Production and songwriter credits for Beyoncé’s new album “Cowboy Carter” hit streaming services this past weekend, but she’s got a few more surprises in store when it comes to the musicians who played on the record.
While accepting the Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on Tuesday (April 1), Beyoncé revealed that Stevie Wonder played harmonica on her cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” a reimagining of the 1973 classic. Wonder was on hand to present the honor to Beyoncé, who introduced her speech by thanking the artist for how much he inspired her.
“Thank you so much Stevie, I love you. I love you and I honor you. I want to thank you for making a way for all of us,” she said. “I’m honored to receive this recognition from you, Stevie Wonder. Whenever anyone asks me if there’s anyone I can listen to for the rest of my life, it’s always you. So thank you, God bless you.” Wonder responded, “I want to thank you for motivating the world to be a better place.”
It was then that Beyoncé gave a little peek behind the curtain into how “Jolene” came together. “And thank you for playing the harmonica on ‘Jolene,'” she said.
Beyoncé receiving the Innovator Award at the #iHeartAwards2024
