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 is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.

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