One has to be careful with people like P — co-founder and co-owner of both Fanny’s House of Music and the 501c3 wing, Fanny’s School of Music. You might go out to lunch with her, and before you know it, you are dreaming up new ventures, solving every single one of the world’s problems, and will find yourself deeply reflecting on what your values are. She is infectious in every beautiful way possible, amplifying the power in everyone she meets. Don’t want to get in touch with your truth? Don’t hang out with P.
I was so excited to get to feature her in today’s installment of Faces of Fanny’s, and to learn a little bit more about her background, what drives her, and her perspective on all things Fanny’s and community. Enjoy!
(If you haven’t read our post Fanny’s — The Quiet Revolution, I recommend starting there first!)
Describe your work-life pre-Fanny’s. I know you were in artist management, a gigging musician, but gimme the story:
I was only a gigging musician from Junior year in high school and a couple years out. I moved to Nashville to go to Belmont and learn about the music business. I interned in publishing and at major labels. I loved A&R but my first job was in publishing administration. My folks both died at this time and I took a break from life. I got sober and didn’t think I could go back to the music business and stay sober, so I started working with 4-legged animals. I worked at veterinarian’s office for 5 years and started my own pet sitting business. 20 years later I had a two year stint as an artist manager. I had come full circle back in the music business and got to prove my talents to myself had I stayed in the business. While working in management Leigh and I were researching to open Fanny’s House of Music.
What emotions fueled the Fanny’s dream?
Leigh and I felt that women had been left out of the business model of a music store. So I guess the emotion would be anger or sadness that we were unseen.
You are the biggest dreamer I know. Have you always been this way, or was the Fanny’s vision out of the norm for you?
I think I have always been this way. I’ve always wanted to work to help change or challenge things that are unjust.
Tell us about your musician journey. How old were you when you started playing? What was your first instrument?
I grew up in a home where music was always playing. I had a good ear and perfect pitch, so I learned to play a bit of piano and guitar. I played everything by ear. I played trombone from 5th grade through high school. But in 7th grade I got my first bass guitar and that was my instrument for playing in bands. I also did some singing, but could never sing and play bass at the same time.
What was your favorite band as a teenager?
That’s an impossible question! I love all kinds of music but I did love Grand Funk, Heart, Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac. I still love pop music and disco.
Which musicians give you full body goosebumps?
I love singers, cello, French horn and songs in ¾. Annie Lennox, anyone singing Burt Bacharach (but Burt Bacharach) Donna Summer, Patti Labelle
Why does our community need Fanny’s?
I think all communities need Fanny’s (laughs)! All communities need a safe, inclusive space for people to experience music.
Tell us a little about Fanny’s School of Music and what inspired you and Leigh to develop the nonprofit wing of Fanny’s?
Leigh and I have always wanted to reach more students and populations like seniors and disadvantaged groups. The only way to do that is to have more space. The non-profit allows us to raise money for a larger building and more scholarships to help those populations.
Fanny’s is Nashville’s most comfortable music store. What do you think goes into making a place like this comfortable?
We treat people like we would want to be treated. We don’t pretend to know something we don’t (but we will find out).
We believe that visibility is important. Seeing yourself in an employee, customer, teacher, or on the wall helps people know they belong.
What are your values as a business-owner, community member and musician?
I believe in honesty, fairness and working for social justice personally and professionally.
To visit Fanny’s online store, visit: https://fannys-house-of-music.myshopify.com/
To learn more about how you can support Fanny’s in fostering a safe, multi-generational arts space, visit https://www.fannysschoolofmusic.org
Blog by Georgia English / a Nashville-based musician, writer, illustrator, and educator.