Country Artists Check In After Deadly Tornado Rips Through Nashville

It was a scary night in Nashville as a deadly tornado ripped through parts of Downtown and East Nashville, destroying…

By

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

March 3, 2020

at

7:36 am

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General view of a mural on heavily damaged The Basement East in the East Nashville neighborhood on March 3, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. A tornado passed through Nashville just after midnight leaving a wake of damage in its path including two people killed in East Nashville; Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

It was a scary night in Nashville as a deadly tornado ripped through parts of Downtown and East Nashville, destroying everything in its path. The severe storms left at least seven people dead across Middle Tennessee, according to initial reports.

Over 40 buildings collapsed in and around downtown before the tornado made its way to Hermitage and on to Lebanon and Mt. Juliet, The Associated Press states.

As day breaks across the area, more damage is expected to be reported. Nashville Police and emergency workers are encouraging everyone to stay off the roads, if possible, to allow workers to assess the damage that occurred overnight.

“Nashville is hurting, and our community has been devastated,” Nashville Mayor John Cooper Tweeted following the tornado. “My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones. Be sure to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need, and let’s come together as a community once more. Together, we will get through this and come out stronger.”

As news of the devastation spread, many country artists took to social media to check in, letting fans know that they are safe and/or ready to help those in need.

Abby Anderson said the tornado was “right across the street,” while Brett Kissel reported that it touched down right outside of his condo.

Kelsea Ballerini, who departed Nashville on a plane before the storms rolled through, took to Twitter to ask how she could help in the aftermath of the storm.

A shelter for those in need has been established at the Nashville Farmers Market located at 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd. Those interested in helping the Nashville community can donate to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund HERE

11 am Update: The death toll has now risen to 21.

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Lauren Jo Black

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.