Court Yard Hounds, Brad Paisley + More Share Thoughts on Nashville Flood

When devastating floods first hit Nashville last week, many country stars took to Twitter and other social-networking sites to tell their personal stories of loss and distress and to ask for prayers and donations for the people of Nashville.

The devastation in and around Nashville "is really just starting to hit home," Martie Maguire (Court Yard Hounds, Dixie Chicks) tells The Boot. Although she's speaking personally, her words sum up the feelings of many. "There's just so much history there, and I think that's what's the most upsetting," she adds. "And we have a friend that actually lost her house. She texted us yesterday and said she lost everything."

"I got a picture of the Ryman Auditorium under water," says Martie's sister, Court Yard Hounds lead singer Emily Robison. "It just made me cry."



Kenny Chesney is among the many whose homes sustained serious flood damage. He tweeted photos and also sent them to CNN's Anderson Cooper. Kenny's home is reportedly likely to be condemned. Among items he lost: sports memorabilia which he had been collecting since high school.

Vince Gill, who is among the musicians who reportedly lost several instruments and other musical gear because the Soundcheck storage facility where the items were kept was near the flooded Cumberland River, will host a telethon on Thursday night (May 6) to aid Nashville flood-relief charities.

Although Brad Paisley tweeted that most of his road gear was "under three feet of river," he soon added: "Not complaining though. Very, very thankful to have weathered this. Prayers go out to anyone in these dire situations." Later he tweeted some bright notes with his usual humor, writing: "By the way, my main old Fender 68 Paisley tele was in my home dry and resting comfortably;" and "Just know, that as you watch us perform on the H20 tour, our entire stage and set has literally been under water. Now that's cred right there."

Jo Dee Messina, another musician who had gear stored at Soundcheck, tweeted on Wednesday that she was "Going downtown to meet with CNN so we can check out the city." She appeared on the network's 'American Morning' on Thursday.