The city of Nashville, Tennessee, is best known as Music City or the “Music Capital of the World.” From its earliest beginnings, the common thread that has connected the life and soul of the city and people of Nashville, Tennessee, is music.

In the late 1700s, after safely arriving on the shores of the Cumberland River, the earliest settlers of the city celebrated with fiddle tunes and buck dancing. The first “celebrity” to appear in Nashville was the noted frontiersman and Congressman, Davy Crockett, who was well known for his fiddle playing and colorful stories.

As the 1800s unfolded, Nashville grew to become a national center for music publishing. It is also known as the “Songwriting Capital of the World,” as songwriters from all over the world come to Music City to learn the art and share their passion for songwriting.

Among those who come to Nashville to write songs and to perform on stage are many Mormon artists such as American Idol alumni, David Archuleta. Per a recent LDS Living article, “In this country music metropolis, a former Bishop has written hit songs for stars like George Strait and Reba McEntire, and a Young Women president once shared the stage with Dolly Parton.” The immense talent that can be found in this close-knit LDS community includes veteran songwriters, up-and-coming producers, and some of the top acts in the country.

Tony Martin, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was working as a reporter at a Chicago newspaper when his songwriting career took off in the late ‘80s. One of his songs was recorded by Country music legend, George Strait. Soon after, Martin made the decision to pack up and move to Nashville, and the rest, as they say, is history. Today he is one of the top songwriters in Nashville. His songs have been recorded by country music stars such as Rascal Flats, Keith Urban, and Tim McGraw. He also has 15 number-one hits to his credit.

Three Young Mormon Sisters Pursuing Their Dreams in Nashville

Another highly successful LDS songwriter and producer is Jason Deere. Deere has had the opportunity to be a recording star himself but has chosen to work behind the scenes. He has written songs for stars such as Lady Antebellum and LeAnn Rimes. He was also instrumental in helping three young Mormon sisters – Kristyn, Kelsi, and Kassidy Osborn – collectively known as SHeDaisy fulfill their dreams and achieve success.

SHeDaisy has had more than a dozen hit songs and have toured with such artists as Alabama, Dolly Parton, and Brad Paisley. They have also performed for three U.S. presidents.

Other Known Mormons in the Country Music World

Dan Truman, the keyboardist for the Grammy Award-winning group, Diamond Rio, which has been a part of the country music scene since the 80s, is LDS.

All three members of the popular male trio Due West – Tim Gates, Matt Lopez, and Brad Hull – are Mormon.

Tyler Castleton who wrote the hit song “For the Love of a Woman,” recorded by Martina McBride, also has strong Nashville roots. He has worked with LDS artists Michael McLean, Kenneth Cope, Hilary Weeks, and Jenny Oaks Baker. He commented, “I realized Nashville was a hub for great songwriting. One of my biggest goals in school was to learn how to write really great songs, so I went to Nashville on a regular basis to immerse myself in a great songwriting education.”

Brandon Metcalf, perhaps one of the most sought after music producers in Nashville, added, “Nashville is such an amazing community. The best songwriters and performers in the world are here.”

Mormons Making a Music Career in the Bible Belt

For artists who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the experience is rewarding but not without its challenges.

Dan Truman of the music group Diamond Rio recalls when they were signed with a Christian record label. He said, “They didn’t realize I was a Mormon until after they signed us. So, they asked us not to talk about anything Mormon and not to mention that I was a Mormon. They thought I would be a blemish on the band. We parted ways with that music label after the first album.” He added, “A few people can be tough on Mormons, but [most] people don’t feel that way.”

Jason Deere said, “There have been some arms-length dealings between Christians and Mormons historically. But Tony [Martin] and Dan [Truman] kind of plowed the road for me. I’ve been working in country music for 20 years now, and people know what I’m about even before I walk in the room.”

Brandon Metcalf added, “I think people are becoming more forward thinking all the time. I’m hoping some of those walls will come down more and more.”

Tim Gates of Due West, commented, “Being away from family has been the biggest challenge. We still try to maintain the important things: family prayer, family home evening, and just being a family unit. I’ve had to be creative, using the internet and FaceTime to stay connected and making sure I’m calling every night for family prayer.” He added, “I have two other guys with the same beliefs. We’re always keeping each other in check.” He also said that they bring their temple clothes while on tour so they can attend the temple whenever they get a chance.

Though Dan Truman is the only Mormon in Diamond Rio, he states that he feels blessed because the other members share similar values which help him to remain worthy and live Church standards. He also stated, “It gets complicated out there because once you start having hit songs and you’re on the radio and on television, everyone treats you differently—all the rules go away. So, we literally have a rule in the band: no women on the tour bus unless they are your mother, your sister, your daughter, or your wife.”

Sharing Their Testimonies Through Song

Mormons in Nashville are always doing their best to be a force for good and to share positive, uplifting messages through music. Some have taken that a step further and share their testimonies of the gospel.

Kelsi (Osborn) Simpson of SHeDAISY, commented, “We’ve met some people who have joined the Church through our music. That is the greatest reward for what we do. It’s a form of missionary work—it always has been for me.”

The Nashville Tribute Band

Mormon musicians in Nashville are also able to share their testimonies through a group founded by Jason Deere and Dan Truman called the Nashville Tribute Band which has become a revolving cast of LDS songwriters and recording artists.

The band’s first album, Joseph: A Nashville Tribute to the Prophet, was a major success. The group’s follow up albums were tributes to the Mormon pioneers and Mormon missionary work. Also, included in their repertoire is a Christmas album. Their album, Redeemer: A Nashville Tribute to Jesus Christ, targeted a broader Christian audience. Its purpose was to unite Mormons and Christians of other faiths to testify of the divinity of the Savior.

Per LDS Living, “Since its inception, the Nashville Tribute Band has performed more than 1,000 shows in the United States, Canada, Australia, and China, and they have plans to travel to Brazil next year.” The article also points out that the revolving cast of professional musicians is based on availability, but everyone does their best to participate. Jason Deere commented, “This is what we do to give back. We all love to serve as members of the Church.” Dan Truman commented, “There is so much godlessness in the world. Christians and Mormons need to come together.” And Tim Gates added, “The main purpose is for people to understand that we’re Christians and that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the center of the Church.”