Beyoncé’s seventh and universally acclaimed album, Renaissance, also known as Act 1: Renaissance, has been a cultural reset for the musical icon. The album serves as a love letter to the post-1970s black music genres such as disco and house, along with honoring the Black and queer icons who influenced the culture. One of those figures includes Bey’s Uncle Johnny.
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Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, wrote on Instagram about the influence her nephew had on her daughters, Beyonce and Solange, during their childhood: “Johnny was the closest human being in the world to me. We were inseparable growing up! Later, he was my nanny/housekeeper/designer/dance partner/confidant and bestie,” she wrote during the album’s launch.
Knowles continued, “I laughed constantly with him and trusted him unconditionally! When he died, a piece of me went with him. Solange and Beyoncé worshiped him. He helped me raise them. And influenced their sense of style and uniqueness! He made Beyoncé’s prom dress.”
Uncle Johnny passed away due to complications from AIDS in the late 1990s.
Beyonce also paid tribute to her uncle during her acceptance speech at the 2019 GLAAD Awards:
“I want to dedicate this award to my uncle Johnny, the most fabulous gay man I have ever met, who helped raise me and my sister. Witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever lived. I’m hopeful that his struggle served to open pathways for other young people to live more freely.”
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After the album’s release, Beyoncé thanked Uncle Johnny on her official website and credited him for introducing her to house music: “A big thank you to my uncle Johnny. He was my godmother and the first person to expose me to a lot of the music and the culture that serve as an inspiration for this album. Thank you to all of the pioneers who originate culture, to all of the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized for far too long. This is a celebration for you.”
In the track “Heated,” she also referenced him in the following lyrics:
Cuff me, please, ’cause this ain’t fairDripped in my pearls like Coco ChanelUncle Jonny made my dressThat cheap Spandex, she looks a mess
The album tracks also references several popular songs that have impacted Black and queer culture. Beyoncé said she started working on the album in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and wanted to inspire joy for her fans. “Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom,” she explained.
Some of the icons included on the album were Kevin Aviance, Robin S. Grace Jones, Kevin JZ Prodigy, TS Madison, and a sample of Miss Honey by Moi Renee.
After the release and this year’s tour, the album became a global phenomenon as fans went out to express themselves through dance or fashion. During the Renaissance World Tour, fans went to find their best silver outfits and disco ball cowboy hats, along with wearing outfits referencing the album’s songs.
