We hate getting press releases like this one about the passing of Jeff Carson this past Saturday, March 26th:
Country music hitmaker and Academy of Country Music award-winner Jeff Carson died of a heart attack at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tennessee at the age of 58.
Jeffrey Lee Herndon, known musically by Jeff Carson, was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on December 16, 1963, and began his musical career early on singing in church. After forming a band in Rogers, Arkansas, Carson eventually moved to Branson, Missouri where he wrote songs and played around locally before moving to Nashville where he began recording demos, including Tracy Byrd (“Walkin’ To Jerusalem”), Tracy Lawrence (“I See it Now”), Reba McEntire (“The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter”), Tim McGraw (“I Wouldn’t Want It Any Other Way”), Faith Hill (“It Matters To Me”), Mark Wills (“Places I’ve Never Been”), Diamond Rio (“Mirror Mirror”) among others. In 1995, Chuck Howard was instrumental in getting Carson his recording contract at Curb Records, and soon a single, “Yeah Buddy,” was released to radio. This was his first charting single and was followed up with ‘Not On Your Love,’ which went number one. The following single, ‘The Car,’ became a top-five hit, topping out at number two and won Carson his first Academy of Country Music award for “Video of the Year.” Carson had several other singles, including “Real Life (Was Never The Same Again)” from his album “Real Life.” In total, Carson’s career achieved 14 charted singles on the Billboard chart.
In 2009, Carson retired from music to become a law enforcement officer with Franklin Police Department in Williamson County, Tennessee, where he currently remained on the police force.
Carson returned to music in 2019 signing a singles deal with MC1 Nashville to recut and release a previously recorded song “God Save The World,” which charted on the Music Row Top 40 chart. Most recently Carson signed with Encore Music Group and has been in the studio with Buddy Hyatt recording a specialty album to be released later this year that included duets with Michael Ray, Darryl Worley, Mark Wills, and Craig Morgan.
Jeff Carson is survived by his wife Kim Cooper Carson, son Dayton Grei Herndon Carson, mother Virginia Norton, brother Steve Herndon, sister Karen Spurlock, as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Here are what some of his peers are saying about his passing:
- Bryan White – So saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Jeff Carson. He was a tremendous singer and one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. He also was a law enforcement officer who served his community bravely. He’ll be missed dearly. I’ll see you on the good side buddy.
- Chris Cagle – I had the great pleasure of getting to know Jeff Carson! He was a devoted husband and dedicated father who’s eyes lit up when he spoke of his family! He was so much more than just his music! Rest In Peace my friend!!
- Dallas Wayne – Jeff Carson was one of the most gifted singers in Country Music. He could rock you with songs like “Yeah Buddy”, but it was the soulful ballads like “Not On Your Love” where he would truly shine. His talent and love for this music was clear and showed every time he stepped up to the microphone. Later in life, he chose the honorable profession of law enforcement. Both of these vocations showed his big heart. Our condolences go out to his wife, Kim, son Dayton and the rest of his family, as well as the many friends and fans. Rest well.
- David Frizzell – Rest In Peace, Jeff Carson!
- Franklin Police Department: It’s hard to believe he’s gone. One thing is for certain — Franklin Police Officer #JeffCarson changed everyone he met, all of us, for the better! Thank you, Jeff, for your life of service & song. May his message live on: God Save The World.
- Jamie O‘Neal – I’m so shocked and sad. My love goes out to his sweet family.
- Janie Fricke – I’m sorry to hear the sad news about Jeff. We all enjoyed working on the Lee Greenwood show, and I know he will be missed by his family and friends. Prayers for all those who knew him.
- Joe Bonsall (Oak Ridge Boys) – The Oak Ridge Boys are saddened by the loss of Jeff Carson. Yes, he had a bunch of charted singles but his heart belonged to the Franklin TN Police department where he served as a law enforcement officer since 2009. We didn’t know Jeff well but certainly admired him. Rest In Peace!
- Johnny Lee – Jeff Carson was a wonderful singer and a true family man. He left his mark on country music and the entire Nashville community. Prayers to his family, friends, and police force during this sad time.
- Ken Mellons – Still in shock!! RIP Jeff Carson. Prayin’ for Kim, Dayton and the rest of his family.
- Lee Greenwood – Kim and I are shocked today to hear of the passing of Jeff Carson. What an awesome man and patriot! I will forever be thankful for his participation in my tribute concert a few months ago and was blown away by his talent. We are sending prayers to his family tonight. Jeff, thank you for serving our community of Franklin and for being a wonderful friend to so many including myself. Go rest high on the mountain my friend!
- Lonestar – We are deeply saddened by the news that country music artist Jeff Carson passed away this weekend.
Jeff was a personal friend of ours, having started all of our music careers around the same time. He always had the most positive and encouraging energy, and was such a wonderful person and musician. Years ago, Jeff became a police officer and actually pulled over our very own, Dean Sams for speeding! He let him off with a warning. Jeff will be missed by all of us. Rest easy - Mark Wills – So sad to hear the news about my friend Jeff Carson. I just sang on his new record 2 weeks ago. Praying for Kim & his family.
- Michael Ray – I’ve tried being ok and thinking you’re in a better place but this doesn’t seem real! I hope you know getting to sing “The Car” with you will always be one of my most cherished moments. I love you, man. Watch out for us brother we’re gonna need it!
- Rhonda Vincent – I admire Jeff Carson for not only his music as a Country Music artist, but his dedication to family, and serving his community as a law officer. My love & prayers to his family.
- Sawyer Brown – Sad to hear that Jeff Carson passed away. Such a nice guy. Prayers for his family.
- Stella Parton – RIP Jeff Carson a beautiful and caring soul who wrote and sang wonderful country songs. Condolences to his family, friends and fans.
- Stephen Mansfield – Jeff was a friend. Always made me laugh. Always eager to serve. Once “arrested” me at a restaurant. Another time, he acted like he was buying drugs from me–in front of police officers. Will miss him.
- T. Graham Brown – Sheila and I are so sorry to hear about our friend, Jeff Carson! Gone too soon! He was an awesome musician and several years ago, he joined the Franklin, TN Police Department. To me, he was a hero for doing that! I had gotten to know him better over the last few years. We shared a dressing room (and a lot of laughs) when we did the Lee Greenwood 40 Years of Hits at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama last fall. My band and I played the after-party and Jeff got up and sang a few songs. When he was through, he gave me a bear hug and had a big ‘ol’ grin on his face! That’s how I’ll always remember him! Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, son, family, brothers/sisters in blue, and fans. Rest in Peace, brother!
- T.G. Sheppard – I had the chance to work with him some time ago. What a kind man he was to everyone. My prayers go out to his family, friends & fans, and also the men and women in blue that he worked with. Gone but never forgotten.
- Terry McBride – Shocked and saddened by this news. Rest in peace my friend.