Nashville journalist Jimmy Carter died Tuesday, Oct. 13, two days before his 74th birthday. No cause of death has been announced.
Carter, a longtime Nashville-based broadcast journalist, media producer, and entertainment reporter, spent more than 50 years covering country music and Hollywood. He was a frequent presence on heritage stations and networks including WSM, NBC, ABC, CBS, TNN, and BBC Scotland.
WSM paid tribute on social media, calling him “a dear friend and cherished member of the WSM family.” The station noted that for many years Carter brought his passion for country music, unforgettable stories, and deep industry connections to Coffee, Country & Cody.
“A well-respected and well-loved figure in Nashville media for decades, Jimmy was a trusted source, a gifted broadcaster, and a friend to countless artists, listeners, and colleagues,” the post continued. “We’ll miss his warmth, his humor, and his friendship. Our hearts are with Jimmy’s family and loved ones. Jimmy Carter’s contributions to WSM, country music, and the Nashville media community will not be forgotten.”
Born Oct. 15, 1952, in Montgomery, Alabama, Carter attended Auburn University, where he helped sign on and launch campus radio station WEGL-FM in April 1971. Early in his career he worked as an assistant and runner for ABC’s Wide World of Sports, including time in the booth alongside Howard Cosell. He was a frequent contributor to the syndicated Crook & Chase country music program on radio and TNN.
Over more than 30 years rooted in Nashville, Carter developed strong relationships with country music stars, executives, publishers, and managers. He routinely covered major red-carpet events, country artists, and Hollywood film figures. He earned a Regional Emmy Award for public-service television work and received multiple Emmy nominations in news, children’s, and sports broadcasting.
In later years he managed digital entertainment channels, including the YouTube channel AskJimmyCarter, where he shared archival celebrity interviews and behind-the-scenes music industry reporting.