Matriarch Audiobook By Tina Knowles cover art

Matriarch

A Memoir

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Matriarch

By: Tina Knowles
Narrated by: Tina Knowles, Beyoncé, Solange, Kelly Rowland, Angie Beyincé
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About this listen

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK • A revealing personal life story like no other—enlightening, entertaining, surprising, empowering—and a testament to the world-making power of Black motherhood

“A fascinating memoir of Tina Knowles’s journey to become the global figure she is today.”—Oprah Winfrey

“You are Celestine,” she said. She squatted to push the hair off my face and pull leaves off my pajama legs. “Like my sister and my grandmother.” And there, under the pecan tree, as she did countless times, that day my mother told me stories of the mothers and daughters that went before me.

Tina Knowles, the mother of iconic singer-songwriters Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Solange Knowles, and bonus daughter Kelly Rowland, is known the world over as a Matriarch with a capital M: a determined, self-possessed, self-aware, and wise woman who raised and inspired some of the great artists of our time. But this story is about so much more than that.

Matriarch begins with a precocious, if unruly, little girl growing up in 1950s Galveston, the youngest of seven. She is in love with her world, with extended family on every other porch and the sounds of Motown and the lapping beach always within earshot. But as the realities of race and the limitations of girlhood set in, she begins to dream of a more grandiose world. Her instincts and impulsive nature drive her far beyond the shores of Texas to discover the life awaiting her on the other side of childhood.

That life’s journey—through grief and tragedy, creative and romantic risks and turmoil, the nurturing of superstar offspring and of her own special gifts—is the remarkable story she shares with listeners here. This is a binge-worthy chronicle of family love and heartbreak, of loss and perseverance, and of the kind of creativity, audacity, and will it takes for a girl from Galveston to change the world. It’s one brilliant woman’s intimate and revealing story, and a multigenerational family saga that carries within it the story of America—and the wisdom that women pass on to one another, mothers to daughters, across generations.

©2025 Tina Knowles (P)2025 Random House Audio
Motherhood Parenting & Families Relationships Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Inspiring
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Critic reviews

“A fascinating memoir of Tina Knowles’s journey to become the global figure she is today. We learn how the strength and wisdom of the women who came before her fueled Tina’s passion to achieve and gave her the ability to nurture her own daughters into the incredible women they are today.”—Oprah Winfrey

“Both her great-grandmother and grandmother fought to keep their children from being sold away or otherwise separated in slavery. How remains a mystery. Matriarchs, Knowles writes, ‘are filled with the most enduring and ferocious love.’”The New York Times

“As a fan of the Knowles family music empire, I was not expecting to uncover information I did not already know, but [Tina] Knowles proved wrong. She delves deeper into her own backstory than ever before.”—The Washington Post

Captivating Storytelling • Authentic Voice • Emotional Narration • Rich Family History • Inspiring Resilience
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Love that the first half was really her story and history through memoir that was real and heart changing, followed by sharing the story of raising her children and those experiences with peeks behind the scene of raising grounded, loving stars who are empowered to change our world. She is a strong mentor to mothers and women everywhere, helping us to understand that we are enough and can make change for us. Thank you Tina Knowles for sharing your beautiful story!

Powerful, real and her faith is an inspiration

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WOW! Mrs. Tina Knowles delivers a masterful narrative in this compelling and heartfelt book. From beginning to end, I was completely captivated, as if sitting in a cozy living room with family, immersed in her powerful and inspiring journey. Each chapter evoked deep emotion and offered meaningful life lessons. Without a doubt, this is the most impactful book I’ve read this year!"

POWER, STRENGTH, FAMILY, AND GOD ALMIGHTY!

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Inspiring, exquisite, epic. What a story. The brilliance of this book is not the stories about Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child… it’s about the revelation of the history of an incredible family. I loved it

Life changing

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Loved this book and especially Mama Tina’s narration. It was a beautiful tribute to her roots. And incredible to learn that you’re never too old to realize your worth.

Mama Tina!!!!

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This is a storytelling book full of authentic stories and genuine love. Tina Knowles clearly shared every chapter, you felt like you were there.

Outstanding

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Ms. Tina is so relatable, likable, and honest without telling other people’s story. I loved it. You go Ms. Tina!

So well written

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This was such a beautiful listen! Mama Tina really outdid herself. It was a great look into her life.

Beautiful story.

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I admire how genuine & pure this woman is, she’s extremely humble & inspiring. Great job momma Tina!

I loved it

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Each chapter is extraordinary and uplifting! I laughed and cried... I genuinely loved this book! Tina is a fantastic storyteller.

Amazing and Inspiring!

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Wow. Ms Tina what a life. So many lessons. So much love. I wish I could tell my mom who is in heaven thank you for being my matriarch.

What a journey!

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