciated her as a vocalist on this album.
What album of hers resonates the most with you?
My favorite Beyoncé song is “Check On It” and it always will be. My favorite album will have to be “Renaissance.” It was an important era and ode to Black queer people that I may never be able to hear on a mainstream album ever again.
Is there anything else you wanted to say?
Everyone I’ve met here has been so kind and supportive today. I’m just very happy to be here. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame made me feel like a rock star today, and I feel very blessed.
Beyonce´ Fan Day
The Beyhive dressed to impress at the Rock Hall’s Beyoncé Fan Day
Rhinestone cowboy hats, bedazzled stiletto boots and customized denim jackets dominated the scene.
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