Originators of the Month
You’re probably used to us revealing a new Nashville Artist of the Month—someone who’s just hitting their stride, or is working their way there—every four weeks.
But in honor of Juneteenth, Pride Month and Black Music Appreciation Month, we’re shifting our focus to Nashville Originators of the Month, whose landmark work and compelling stories haven’t gotten their due, if they’ve gotten attention at all.
The first week, we’re celebrating how the McCrary Sisters have brought their gospel lineage and wealth of singing experience to the jubilant repertoire they share between them. After that, we’ll remember Jackie Shane, who made her mark on the Jefferson Street club scene, before continuing her soul career in Canada, retreating from public view and finally seeing her performing prowess and her identity as a Black, trans woman properly recognized late in her life. Then we’ll consider how the late Leon Jackson, a Nashville native and show promoter, helped build an electronic scene with room for local DJs and international dance acts alike. And we’ll conclude June with the largely untold story of the IgG Band, a funk and soul outfit made up of Meharry Medical Students, whose recordings were available only to diligent crate-diggers until this year.