How Hayley Williams plays homage to her roots and the black community.
Halloween weekend was quite eventful; arguably, that was the common experience. While in the disorganization and fun spooky parties and events, one core memory stuck with me.
I was bunched in a crowd of people in costume chanting, “Don’t go crying to your mama, ‘cause you’re on your own in the real world.”
Personally, repeating that chant resonated in my soul. I felt like I was back in church and community, singing about the times.
Paramore’s “Aint it Fun” is a classic. It is a perfect combination of Rock, Funk, Pop, and Soul, to be more precise, Black people’s Soul music. Growing up in the 2000s and 2010s, Paramore was a constant when listening to the radio. They have a variety of hits such as “Still Into You”, “Decode”, “All I Wanted”, and more.
While Paramore stayed consistent in the charts, the change rate of the band members was like a revolving door.
The only person who stayed throughout is also who most recognize as quite literally the face of the group, Hayley Williams. The lead singer has captivated many young Black music lovers, including myself. But why specifically Black fans?
Well, first and foremost, it’s her voice. Williams has carried a voice of power and passion that was put on the forefront since 2003 when Paramore first formed. She is not afraid to diversify her vocals throughout a song, flexing how intricately talented she is. Just check out her cover of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” from 12 years ago to see for yourself. This kind of vocal complexity stems specifically from African American singers. From jazzy swings and scats to gospel riffs, where they weren’t afraid to go outside the so-called boundaries of professional (white) music, resulting in a musical revolution.
Black artists have revolutionized music, and Williams, being from a majority Black town in Mississippi, has found a perfect way to blend Alternative, Rock and Pop with the soul presented in Black American music.
Williams has easily made Black people comfortable with how she approaches the use of Black music forms and culture. Williams has repeatedly given credit where credit is due, such as citing Solange, Janet Jackson and Erykah Badu as her influences. All while being authentically and simply a white woman. Williams does cultural appreciation right.
In Paramore’s song, “Ain’t it Fun”, Williams has a Black church choir singing with her, and she has brought that choir on stage with her numerous times, highlighting exactly where that specific music form is coming from.
Williams has shown love to the Black community with a special love for her Black fans. Tweets all about her concerts being “full of color… and culture” and her Black fans coming to a consensus that Williams is collectively loved by many Black people prompting her to respond, “just made my lil pale ass’s day! 💖”
Now, Paramore is on tour and once again and Williams is getting all the love and attention on Black Twitter and TikTok. Not just for her singing ability, but now her dancing. Williams has been throwing it back, C-walking, wobbling and more on stage with style.
Videos have gone viral with many calling her Hayley Nicole Jameeka Williams, which translates to Williams being inducted into the ‘white celebrities who are wholesomely loved by Black people Hall of Fame’ (Chris Jamal Evans having been inducted just a few years ago).
Clearly, she’s got it and Paramore continues to make fun music that will continue to chart.