Beyoncé dedicates her latest album to her deceased gay Uncle Johnny.
On Friday, Bey released her seventh studio album called “Renaissance.” The album was outside the Beyhive queen’s norm and consisted of 16 house music tracks. Bey dedicated the album to her Uncle Johnny, who she credits for introducing her to the genre.
“A big thank you to my Uncle Johnny,” she wrote on her website. “He was my godmother and the first person to expose me to a lot of the music and culture that serve as inspiration for this album.”
She continued, “Thank you to all of the pioneers who originated culture. To all of the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized for far too long. This is a celebration for you.”
Bey’s mother, Tina Knowles, also shared heartfelt words about Johnny, who is her sister’s son, whom she considers to be “more like a brother to me.”
“Johnny was the closest human being in the world to me. We were inseparable growing up,” Knowles wrote on Instagram. “Later, he was my nanny/ housekeeper/ designer/ dance partner/ [confidant] and bestie. I laughed constantly with him and trusted him unconditionally! When he died, a piece of me went with him.”
Knowles added, “Solange and Beyonce worshiped him. He helped me raise them. And influenced their sense of style and uniqueness! He made Beyoncé’s prom dress. Last night she told me to listen closely at the end of the song ‘Heated,’ and I heard for the first time her saying, ‘Uncle Johnny made my dress,’ and I got so teary-eyed. You see, Johnny loved house music! And introduced my kids to it early on. He is smiling from Heaven at Bey right now!”
In 2019, Bey thanked Johnny during her acceptance speech the 30th GLAAD Media Awards.
“I want to dedicate this award to my Uncle Johnny. The most fabulous gay man I have ever known, who helped raise me and my sister,” she said. “He lived his truth, and he was brave and unapologetic during a time when this country wasn’t as accepting.”
