Levi Foster, a rising star in the Nashville music scene, is about to unveil a song that will undoubtedly carve a place for itself in the hearts of listeners. “Walter,” due out on February 21, is a powerful reflection on the emotional toll of Alzheimer’s disease. Through the eyes of Julie, a daughter devoted to caring for her father Walter as he battles the relentless effects of the disease, Foster brings an intimate and unflinching portrayal of both the personal and familial struggles associated with this devastating condition.
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The song’s roots trace back to personal experiences shared by Foster’s co-writers, Sabrina Stewart and Court Taylor, who both had grandfathers affected by Alzheimer’s. Stewart’s grandfather, also named Walter, passed after a long fight with the disease, and Taylor’s own grandfather endured a similar decline. These personal narratives provided the framework for the song, which Foster describes as a dual perspective: one from the person suffering and one from the loved one watching it unfold. “Telling the story from both sides brings into focus how hard Alzheimer’s is on the person suffering and for their loved ones,” Foster shares. This emotional depth and empathy are evident in every lyric of the track.
Foster’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric since his arrival in Nashville. A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, he grew up on the sounds of country legends like Marty Robbins but found a deeper connection with the straightforward and emotional songwriting of Merle Haggard. Haggard’s influence is clear in Foster’s own writing, which blends simplicity with profound emotional weight, crafting songs that resonate with authenticity and sincerity.
While his music has traversed both country and rock genres, “Walter” stands as a deeply personal moment in Foster’s growing catalog, a rare example of an artist sharing an unvarnished narrative of grief and love. The song’s release is accompanied by a collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association, where Foster is using his platform to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research. On March 20, Foster will host a special benefit concert in Nashville, raising money for The Longest Day, a global initiative that seeks to fund Alzheimer’s research and awareness. “Music has a profound impact on individuals,” Foster notes, emphasizing how the song’s story transcends the personal and enters the realm of collective support for those affected by the disease.
Foster’s authenticity isn’t just evident in his songwriting but in his entire career. After moving to Nashville in his mid-20s, Foster lived out of a van, played at local clubs, and networked his way into Nashville’s competitive music scene. He quickly earned the opportunity to open for country legends like Vince Gill, Trace Adkins, and Lorrie Morgan. More recently, he performed alongside Oliver Anthony on his Out of the Woods tour, solidifying his place in the contemporary country conversation.
Having signed a publishing deal with Banner Music in late 2023, Foster is poised for an even bigger leap with the release of his full-length debut album, We Made Fire, slated for a 2025 release. Produced by Ken Coomer of Wilco fame, the album promises to showcase Foster’s growth as both an artist and storyteller.
“Walter” may not appear on We Made Fire, but it signals the kind of artist Foster has become—a musician whose songs echo both personal and universal truths. As the music industry becomes increasingly reliant on flashy trends and viral moments, it’s artists like Levi Foster who remind us that the most impactful stories are often the simplest and most sincere. Through “Walter,” Foster invites us into a deeply human experience, one that speaks to the emotional challenges of caregiving and the indelible impact of Alzheimer’s disease. This track is more than a song; it’s a poignant call for awareness, understanding, and solidarity.
Gwen Waggoner
