In our annual People Issue, my colleague Eli Motycka spoke with Grammy winner Allison Russell about how her work connects to social and political engagement, from the level of the community near her home on the East Side and well beyond. They discussed a new recording of a song called “Tennessee Rise,” which taps into a massive ensemble of Nashville musicians who are part of Russell's broader artistic community. The track and its accompanying video are streaming today.
“The song was inspired by movements for social justice and equality, and the candidates who support them including Gloria Johnson and her campaign for U.S. Senate,” says a release. “Each of the artists involved has expressed that they plan to donate any proceeds they receive from the streaming of this song. … The message for the citizens of Tennessee, specifically young Tennesseans, is a simple one: Register. Vote. RISE.”
The music recalls gospel-inspired movement music of the civil rights era, with sounds recalling The Staple Singers. The lyrics follow suit, speaking plainly and eloquently to the challenge of feeling hopeful and mustering strength to do what needs to be done when anxiety and grief stay close to the surface. “I got joy in my heart this morning, I got trouble on my mind,” Brittany Howard sings in her verse. “Yes my people know how to feel two ways / About something at the very same time / Yeah the joy’s for the new day coming / Yeah the trouble’s for that too / Cause we’ve come so far / But there’s so much left to do.”
An incredible lineup of locals and folks with strong Nashville ties gathered under the name The Tennessee Freedom Singers at the venerable Sound Emporium Studios to record and film the track. It’s fun to play “I Spy” with the vid, whose style might remind you of “We Are the World” or Band Aid. But per the release, here’s the full list of singers: Allison Russell, Amanda Shires, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Brandi Carlile, Brittany Howard, Brittney Spencer, Brooke Eden, Denitia, Devon Gilfillian, Elizabeth Cook, Emmylou Harris, Erin Rae, Fancy Hagood, Jaimee Harris, Julie Williams, Kam Franklin, Katie Pruitt, Kyshona Armstrong, Langhorne Slim, Lilly Winwood, Lucie Silvas, Maren Morris, Mary Gauthier, Meghan Linsey, Meghan McCormick, Mya Byrne, MORGXN, Paul McDonald, Phillip-Michael Scales, Ruby Amanfu, Sam Ashworth, Sara Van Buskirk, Shelly Colvin, Tré Burt and Wade Sapp.
Check out Russell’s Instagram for more.
