Uncle Johnny contributed to Beyonce's historic Grammy win, here's how

After Beyonce made history as the most decorated artist at the 2023 Grammy Awards many questions came up about her connection with her uncle Johnny.

For the unversed, the Lemonade hit-maker won her 32nd award the best dance/electronic album for her magnum opus, Renaissance.

In her acceptance speech the emotionally-moved singer mentioned her beloved uncle Johnny, who turned out to play an instrumental role in her win as the album was inspired by her gay uncle who died of complication from AIDS. 

Beyonce and her mother Tina Knowles have spoken about Jonny in the past. 

He was Tina's nephew, and from what they revealed, he was one of the main influences on the upbringing of Beyonce and Solange. 

Given his homosexual past, and subsequent bout with HIV, Bey's Grammy-winning album Renaissance significantly drew from disco and house, genres that were largely formed by LGBTQ+ musicians, majority of whom were Black, and their audience. 

In the album Beyonce sang about quitting, designer purses but on a more serious note she paid tribute to her late uncle Jonny by including his name in the album's liner notes.

Beyonce wrote, "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." 

Jonny went on to get mentioned in the track Heated where she famously raps, "Uncle Jonny made my dress" referring to the instrumental role he had in making her stage outfits prior to her shot to fame.