Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton Join Beyonce

Beyonce's new album 'Cowboy Carter'- which she describes as a 'Beyonce' album over a 'Country' album- is one of the most talked about music projects of the year.  The tribute to the 'Country Side' of Beyonce includes legends Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. Moreover, she takes time to honor Linda Martell, the first African American Solo Female Artist to regularly play the Grand Ole Opry and release an album ('Color Me Country'). Prior to knowing her inclusion of Martell, I had written a blog hoping her album would give this 'lost legend' some overdue credit, and she came through! Check out my post written prior to the announcement.

In addition to Dolly, Willie and Linda Martell, Country Singer Cam ('Burning House) contributed 5 songs to the album, Brittany Spencer sings back up on 'Blackbiird' and 'Tyrant'. Rhiannon Giddens plays banjo on 'Texas Hold 'Em'. Nickel Creek, Willie Jones, Jon Batiste, and Robert Randolph add to the genre-bending, as do mega stars Post Malone and Miley Cyrus and others. Click here to learn more about the guests on the new album.

I have a feeling that Beyonce, and this album, will dominate the awards shows later in the year. My prediction is that she'll open, or be featured at, the CMAs or ACMs because of her mass appeal.  If that's the case, let's hope Dolly or Willie get to share the spotlight.