Beyonce dedicated the release of her new album ‘Renaissance’ to her late uncle Johnny.
The pop superstar dropped the much-anticipated new album on Friday (29.07.22) and cited his late relative – who was gay – as the inspiration behind the new record.
Beyoncé, 40, wrote on her website: “Many thanks to my Uncle Johnny. She was my godmother and the first person to expose me to so much of the music and culture that served as the inspiration for this album.
“Thank you to all the pioneers who created the culture, to all the fallen angels whose contributions have not been recognized for too long. This is a celebration for you.”
The ‘Break My Soul’ hitmaker’s mother Tina Knowles revealed more about Johnny in an Instagram post and revealed that the song ‘Heated’ has a nod to her.
She wrote on the social media platform: “Johnny was the closest person in the world to me, we were inseparable growing up! Later he was the nanny / housekeeper / designer / dance partner / (confidant) and bestie. I used to laugh with him constantly and Trusted him unconditionally when he died a piece of me went with him.
“Solange and Beyoncé adore her. She helped me raise her. And influenced her style and sense of uniqueness! (sic)”
Tina continued: “She made Beyoncé’s prom dress. Last night she asked me to listen closely at the end of the song ‘Heated’ and I first heard her say ‘Uncle Johnny made my dress’ and my eyes Got moist. You see Johnny loved house music! And introduced my kids to it soon. He’s smiling at Bey from heaven right now! (sic)”