5 queer country artists that’ll make you say ‘yeehaw’

Beyoncé is officially in her country era with Act II. Now, the world has been blessed by songs “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em,” the latter of which just hit number one on the country music charts and the Billboard Hot 100. Essentially, Queen Bey took us to the ballroom with house music and now she’s leading us to the rodeo.

She’s not the only one, as you can expect to start line dancing to new country music from Kacey Musgraves and Lana Del Rey as well. While we appreciate our queer allies, there are plenty of queer country stars to celebrate. So before you take your horse to the “Old Town Road,” check out these 5 queer musicians that’ll make you say, “Yeehaw” at the next rodeo.

Allison Russell

Allison Russell is a self-taught singer, songwriter, poet, activist, and multi-instrumentalist whose music inspires and uplifts. The Canadian artist’s most recent album The Returner is all about Black liberation, love, and self-respect, something seen in her Grammy-winning song “Eve Was Black.” Did we mention she was instrumental in organizing Nashville’s Love Rising concert supporting drag artists when Tennessee’s drag ban was introduced?

Joy Oladokun

Joy Oladokun’s music is much like a diary entry, letting the world in on her life, one song at a time. The daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Oladokun proudly celebrates her heritage and queerness within her work. Inspired by singer-songwriters Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, and Tracy Chapman, Oladokun’s discography is like listening to a “Sweet Symphony.”

Orville Peck

The ever mysterious Orville Peck leans into the drama that country music can create. Performing in a variety of fringe masks and a cowboy hat, Peck’s ’70s-inspired country music transports you to another time, similar to the musical stylings of Lana Del Rey. Make sure to give this cowboy a listen.

Amythyst Kiah

Blending country, folk, blues, and rock, Amythyst Kiah’s music is a revelation. A member of folk supergroup Our Native Daughters (as is Allison Russell), Amythyst’s sound is raw and unfiltered, aiming to share space with those seeking release from grief and alienation, while creating community for marginalized voices in a homogenized genre of music. That’s why her songs like “Black Myself” are so powerful.

Lily Rose

With clear influences from Bruce Springsteen to Keith Urban, Lily Rose mixes R&B sounds with country music to create a sound that’s haunting and earnest. The first LGTBQ+ female country artist to win the Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist at the annual GLAAD Media Awards, Lily Rose is unapologetically herself and country music is better because of it. And as long as she continues to bend the parameters of what’s considered country music, new fans and old ones won’t complain.

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