The Tennessee Freedom Singers—a supergroup featuring Brittany Howard, Allison Russell, Maren Morris, Emmylou Harris, Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, Fancy Hagood, and Devon Gilfillian—have shared a new song called “Tennessee Rise.” The track was recorded in Nashville’s Sound Emporium Studio with the hopes of boosting support for Democratic Representative Gloria Johnson, who is running for U.S. Senate. Check out “Tennessee Rise” below.
Russell formed the Tennessee Freedom Singers coalition with additional members Beth Nielsen Chapman, Brittney Spencer, Brooke Eden, Denitia, Elizabeth Cook, Erin Rae, Jaimee Harris, Julie Williams, Kam Franklin, Katie Pruitt, Kyshona Armstrong, Langhorne Slim, Lilly Winwood, Lucie Silvas, 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.
“Tennessee Rise” was inspired by movements for social justice and equality within Tennessee, as well as the candidates who support them, including Johnson, who, as part of the Tennessee Three, has been pushing for gun reform and attempting to uphold protections for marginalized groups within the state.
“Gloria Johnson is a retired special education teacher, community leader, state representative, and a fearless champion of those who’ve been left out and left behind who is bringing power back to the people of Tennessee by building up a multi-generational, multi-racial, multi-party coalition like nothing the state has seen before,” the Tennessee Freedom Singers said in press materials.
They continued: “As a member of the Tennessee Three, Gloria stood up and spoke out against the state’s refusal to pass common sense gun reform to protect our children. After surviving a politically charged expulsion vote, Gloria continued to work tirelessly to use her platform to grow a lasting statewide grassroots movement for change. That’s why we are so proud to support Gloria, and her campaign for U.S. Senate.”
Revisit the Pitchfork Review podcast episode “When Music Becomes Political Protest.”
