Beyoncé hit #1 with “Texas Hold ‘Em”

Texas Hold ‘Em Beyoncé

Writer(s): Brian Bates, Nathan Ferraro, Raphael Saadiq, Dahiana Martinez (Vrita B) (see lyrics here) Released: February 11, 2024 First Charted: February 21, 2024 Peak: 12 BB, 13 DG, 11 ST, 22 AC, 7 A40, 33 AA, 110 CW, 19 RB, 15 UK, 13 CN, 2 AU, 1 DF (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, 0.6 UK, 1.76 world (includes US + UK) Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 101.74 video, 548.75 streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” were simultaneously released to promote Cowboy Carter, the eighth studio album from Beyoncé. The songs were surprise releases on the night of the Super Bowl. Beyoncé hinted at their release during her appearance in a Verizon commercial during the game. “Texas Hold ‘Em” became her ninth solo #1 hit. It also topped the charts in Belgium, Canada, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the UK, It also made history as the first country chart-topper for a black woman. Tthe uptempo country-meets-soul song is named after the poker game and uses it “as a playful metaphor for a blossoming romance.” SF Songfacts.com said this about the song: “’Texas Hold 'Em’ kicks off the party with a twangy beat and playful swagger, inviting us to two-step the night away. Beyoncé…infuses the song with nods to her Southern roots, peppering the chorus with mentions of ‘real-live hoedowns,’ heatwaves, and even a tornado.” SF While some dismissed the song and album as a misguided attempt to crossover to the country charts, there were music critics who “praised ‘Texas Hold ‘em’ for its playful tone, authentic sound, Beyoncé’s vocal performance, and its celebration of the Black roots of country music.” WK Variety’s Chris Willman called it a “genre-embracing and transcending” track. WK In the country music world, the song was praised “for elevating the accessibility of country music for a wider audience.” WK Time’s Taylor Crumpton attacked country music’s gatekeepers, noting that Beyoncé “has been country for the entirety of her life.” WK She was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and listened to country music at an early age. The city’s “cowboy heritage and zydeco music played a role in her upbringing.” WK Her family attended the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo every year. WK Resources: SF Songfacts WK Wikipedia Related Links: First posted 10/17/2024.