Can you guess what former Disney star Hilary Duff, The Big Band Theory actor Jim Parsons, and “Sicko Mode” singer Travis Scott all have in common? In addition to having millions in the bank, they all grew up in Houston, Texas! Does Beyoncé also happen to be one of the stars who was once dreaming of fame in this city?
Beyoncé is from Texas, and she grew up in its largest city of Houston. She was raised in its historic Third Ward neighborhood, and referenced her home town in several of her songs, including “No Angel” and “Drunk in Love”.
Growing Up in Houston
Beyoncé has nothing but great memories of her childhood in Houston. While looking back at the experience of growing up in this city for Visit Houston, she said it will always be her home because some of her best memories took place there.
Houston was also where her girl group Destiny’s Child was formed, but it was known as Girl’s Tyme in the beginning. She was preparing for a future career in the music industry by attending schools that focused on performing arts, and even joined a choir at the local St. John’s Church.
“I would have to say some of my favorite memories of Houston are performing at my mother’s hair salon and the music showcases we entered trying to get discovered… Houston is where my stage presence and confidence was developed,” explained Beyoncé.
Beyoncé’s Favorite Places
Beyoncé also mentioned a couple of her favorite places while chatting with Visit Houston. During her childhood years, AstroWorld and SplashTown were on top of her list, but she also enjoyed coming back for the Houston Rodeo after moving out of Texas.
Many of her favorite Houston attractions happen to be food joints. She always had a special place in her heart for Frenchy’s Chicken, but also professed her love for This Is It Soul Food and Pappadeaux. Queen Bey has also been spotted eating at the B&B Butchers & Restaurant. The iconic Houston museum The Menil Collection is also one of her favorite places to be, since she’s a huge art lover.
Strong Connection
It’s been a long time since Beyoncé lived in Houston, but she always manages to find new ways to honor her hometown. She referenced it in several of her songs, but the 2012 track “No Angel” is the most notable example. Music video for this song was filmed around Houston, and she wanted it to fully capture its beauty and be a real tribute to her hometown.
Beyoncé’s video “Grown Woman” featured footage filmed in Houston, but these were mostly home videos filmed throughout her childhood. She also filmed the visual for “Blow” at the roller skating rink FunPlex in her hometown, and referenced Houston in her songs “Drunk in Love”, “Rocket”, and several more.
Beyoncé was there for her home state during its darkest times. After Hurricane Harvey devastated Texas, she launched a fundraising initiative for Hurricane Harvey relief through the BeyGOOD Foundation. She also paid a visit to St. John’s Church, where she distributed food to those affected by the hurricane, and delivered an emotional speech calling Houston her home.
Where Does She Live Now?
Like many celebrity couples, Beyoncé and Jay-Z aren’t based in a single city, and they own several properties they can call home. Back in 2017, they decided to put down roots, and splashed out $88 million for their dream home in Los Angeles.
According to PopSugar, the couple also has a loft in Tribeca, which comes in handy since they’re often traveling to New York City. The list of their properties includes a summer home in the Hamptons and a lavish property in New Orleans. A house in Houston is not a part of their real estate portfolio, but Beyoncé still enjoys returning to her hometown.