Nashville Celebrates the Legacy of Jackie Shane with Heartwarming Film Screening
Hey there, Nashville! Last night, the vibrant heart of our music city played host to a truly special event at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. Music enthusiasts gathered to experience a film screening of “Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story.” This event wasn’t just about the film—it was a celebration of the life and legacy of Jackie Shane, an iconic artist who broke barriers in the music world.
A Night to Remember
Attendees were in for a treat as the screening was followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring some amazing voices including filmmakers Lucah Rosenberg-Lee and Michael Mabbott, Jackie Shane’s nieces Andrenee Majors-Douglas and Vonnie Moore, and talented musician Jimmy Church. Hosted by Michael Gray, the museum’s Vice President of Museum Services, the discussion added an extra layer of depth to an already captivating evening.
The Story of Jackie Shane
For those who may not be familiar, Jackie Shane was a trailblazer in the world of music. Born in Nashville, this incredible talent was a transgender artist who rocked the scene in the R&B nightclubs and recording studios of the city. In 1960, she took her talents north and relocated to Canada, where her hit song “Any Other Way” made waves in 1963, earning her a devoted fan base.
But the journey didn’t stop there! In 1965, Jackie returned to her roots in Nashville to perform on the popular TV show “Night Train.” Despite her shining star, Shane mysteriously vanished from the public eye in the early 1970s, leaving many in the music community longing to know more about her story.
A Revival of Interest
Fast forward to 2017, when the Numero Group released the Grammy-nominated album Any Other Way, reigniting interest in her groundbreaking work. Last night’s program was held in support of the museum’s exhibition Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues Revisited. It was a collaboration with fabulous organizations including the Americana Music Association, the Nashville Film Festival, and the National Museum of African American Music.
Community Spirit
The room buzzed with excitement, camaraderie, and a shared passion for music and heritage. It was wonderful to see so many faces come together to honor Jackie Shane and reflect on the impact she made in the music industry and beyond. The filmmakers shared their inspirations and challenges while bringing Shane’s story to the big screen, while her family members and musician guests added personal anecdotes that made the experience all the more rich and vibrant.
Nashville continues to be a melting pot of culture, history, and creativity, and events like this remind us why we love our community so much. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a newcomer, the stories and legacies of our artists like Jackie Shane deserve to be celebrated and shared.
Join in the Fun!
And here’s a thought—your talent can also shine through! If you have an amazing photo of our community you’d like to share, consider submitting it for the Photo of the Day feature. It’s a great way to get involved and contribute to the beautiful tapestry of our local stories.
Here’s to more nights filled with music, stories, and connection. Nashville, keep being you!
