Paramore New Grammys Celebrated, Yet GOP Snubs Allison Russell
Following a proposal by a Nashville Democrat to commemorate Paramore and Allison Russell’s Grammy wins with twin resolutions, Tennessee Republicans voted to acknowledge Paramore but blocked the proclamation honoring Russell.
During the 2024 Grammy Awards, Paramore clinched their first-ever victories, securing the titles for Best Rock Album with “This Is Why” and Best Alternative Music Performance with the track of the same name.
Hayley Williams of Paramore criticized the Tennessee legislature after a lawmaker cut Allison Russell out of a resolution honoring Grammy winners from the Nashville area. https://t.co/Kxlfwx4NiO
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) February 18, 2024
Additionally, Allison Russell, also based in Tennessee, celebrated her first Grammy win, receiving the Best American Roots Performance award for her song “Eve Was Black” after eight nominations.
In a celebratory gesture, Nashville Democrat Justin Jones introduced house resolutions to commemorate these achievements. The resolution honoring Paramore, a band of white Tennessee musicians, swiftly passed the state’s House of Representatives unanimously.
However, the resolution for Allison Russell, a Canadian-born Black artist who rose to prominence in Nashville, faced a different fate. It was referred back to committee, a procedural maneuver that The Tennessean’s Melissa Brown and Marcus K. Dowling have characterized as “a death knell for resolutions.”
Blessings to the great Allison Russell @outsidechild13 for her true artistry, and for being a relentless mentor and gracious music lover. Tremendous respect to this Nashvillian and others such as Hayley Williams of @Paramore for speaking out. Love is always right. https://t.co/an0dKbVUQ8
— SoulCountry (@SoulCountry1) February 17, 2024
After the resolution was sent back to the committee, Jones posted on X, “Tonight my Republican colleagues blocked a resolution honoring Black American Roots artist Allison Russell for her first Grammy win.”
He continued, “[Allison Russell] has worked tirelessly to foster an inclusive Nashville through her music and continues to make Black History here in Tennessee.”
On Instagram, Russell thanked Jones and Knoxville Democrat Gloria Johnson, writing to Jones, “That you & [Gloria Johnson] presented this resolution is a high honor. That the TN GOP blocked it, I take as a compliment. Their bigotry, sadly, is on relentless display. We have a chance this year to make a real change in TN!”
In an Instagram story, Paramore wrote, “Paramore will not accept any acknowledgment or honor from the TN House until Allison Russell is given the same recognition.”
In addition lead singer of Paramore Hayley Williams expressed, “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.”
Tennessee doing everything it can to be as big a racist trash state as Florida, Mississippi and Alabama.
— Lady Lavender NYC (@PrincessofNYC23) February 16, 2024
Paramore originated in Franklin, Tennessee, during the early 2000s. Presently, the band calls Nashville home.
Allison Russell, a native of Montreal, Quebec, has established herself in the Nashville music scene. She recorded her debut solo album, “Outside Child,” in the Tennessee city in 2019. Last year, she helped organize Nashville’s Love Rising benefit show in response to Tennessee’s newly enacted law prohibiting drag performances in the state.
