County music singer Jeff Carson died Saturday at the age of 58, his publicist said.
The publicist, Jeremy Westby, told The Hollywood Reporter that Carson passed away of a heart attack at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tennessee. Carson had served as a member of the Franklin Police Department from 2009 until his death.
“Born on Dec. 16, 1963, Carson began playing music at an early age, often singing at his local church. After relocating to Arkansas and forming his first band, Carson moved on to Branson, Mo. where he honed his talents as singer-songwriter,” according to Taste of Country.
“He took his chances on launching a major music career and moved to Nashville, where he recorded demos of songs that would become major country hits in the 90s, including Faith Hill’s ‘It Matters to Me,’ Tracy Lawrence’s ‘I See it Now’ and Reba McEntire’s ‘The Heart is a Lonely Hunter,'” the outlet added.
Carson signed with Curb Records in the mid-1990s, and would go on to see significant success in his own right, starting with the release of the single “Yeah Buddy.”
“He then recorded the singles ‘Not On Your Love’ and ‘The Car,’ which won Carson his first Academy of Country Music award for video of the year,” The Associated Press reported.
“Carson’s career had 14 singles on the Billboard chart in his career, Westby said.”
Carson worked as a law enforcement officer in Tennessee for more than a decade, though he had returned to making music in recent years.
On social media, Carson’s death was mourned — and his legacy commemorated.
Devastated. Jeff Carson was one of the most underrated country artists of the ‘90s. I was thrilled when he started making music again.
“The Car” is one of my all-time favorite songs that always hits me hard.
RIP to an amazing artist and even better person. https://t.co/R3g9pGvc03
— Chris Owen (@FiddleSabre) March 27, 2022
So saddened to hear of the passing of my friend #Jeffcarson. 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 pic.twitter.com/ktm1LsB4I0
— bryan_white (@bryan_white) March 27, 2022
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.https://t.co/MU3937POBy
— Franklin Police Dept (@FranklinTNPD) March 27, 2022
The Academy mourns the loss of Jeff Carson, the chart-topping country singer. His 1995 song “Not On Your Love” hit No. 1, and "The Car" won Video of the Year at the 1996 #ACMawards. Please join us in sending love and condolences to the Carson family. https://t.co/2wICBdMIl1 pic.twitter.com/ijtCc0LyPK
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) March 27, 2022
Carson is survived by his wife and won, among other relatives.