ANY OTHER WAY: Jackie Shane Weekend in Nashville, Sept. 20-22
Tell her that I am happy / Tell her that I am gay / Tell her I wouldn't have it / Any other way...
Wow, hello! It has been awhile. Over a year since I last sent a newsletter. Nashville Queer History events took a back seat the past year as I have been writing a book on our city’s beautiful, challenging, and perservering LGBTQ past. But I am here to make a wonderful announcement about a project I am incredibly honored to be a part of…
It is time to unveil the Jackie Shane historical marker!
Please join Nashville Queer History and the family of Jackie Shane on Friday, September 20 at 6:00pm near 2601 Jefferson Street for an unveiling ceremony of Nashville’s first historical marker dedicated to the life and legacy of a transgender person.
Jackie Shane was a pioneering Black, trans soul singer born in Nashville in 1940. She reached peak fame in the 1960s, particularly in Canada, before she left the music industry entirely. In the 2010s, it was discovered that Jackie had been living a quiet life in Nashville. She made a brief resurgence, and even released a compilation album, called Any Other Way, which was nominated for a Grammy in 2017. Jackie Shane passed away in her Nashville home in 2019.
The roughly 45-minute historical marker unveiling ceremony will feature speeches from local leaders and performances from some of Music City’s best musicians. Confirmed speakers so far include: Andrenee Douglas, Jackie Shane’s niece; Olivia Hill, trans activist and Council Member At Large; Dr. Marisa Richmond, trans activist, historian, and board member of the Metro Historical Commission; and Freddie O’Connell, Mayor of Nashville.
Confirmed perfomers include Crys Matthews, who will perform Jackie’s hit song, “Any Other Way.” 🎵
Following the unveiling ceremony, join us at GOLDEN PONY to continue the celebration with drag performances and a specialty cocktail inspired by Jackie’s style and glamour.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
The new documentary, ANY OTHER WAY: THE JACKIE SHANE STORY, premieres in Nashville on Saturday, September 21 at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum and on Sunday, September 22 at the Nashville Film Festival.
For tickets to the Country Music Hall of Fame showing, visit their website. Tickets are FREE but you must reserve a spot starting August 30, and they WILL go fast!
For tickets to Nashville Film Festival, visit their website.
So come out and come all! Let’s give Jackie Shane the proper celebration and recognition she deserves from her hometown. 💜
