Matriarch

A Memoir

De: Tina Knowles

Narrado por: Tina Knowles, Beyoncé, Solange, Kelly Rowland, Angie Beyincé

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

Amazing and Inspiring!

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

a true Matriarch of her family!

loved learning about Tina’s journey. What stood out to me is be your authentic self will off with consistency, even if in the moment it seems like you’re under-appreciated. So much of her story resonated with me. Thank you for sharing your journey.

From Galveston to Greatness: A Texas Treasure

Dear Ms. Tina,

Thank you for your vulnerability and authenticity in crafting your memoir Matriarch. I found myself in tears before I even reached the first chapter. As a young Black girl straight from Galveston Island, TX just like you the story of your life and the success of your family has always given me hope.

I loved the personal stories you shared, and it was so special to hear places I know and names of people I personally recognize mentioned throughout the book. Like you, I come from a maternal Creole lineage by way of Baton Rouge. I went to Ball High, and I have Longshoremen in my family as well.

I laughed, I cried, I gained a new appreciation for your journey and I learned so much. There’s so much more I could say, but for now, I just want to thank you for this beautiful gift. I can’t wait to see you in Houston it will truly be a dream come true.

With love and gratitude,
Makia Golliday aka DJ CAYJUYN SPYCE

I love Tina; she’s real and down to earth

Excellent memoir of Tina Knowles life. Exciting yet interesting and fascinating. Reading this helped me realize how important family is I love it!!

A Moving Collection of Life, Legacy, and the Power of a Woman’s Voice

A beautifully written account that offers a first-hand experience of history during times of segregation— A story of triumph, resilience, and the healing power of love. Tina shares not just her life, but her heart, offering timeless wisdom and advice from a woman who has seen, endured, and overcome so much. A must-read for anyone who values strength, grace, and the unshakable bond of family.

FANTASTIC

Omg to be nurtured by this woman and her words. What a great listen! Thank you Ms Tina

INSPIRING !!!

I could write a book, but to be a fan of this women, and her family, you are truly in for a treat! From all of the rumors, gossip, and first hand experience, this memoir is beyond a celebrity insider. It is a story of An American Dream!

Outstanding read

Loved listening to Mama Tina tell her story. This book was groundbreaking for me. I cried with her & laughed with her. Her storytelling captured me and I was taken in an emotional journey with her. This book far exceeded any expectation I thought I had. This book belongs at the top of every chart.

Top Tier Storytelling from a true Queen Mother!

“Matriarch” is by far the BEST audiobook I’ve listened to in a very long time! I haven’t been this enthralled by an audiobook since “Killers of the Flower Moon”. It might be because I’m an empath but I literally felt every single emotion Ms. Tina Knowles shared throughout the book due to her impeccable storytelling talent. 10/10 HIGHLY recommend!!

Beautiful stories highlighting family, love and history

This is a beautiful book. It is the quintessence of family, love and history. It tells many stories about age, race, motherhood and the many difficulties of life, while highlighting the beauty.