(L) Paramore. Photo by Zach Gray. (R) Allison Russell. Photo by Dana Trippe.
Earlier this week, the Tennessee State House considered two separate resolutions honoring the recent 2024 Grammy wins of two local artists: Paramore, a white rock band originally from the state, and Allison Russell, a Black Canadian-born musician and longtime fixture in Nashville’s roots music scene. Russell won for Best American Roots Performance (“Eve Was Black”) while Paramore picked up two awards: Best Rock Album (This Is Why) and Best Alternative Music Performance (“This Is Why”). On February 13, the resolution honoring Paramore was passed unanimously, while the one for Russell was blocked by House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison and “sent back to committee,” a move which all but ensures its failure, according to Melissa Brown and Marcus K. Dowling of The Tennessean.
Russell blasted local Republicans soon after her proclamation failed. “Their bigotry, sadly, is on relentless display,” she wrote on Instagram in a post where she also thanked Democrats Gloria Johnson and Justin Jones for introducing the resolution. In his own post on X, Jones said Russell “has worked tirelessly to foster an inclusive Nashville through her music and continues to make Black History here in Tennessee.”
In solidarity with Williams, Paramore have rejected Tennessee’s proclamation for their wins, as Pitchfork points out. “Paramore will not accept any acknowledgment or honor from the TN House until Allison Russell is given the same recognition,” the band wrote in an Instagram Story. Paramore bandleader Hayley Williams also issued a longer statement to The Tennessean decrying “blatant racism of our state leadership.” Read it below.
This week, Rep. Justin Jones put forth resolutions to honor my band, Paramore and another local-to-Nashville artist, Allison Russell, on our recent Grammy wins (as far as I can tell these resolutions have no legal weight to them. They’re like a big high five or when the whole restaurant joins in to sing you “Happy Birthday”).
House Republicans only let the measure that acknowledged Paramore’s win pass. They blocked Allison’s.
For those that don’t know, Allison Russell is an incredibly talented musician and songwriter. Her music spans genres with strong ties to the Folk/Americana scenes. You might have seen her on the Grammy stage performing with the great Joni Mitchell.
Oh, she is also Black. She’s a brilliant Black woman.
The blatant racism of our state leadership is embarrassing and cruel. Myself, as well as Paramore, will continue to encourage young people to show up to vote with equality in mind.
I’d like to say thank you to Brother Jones for your steadfast commitment to your community.
And thank you to Allison Russell for using your voice and artistry to band people together, not tear them apart. CONGRATS on your incredible Grammy night.
On behalf of Paramore, Happy Black History Month.
Both Russell and Paramore have been vocally supportive of LGBTQ rights. In 2023, Russell co-organized the Love Rising charity concert in Nashville in protest of Tennessee’s anti-drag performance laws. Williams performed at the show after herself condemning the new laws.
The FADER has reached out to representatives for Paramore and Russell, and to the Tennessee GOP, for more information.
