Late statesman and American civil rights leader John Lewis famously said: “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic… Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
It’s a call that has echoed through the ages from artists like Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, Nina Simone and Iris DeMent—artists renowned for channeling the spirit good trouble through their songs. And on March 13th, the Tennessee Freedom Singers added a new anthem to the cannon: “Tennessee Rise,” a soul-stirring blend of voices for justice and equality, featuring some of the greatest artists of our time.
Organized by Allison Russel and recorded in Nashville’s iconic Sound Emporium Studio, the project draws together luminaries like Brittany Howard, Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, Devon Gilfillian, Mary Gauthier, Langhorne Slim, Emmylou Harris, and more, into a formidable chorus advocating for social change.
The Strength of Harmonies and Star Power
When many voices unite in song, there’s an undeniable alchemy at play—a conjuring of communal spirit and shared purpose. If you watched The Greatest Night in Pop, the recent documentary about the making of “We Are The World,” you understand the power of having so many stars singing together for one cause.
“Tennessee Rise” channels this same energy. Released with a film of the live recording, the song is a visceral experience from the opening harmonies singing: “Hello California morning, Hello Mississippi dawn.” The joy, skill, pain, and soul emanating from the performance is a testament to the collaborative force of its creators.
