Lives Lost In Nashville
On March 27, six people were killed during a shooting at the Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee. The victims were:
Evelyn Dieckhaus (Age 9)
Hallie Scruggs (Age 9)
William Kinney (Age 9)
Cynthia Peak (Age 61)
Katherine Koonce (Age 60)
Mike Hill (Age 61)
The shooter was killed following an altercation with police.
Nashville school shooting updates: Investigation continues after 3 children, 3 adults slain https://t.co/XjITwBl49r
— Tennessean (@Tennessean) March 28, 2023
The country music community was heartbroken over the shooting. During the CMT Music Awards just a few days later, co-host Kelsea Ballerini opened the ceremony with a tearful tribute to the victims.
“On March 27, 2023, three 9-year-olds — Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs — along with Dr. Katherine Koonce, Cynthia Peak and Mike Hill walked into Covenant School and didn’t walk out” she said. “The community of sorrow over this and the 130 mass shootings in the U.S. this year alone stretches from coast to coast.”
View this post on Instagram
Country Stars Unite For “Night Of Joy”
On April 5, The Fisher Center at Nashville’s Belmont University announced a fundraiser for the Covenant School. Called A Night of Joy, the event was billed as “a night of joy, restoration, music, and memory.”
Several of country music’s biggest stars signed on to perform at the event. Those artists included Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Tyler Hubbard, Lady A, the War and Treaty, and many more.
The event was held on Wednesday, April 12 at 7 PM. All proceeds went to the Covenant School.
View this post on Instagram
Carrie Sings “Something In The Water”
One video on Twitter shows Underwood performing “Something in the Water” during the Night of Joy fundraiser.
Underwood released “Something in the Water” in 2014. The song has her singing about how her faith changed her, and also samples “Amazing Grace.”
“Something in the Water” reached the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Underwood ended up winning a Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance for the song.
Underwood delivered a stripped down rendition of “Something in the Water” during the Night of Joy event. With just a single acoustic guitar player to back her up, her vocals were on full display.
She poured her heart into the song, especially at the end when she sang “Amazing Grace.” Watch her stunning performance below.
When Underwood promoted the Night of Joy, she also shared a link to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Caring for Covenant Fund. This fund allows the Community Foundation “to manage the donations made in response to this tragedy.”
As they explain, “All donations made to the Fund, minus credit card fees, will be directed to The Covenant School to support the healing of those affected by this tragedy.” You can donate to the fund here.
Our prayers remain with the victims’ families and the survivors of this horrific tragedy.