Paramore singer Hayley Williams has called out the transparent display of racism shown by the Tennessee House of Representatives in blocking a resolution honoring fellow Grammy winner Allison Russell while allowing a similar resolution honoring her band to proceed.
In a statement to The Tennessean, Williams blasted the “blatant racism of our state leadership” while commenting on Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison’s objection.
“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 scene,” Williams said. “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.”
Williams continued, “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.” See the full statement below.
The band posted an additional statement on their Instagram Story, saying, “Paramore will not accept any acknowledgement or honor from the TN House until Allison Russell is given the same recognition.”
Get Allison Russell Tickets Here
Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) brought forth the pair of ceremonial resolutions during a Tennessee House floor session on February 12th to honor the recent Grammy winners. “There were two resolutions on the consent calendar that night, one for Paramore and one for Allison Russell,” he told The Tennessean. “Both have been vocal voices for justice, but only the Black queer woman was bumped off.”
On the music front, Russell is currently on a headlining tour in support of her Grammy-nominated album, The Returner, ahead of a supporting slot on Hozier’s “The Unreal Unearth Tour.” Find deals for all of her North American dates here and international shows here.
As for Paramore, they are newly independent, and recently shared their cover of Talking Heads’ “Burning Down the House for an upcoming Stop Making Sense tribute album. They’ll join Taylor Swift on the UK/European leg of the “Eras Tour” this summer, and you can get tickets here.
Read Williams’ full statement:
“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.”
