Willie Jones, a rising star in country music, recently shared his admiration for Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter, calling it “a dream” to be part of the project. Jones, who features on the track “Just for Fun,” praised Beyoncé for creating a powerful musical piece that blends various genres and offers a unique exploration of American music history. He acknowledged that the album, which includes contributions from artists like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, reflects deep-rooted cultural influences, and he believes it’s more than just a country album—it’s a celebration of American music as a whole.
Jones, who rose to prominence on The X Factor in 2012 and later released his debut album Something to Dance To, spoke about how working with Beyoncé was a major career milestone. He expressed his excitement upon receiving the invitation to collaborate, noting how he dropped everything when the call came in. The album also features several other Black Country artists, such as Reyna Roberts and Brittney Spencer, contributing to a broader movement to diversify country music.
Willie Jones isn’t alone in his admiration for Beyonce’s work; many collaborators, including Roberts and Spencer, shared similar sentiments about the privilege of working with the superstar. Despite some industry resistance to the inclusion of Black artists in country music, Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter seems to be a deliberate step toward reshaping the genre and broadening its appeal.
Jones’s involvement in Cowboy Carter highlights a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of country music, blending traditional sounds with contemporary, diverse influences.