Tennessee musicians had a great night at the Grammy’s a few weeks ago. Anyone from Bella Fleck to Paramore to Allison Russell all picked up Grammy wins. Rep. Justin Jones, from Nashville, brought forth a pair of resolutions honoring Paramore and Russell for their recent Grammy wins. East Tennessee Rep Jeremy Faison(who is probably most famous for trying to “pants” a referee)objected to the Russell resolution while granting the resolution to salute Paramore.
In a statement issued to The Tennessean about the resolutions that were meant to honor Paramore and Russell, Williams said the following:
“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.”
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