Jackie Shane Historical Marker in Nashville

The Goal:

Nashville Queer History in partnership with Jackie Shane's family are raising money to manufacture and install a historical marker in North Nashville for Jackie Shane, Nashville's own legendary and pioneering Black transgender soul singer. The historical marker text, included below, has already been approved by the Metro Historical Commission as of May 15, 2023. If we are able to raise this money in the next 6 MONTHS, then the Jackie Shane historical marker will be installed this fall/winter 2023.

"Despite constant threats to her body and soul, Jackie Shane used her resilience, confidence, and raw talent to carve a path in music that made her an icon, and not just to soul and R&B fans. For queer and trans people through the decades, Shane’s life and legacy is a reminder that it’s not just possible to build lives in which we’re completely, authentically ourselves — we shouldn’t have it any other way." -SAMANTHA RIEDEL, Them

Approved historical marker text: JACKIE SHANE (1940-2019)

Jackie Shane began her pioneering career as a transgender soul singer and musician on Jefferson Street during the 1950s. After moving to Canada, she helped create the Toronto Sound and had her first hit in 1962, “Any Other Way.” Tired of others limiting her freedom to express her true self, Shane left the music industry at the height of her fame. She maintained a reclusive lifestyle in Nashville until 2017 when she released a Grammy-nominated compilation album, Any Other Way.

Budget breakdown:

The historical marker, which will host the text on one side and a photograph of Jackie Shane on the other, will cost a total of $3,255. This is our main fundraising goal. Why the extra money to bring the total to $4,500? We want to celebrate Jackie Shane and the installation of the marker with a big, fabulous party for the Nashville LGBTQ community—just how Jackie would want it! The remaining $1,245 will go toward securing a party venue and food + drink vendors.

Learn more about Jackie Shane's incredible career and life:

Thank you so much for donating to help others learn about Jackie Shane!