Jeff Carson, the country music singer and songwriter renowned for hits like “Not On Your Love” and “The Car,” has passed away at the age of 58 in Tennessee, according to his publicist Jeremy Westby of 2911 Media. Carson, born Jeffrey Lee Herndon in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1963, succumbed to a heart attack at a Franklin hospital.
Carson’s musical journey began in Rogers, Arkansas, where he formed a band after singing in church. Later, in Branson, Missouri, he honed his craft, writing songs and performing locally. After relocating to Nashville, he recorded demos for country stars such as Tracy Lawrence, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill.
Securing a recording contract with Curb Records in 1995, Carson released the single “Yeah Buddy” before achieving success with chart-toppers “Not On Your Love” and “The Car.” The latter earned him his inaugural Academy of Country Music award for Video of the Year.
Carson’s career boasted 14 singles on the Billboard chart before he transitioned to a different path, retiring from music to become a police officer in Franklin. In 2019, he made a musical comeback, unveiling the previously recorded track “God Save The World.”
At the time of his passing, Carson was actively working on a new album set for release later in the year, featuring collaborations with artists like Michael Ray and Darryl Worley. The news of his death elicited condolences from fellow musicians, with singer Bryan White expressing sadness and remembering Carson as a tremendous singer and exceptionally kind person.
The Franklin Police Department also paid tribute to Carson on Twitter, acknowledging his contributions both in service and music, stating that he changed the lives of everyone he met for the better. The department expressed disbelief at his departure, emphasizing the enduring impact he had on those who knew him.
