The story behind Beyoncé's Chitlin' Circuit tour name

Beyoncé is gearing up for her latest tour, which is called the Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour. Fans are eagerly waiting to grab their tickets for this exciting event. The name of the tour is not just catchy; it has a rich history behind it. Cowboy Carter refers to Beyoncé's newest album, but the term 'Chitlin' Circuit' might leave some people wondering what it means. The Chitlin' Circuit was a network of performance venues that existed from the late 1880s until the 1960s. During this time, Jim Crow laws enforced segregation, which meant that black Americans were treated as second-class citizens. They were often separated from white people, which affected where they could live, go to school, and even enjoy public spaces. In response to these unfair laws, black musicians and performers created their own spaces to showcase their talents. This network of venues became known as the Chitlin' Circuit, named after a popular southern dish made from pig intestines. These venues provided safe and welcoming spaces for black musicians, comedians, and their audiences. Many legendary black artists, including Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and James Brown, performed on the Chitlin' Circuit at some point in their careers. According to Mia Bay, a professor of American History at Cambridge University, the Chitlin' Circuit played a crucial role in the development of black music. She explains that it was essential for sustaining the careers of many important black performers, allowing them to earn a living through their music. The circuit also had a positive impact on black communities, as performers would often be drawn to popular black vacation spots and theaters in those areas. This helped to boost the careers of entertainers and created a sense of community among the audience. Beyoncé has always shown appreciation for black performers, and her Texas roots may have influenced her decision to name her tour after the Chitlin' Circuit. Texas was a state with a lot of segregation, and this connection to her upbringing likely shapes how she views American history. Mia Bay suggests that Beyoncé's choice of name also reflects a nostalgic reference to the communal nature of the Chitlin' Circuit, where many performers came together to share their talents. The tour will visit several cities that were significant to the Chitlin' Circuit, including Georgia, Houston, and Chicago. Nat Brown, a fan and music history content creator, believes that the limited number of cities in this tour is intentional. Unlike her previous tour, Renaissance, which had many stops, this tour is smaller, with only eight cities on the schedule, six of which are in the United States. Nat points out that this mirrors the historical Chitlin' Circuit, where musicians would only perform in a handful of locations. If people were lucky, they would get to see the performers, but often, they would miss out as the artists moved quickly from one place to another. Nat also thinks that Beyoncé's use of 'Chitlin' Circuit' in the tour title serves an educational purpose. Her previous album, Renaissance, explored the often-overlooked contributions of black and queer communities to house music. Cowboy Carter takes this exploration further, delving into the history of black American musicians. Nat believes that Beyoncé is reviving something from the past and making it relevant for younger audiences. She aims to create a unique experience for her fans, allowing them to connect with the music and its cultural significance. This tour is not just about the performances; it is about celebrating the legacy of black musicians and their contributions to the music industry.