One of my favorite songs is “If You’re Reading This” by country superstar Tim McGraw.
Opinion columnist
LZ Granderson
LZ Granderson writes about culture, politics, sports and navigating life in America.
The lyrics are written in the form of a letter from a soldier, to his family that he will do his duty. The inspiration came from a magazine article about war casualties in 2007. After the song’s debut, McGraw said: “This 5-year-old blonde girl came up and pulled my shirt and said, you know, ‘You just sang a song about my dad, didn’t you?’ I just hope it doesn’t matter what side of politics you’re on, someone goes and gives their life for what they’re called to do.
It appears everywhere we are a reminder of our differences. Election cycles are generally underway, and 2024 is particularly divisive. Pain even. To heal together, we must remember our differences. Music, like McGraw’s “Read This,” is one of life’s gifts that reminds us.
Enter BoykinZ, the country sister act from Georgia who became a TikTok sensation in 2022 and whose new single “Fell in Love With a Cowboy” dropped on Friday.
“We’re just being ourselves,” said Anale Boykins, who along with Alona, ​​Kylan and Nytere form the family act. “We feel like we can do all kinds of music, and we do, but country is always our favorite. It just speaks to us.”
Raised in a home with parents who were performing artists, and with Broadway hits all day long, BoykinZ was seen by some in Nashville as the girl version of the Jackson 5. They all played instruments, danced and enjoyed skits. His TikTok fame attracted the attention of Kelly Clarkson, who joined his talk show, and Shania Twain, who invited him to perform on stage.
He also attracted the attention of Nathan Chapman, who produced Taylor Swift’s first four albums, including her 2006 debut, “Taylor Swift” — and the lead single titled “Tim McGraw.”
“What makes Taylor special is his songwriting,” he told me. “Country music is at its best when it tells a good story, and Taylor is a great storyteller. Her ability to communicate her thoughts and emotions in a way that connects with listeners is what has kept her at the top for so long.
“When I first heard BoykinZ, I just had to work with them. They are special and talented. In addition, they are fun and beautiful and most importantly, they know how to tell a good story.
It’s no secret that country music doesn’t have many Black stars. BeyoncĂ©’s entry into the genre shines a light not only on her own relationship with country music, but also on the long journey of other Black country artists. This includes Linda Martell, the first black woman to play on the Grand Ole Opry, who said she left the country in 1974 because it didn’t vote for white artists. Fifty years later, Martell became a Grammy nominee thanks to BeyoncĂ©, and the country airwaves were more welcoming, a fact highlighted by Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” the longest-running No. 1 this year.
And now BoykinZ hopes to play a role in the continued growth of the genre.
“Our parents raised us to be big dreamers,” Kylan said. “We don’t limit ourselves. … We don’t try to be what people think. … We stick to our sound and hope people ask for us.
When I first saw the group, I immediately thought of the wonderful Pointer Sisters, who are also not afraid to do country. That fear is part of what’s on the ears of longtime producer and group business manager Craig King.
“He knows who he is and you can tell by his voice,” said King, who grew up in Nashville and was picked up from school by country superstar Waylon Jennings. He said that the days of music executives dictate what sound is where, and that includes the country: “You can’t tell the youth how to think. The fact is that the internet is just a very powerful way. They will choose and listen to whatever they want , regardless of the industry. The walls that separate music are falling, and the industry knows it.
That’s obvious. BeyoncĂ© and Shaboozey dominated the country charts this year, along with pop artist Post Malone. And now the man who helped introduce Taylor Swift to the world believes the country is ready to fall in love with these four sisters after decades of voices like hers being ignored.
“I feel like if the fans connect, Nashville would be a fool to ignore it,” said Chapman, who has also worked with Keith Urban and Dan and Shay and produced Mickey Guyton’s powerful single “Black Like Me.”
“To be a super successful country artist, you have to have a lot of depth, and they have,” he said. “It’s not about coding or making all the right moves. It’s about opening up and connecting with people. She has amazing vocals and beautiful dancing, but the story is really going to make people feel connected. She has a great story to tell .
Like falling in love with a cowboy…couldn’t be any other country.
@LZGranderson
