Jeff Carson facts for kids

Jeff Carson (born Jeffrey Lee Herndon; December 16, 1963 – March 26, 2022) was an American country music singer. He started as a musician in Branson, Missouri. Later, he became a demo singer, which means he sang songs for other artists to hear before they recorded them. In 1995, he signed with Curb Records. He released his first album that year.

Jeff Carson had 14 songs that appeared on the Billboard country music charts. His song "Not on Your Love" was a number one hit. Other popular songs included "The Car" and "Holdin' Onto Somethin']". In 2009, he stopped making music and became a police officer. He passed away in 2022.

About Jeff Carson

Jeff Carson was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He grew up in Gravette, Arkansas. As a child, he loved music. He played the harmonica and guitar. He also sang in church.

In high school, Jeff and his friends started a band. They came in second place at a local talent show. They sang a song called "Seven Bridges Road". After high school, he joined another band. He played with them for four years.

Moving to Nashville

Later, Jeff moved to Branson, Missouri. He played bass guitar in local bands there. He also wrote songs. In Branson, he met his future wife. She encouraged him to move to Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville is a big city for country music.

Jeff moved to Nashville in 1989. He found work playing music at the Opryland Hotel. Eventually, the hotel let him perform by himself. He also recorded demo songs for other artists. In 1994, a record producer named Chuck Howard discovered him. Soon after, Jeff signed with Curb Records.

Music Career Highlights

Early Success: 1994–1996

Jeff Carson's first song, "Yeah Buddy," came out in late 1994. It reached number 69 on the country charts. His next song, "Not on Your Love", became his only number one hit. These songs were on his first album, called Jeff Carson.

The album also had two more popular songs. "The Car" reached number 3. "Holdin' Onto Somethin'" reached number 6. In 1996, the music video for "The Car" won an award. It was named "Video of the Year" by the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Second Album: 1997–1999

Jeff Carson released his second album in 1997. It was called Butterfly Kisses. This album had four songs released as singles. None of them reached the top 40 on the country charts.

The album's main song, "Butterfly Kisses," was also a hit for other artists. This album also included a special version of "Butterfly Kisses." It mixed parts of another song called "Daddy's Little Girl." Jeff also sang a duet with famous singer Merle Haggard. They sang "Today I Started Loving You Again."

Real Life Album: 1998–2002

Jeff's song "Shine On" came out in 1998. After this, his third album was delayed for a while. Another song, "Scars and All," did not make the country charts. However, it was a number one song on Christian music charts.

In 2001, Jeff had a top 40 country hit again. It was "Real Life (I Never Was the Same Again)". This song reached number 14. After this, his third album, also called Real Life, was released. In 2002, Jeff broke a bone in his back. This happened in a sledding accident at home. He got better and was not seriously hurt.

Later Years and Police Work

In 2003, Jeff Carson had another song on the charts. It was a cover of the Christian song "I Can Only Imagine". This song was part of a collection called God Bless the USA 2003.

Jeff also helped write songs for other artists. He wrote "Where Has My Hometown Gone" for Craig Morgan. He also wrote "Kimberly Cooper's Eyes" for Elbert West. In 2005, he sang a duet with Lisa Brokop called "God Save the World." This song did not make the charts.

In February 2009, Jeff Carson decided to stop making music. He joined the police force in Franklin, Tennessee. He became a full-time police officer. In 2012, he released two more songs online. One was called "I Fly Proud." The other was a cover of Dan Seals' song "You Still Move Me."

Jeff Carson passed away on March 26, 2022. He died from a heart attack.

Jeff Carson's Music

Albums

Studio Albums

Compilation Albums

Singles

1990s Singles

2000s and 2010s Singles

Other Charted Songs

Music Videos