Earlier this week, Tennessee’s House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison blocked a resolution to honour Allison Russell, who won the Best American Roots Performance Grammy, stating no reason for his decision. Russell responded to the news with a message of gratitude for those who supported her, stating that the GOP’s bigotry “is on relentless display”. Now, rock band Paramore has refused to accept their Tennessee State Honour in solidarity with Russell. The band conveyed that they will not accept any acknowledgment or honor from the state until Allison Russell is given the same level of recognition. Vocalist Hayley Williams has gone on record to condemn the actions of the state leadership, characterising the act as “blatant racism” that is both “embarrassing and cruel”, and attempts to encourage young people to vote with equality within their mind.
Variety draws attention to this not being the first time Faison has blocked a national recognition of a Tennessean musician. In 2021, Faison blocked the honouring of TJ Osborne, the singer of Brothers Osborne, even after the resolution passed unanimously in the state Senate. Last year, both Allison Russell and Hayley Williams protested Tennessee’s anti-drag laws by performing at the “Love Rising” benefit show. Other performers included Hozier, Amanda Shires, and Jason Isbell.
For more information on Paramore, the band has been named ambassador for Record Store Day 2024 and declared themselves “freshly independent
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