Harris Courts Creatives in Nashville, Meets Jack White at Third Man Records

17 hours ago7 min read2 comments

Vice President Kamala Harris made a strategic foray into the heart of Nashville's music scene with a visit to Third Man Records, the iconic label and storefront founded by rock icon Jack White. The stop served as a platform for a substantive roundtable with local musicians and songwriters, focusing on the economic realities of the creative industry.White, who was present, described the Vice President as 'cool and inspiring,' highlighting a positive reception from the artistic community. The choice of Third Man Records is symbolically significant.Established by White at the peak of The White Stripes' fame, the enterprise is a global beacon for analog sound and vinyl purism, complete with its own pressing plant and a defiantly physical approach to music. Harris's immersion in this environment signals a deliberate outreach to the creative class, a demographic with profound influence on American culture and public sentiment.This political courtship of musicians is not new; history is dotted with examples from Bill Clinton's saxophone performance on Arsenio Hall to Barack Obama's curated public playlists. However, Harris's session was distinctly conversational, set amidst the tools of the trade rather than on a traditional campaign stage.The implications are clear. For the artists, it was a direct line to voice concerns about meager streaming payouts and the soaring costs of touring.For the administration, it was a chance to be seen actively listening, aligning the White House with the authentic, grassroots creativity that Third Man embodies. In a political climate often dominated by digital sniping, a face-to-face discussion about art and livelihood in a temple of music preservation crafts a powerful narrative.It echoes the folk-protest movements of the 1960s, where music served as the conscience for a generation. While Harris is no folk singer, her presence suggests an understanding that the next wave of cultural and political anthems will emerge from studios and rehearsal spaces, and that nurturing those voices is crucial for the nation's cultural and political fabric. The visit, therefore, resonates as more than a photo op; it's a strategic note in the ongoing symphony of American politics.

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#Kamala Harris

#Jack White

#Third Man Records

#musicians

#politics and culture

#Nashville