Claude Carmichael releases debut solo album Tennessee Hill

Americana musician and Emmy winner Claude Carmichael has released his first solo album, Tennessee Hill, a collection of eight tracks now streaming worldwide and available through his website. The project marks a long-awaited move to center stage after years working behind the scenes in music, film and television.

Why it matters: - Claude Carmichael’s debut solo album turns a long career as a producer, arranger and music director into a front-facing artist launch. - Tennessee Hill gives Carmichael a new outlet after decades of work behind the scenes in music, film and television. - The album is available now worldwide, expanding Carmichael’s reach beyond his established industry credits.

What happened: - Claude Carmichael released Tennessee Hill, his first solo album, on Aug. 20, 2026. - The eight-track album is available through Carmichael’s website and major streaming platforms. - The project was recorded and co-produced by Claude Carmichael and Casey Wasner at Purple House in Leipers Fork, Tennessee.

The details: - Tennessee Hill draws on Americana, honky-tonk and storytelling traditions. - The tracklist includes “Bottom of a Well,” “Tennessee Hill,” “Full Time Heartache,” “Instead of Me,” “Sonia Lee,” “Too Many Yankees (Bless Their Hearts),” “Precious One” and “The Last Lullaby.” - “The Bottom of a Well” leans into dark humor and depression. - “Instead of Me” came from a friend’s line about divorce and was originally written with a woman’s voice in mind. - “Full Time Heartache” is a cheatin’ song co-written with Jeanie McQuinn and features Travis Toy on steel guitar. - “Too Many Yankees (Bless Their Hearts)” plays off Carmichael’s Tennessee hometown and reflects time spent in New York City; Casey Wasner co-produced the track. - “Precious One” is a lullaby written for Carmichael’s daughter. - “The Last Lullaby” traces back to a barefoot serenade Carmichael once played beneath a girl’s window with a violin he could barely play. - “Sonia Lee” uses the name of a fellow Nashville songwriter and reshapes it into a summer-memory song. - The title track, “Tennessee Hill,” centers on Carmichael realizing Franklin was home after driving back from the Bluebird Cafe.

Between the lines: - Tennessee Hill frames Carmichael as an artist finally stepping out from a long record of industry work. - The album’s mix of humor, heartbreak and personal memory suggests a deliberately intimate debut rather than a broad commercial reinvention. - The project also draws credibility from Carmichael’s resume, which includes work with Billy Joel, Phil Ramone, IMAX productions and television specials.

What's next: - Carmichael is positioning Tennessee Hill as the start of a new chapter rather than a one-off release. - More on Claude Carmichael’s career, awards and film and TV work is available at Bigscreenmusic.com. - More information about Tennessee Hill is available at claudecarmichael.com.

The bottom line: - Claude Carmichael’s debut solo album pairs veteran musicianship with personal songwriting and marks a clear move into the spotlight.