Paramore vocalist Hayley Williams has voiced her disappointment after one in all Tennessee’s politicians denied a decision honoring Grammy winner Allison Russell whereas granting a decision that might honor Williams and Paramore.
Per The Tennessean, Rep. Justin Jones, a Democrat from Nashville, introduced forth a pair of resolutions honoring Paramore and Russell for his or her current Grammy wins. House Republican Caucus chair Jeremy Faison, a Republican from Cosby, objected to the Russell decision whereas granting the decision to salute Paramore.
As the newspaper states, such a transfer by Faison would kick the decision to honor Russell off the evening’s consent calendar and again to committee, which is commonly considered as a loss of life knell for resolutions. The Russell decision might technically nonetheless be introduced again to the Tennessee House of Representatives for one more vote.
Representative Jones, who initially introduced forth the decision, said on Thursday (Feb. 15), “Allison Russell is a Tennesseean, and she’s someone who’s been a bold voice for a more inclusive, just state. There were two resolutions on the consent calendar that night, one for Paramore and one for Allison Russell. Both have been vocal voices for justice, but only the Black queer woman was bumped off.”
Faison didn’t supply reasoning for his objection, however House Majority Leader William Lamberth of Portland famous that members usually object to gadgets once they have “additional questions,” including, “It’s not a ‘no,’ it’s just a ‘not yet.'”
Like Paramore, Russell had been shut out by the Grammys till this yr. She had beforehand been nominated in every of the final two years, earlier than receiving her first Grammy for Best American Roots Performance for “Eve Was Black” on the 2024 ceremony. This was her first win in eight nominations. Russell was additionally a part of the Grammy broadcast, taking the stage alongside recording legend Joni Mitchell throughout her efficiency.
As The Tennessean identified, Russell has used her platform to advocate for problems with curiosity in Tennessee. She joined protests in opposition to the House’s expulsion of Jones and fellow consultant Justin Pearson final yr once they broke House decorum guidelines to steer a gun reform protest. Russell later joined different musicians in lobbying for gun security legal guidelines with Gov. Bill Lee and different General Assembly leaders.
What Hayley Williams Said About the Allison Russell Resolution Denial
In an announcement issued to The Tennessean concerning the resolutions that had been meant to honor Paramore and Russell, Williams mentioned the next:
This week, Rep. Justin Jones put forth resolutions to honor my band, Paramore and one other local-to-Nashville artist, Allison Russell, on our current Grammy wins (so far as I can inform these resolutions don’t have any authorized weight to them. They’re like an enormous excessive 5 or when the entire restaurant joins in to sing you “Happy Birthday”).
House Republicans solely let the measure that acknowledged Paramore’s win cross. They blocked Allison’s.
For people who do not know, Allison Russell is an extremely proficient musician and songwriter. Her music spans genres with sturdy ties to the Folk/Americana scenes. You may need seen her on the Grammy stage performing with the nice Joni Mitchell.
Oh, she can be Black. She’s a superb Black girl.
The blatant racism of our state management is embarrassing and merciless. Myself, in addition to Paramore, will proceed to encourage younger folks to indicate as much as vote with equality in thoughts.
I’d prefer to say thanks to Brother Jones to your steadfast dedication to your group.
And thanks to Allison Russell for utilizing your voice and artistry to band folks collectively, not tear them aside. CONGRATS in your unimaginable Grammy evening.
On behalf of Paramore, Happy Black History Month.
Paramore’s Historic Grammy Night
After twice being shut out of a Grammy win beforehand, Paramore went two for 2 on Grammy evening this yr successful Best Alternative Music Performance and Best Rock Album for This Is Why. That provides them two Grammys out of 4 nominations.
The Best Rock Album Grammy win was traditionally important because it marked the primary time {that a} band fronted by a feminine had received in the class. Williams was additionally the primary feminine saluted in the Best Rock Album class since Sheryl Crow’s victory in 1999 for The Globe Sessions.
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Williams mentioned in an announcement after the ceremony shared on their socials, “Turns out, our win for Best Rock Album was a historic feat as we are the first female-fronted band to ever take home a trophy for this category. Ridiculous yet true! It’s an honor for Paramore to be a small but constant reminder for people to keep pushing these rock and alternative spaces to be more inclusive.”
The group recently finished their contract with Atlantic Records and revealed they intend to continue as an independent band.
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