Watch Allison Russell, Brittany Howard, Brandi Carlile & More Unite On ‘Tennessee Rise’ Single In Support Of Gloria Johnson’s Senate Run

Allison Russell, Brittany Howard, Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, Emmylou Harris, Brittney Spencer, Amanda Shires, Fancy Hagood and Devon Gilfillian are among the artists who contributed to new single, “Tennessee Rise.” Dubbed the Tennessee Freedom Singers, the artists drew inspiration for the song from “movements for social justice and equality, and the candidates who support them including Gloria Johnson and her campaign for US Senate,” as per a press release.

The press release also stated:

“Tennessee Rise” is an anthem born out of resistance from the rise of extremist forces, the unwillingness to accept the rollback of protections for historically marginalized groups, and a determination to keep Tennessee a place of welcoming that so many have found solace in. Inspired by the Tennessee Three, and the wave of activism that followed this past year, “Tennessee Rise” was formed from GRAMMY-winning artist Allison Russell’s deep love for the state — banding together some of Nashville’s best and brightest musicians for an essential fight for democracy. The collaboration is a first of its kind in bringing such artists together to use music as a show of support for a political candidate in this state.

The message for the citizens of Tennessee, specifically young Tennesseans, is a simple one:

Register. Vote. RISE.

The Tennessse Freedom Singers captured Tennessee Rise at Nashville’s famed Sound Emporium Studio. A full list of contributing artists is below:

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, Tre Burt and Wade Sapp.

All artists involved have committed to donating any proceeds they receive from the streaming of “Tennessee Rise.” Stream the video below:

A former special education teacher and current member of the Tennessee House Of Representatives, Gloria Johnson is running as a Democrat for the Tennessee U.S. Senate seat up for grabs in 2024. Johnson faces two Democratic challengers in the Tennessee primary Senate race. The Tennessee primary is August 1, 2024. If Johnson wins she will face Republican incumbent Marsha Blackburn in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Johnson was also a member of the “Tennessee Three,” along with fellow Democratic Tennessee Reps. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones. All three lawmakers faced a Republican-led expulsion vote after taking pro-gun control action on the Tennessee House floor — as thousands of protestors filled the capitol — in the wake of a mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville in March 2023 that left three children and three adults dead.

Johnson, who is white, narrowly survived the expulsion by one vote while Black members Justin Pearson and Justin Jones were expelled from Tennessee House. Johnson stood by her colleagues as they fought to win back their seats, which were reinstated in August 2023.