REVIEW: Levi Foster — Walter (SINGLE)
Levi Foster’s upcoming release “Walter,” set to hit streaming platforms on February 21, is a testament to the emotional power that country music can wield when coupled with honesty and heartache. The Nashville-based singer-songwriter’s latest track paints a raw and intimate portrait of Alzheimer’s disease, told through the eyes of Julie, a daughter caught in the heartbreaking dance of loving and caring for her father, Walter, as his memories slip away. In a world often more interested in spectacle than sentiment, Foster’s delicate handling of this difficult subject reveals an artist committed to real, unfiltered storytelling.
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The song takes root in personal experience. Co-writers Sabrina Stewart and Court Taylor both had family members affected by Alzheimer’s, and Foster was moved by their stories. Stewart’s grandfather, named Walter, passed after a battle with the disease, while Taylor’s grandfather also wrestled with it. “Telling the story from both sides brings into focus how hard Alzheimer’s is on the person suffering and for their loved ones,” Foster says, and this dual perspective gives the song an authenticity that resonates long after the music fades.
“Walter” is not merely a personal reflection, though — it is part of a larger mission to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s research. Foster will team up with the Alzheimer’s Association to host a benefit concert in Nashville on March 20, with proceeds supporting the organization’s The Longest Day campaign, a global initiative to raise both funds and awareness for the disease. Foster, with his trademark humility, believes deeply in the power of music to connect with people. “Music has a profound impact on individuals,” he says. “Through this collaboration, we hope to enhance awareness and support for those affected by the disease.” It’s an admirable mission, and one that Foster tackles head-on with the same authenticity that has earned him a loyal following.
Foster’s journey as an artist is, in many ways, as humble as his music is powerful. Raised in a small town near Lynchburg, Virginia, his earliest exposure to country music came through Marty Robbins. But it was Merle Haggard who truly captured his heart — Foster credits the late legend as “the poet of the common man.” That connection to simplicity and truth is evident in Foster’s songwriting, which pulls no punches while never forsaking the warmth of human emotion. His craft has been honed over years of performing country and rock covers across Virginia, building a reputation as a down-to-earth, approachable artist who connects effortlessly with his audience.
In 2019, Foster packed up his life and moved to Nashville, where he was determined to make his mark as a full-time songwriter. He lived in a van, slept on friends’ couches, and played in small clubs, giving himself an ultimatum: if he couldn’t make it, he’d leave and find a “regular” job. Luckily, Foster’s raw talent couldn’t be ignored, and he quickly caught the attention of the industry, opening for stars like Ashley McBride, Trace Adkins, and Vince Gill. More recently, he joined Oliver Anthony on five dates of his Out of the Woods tour, further solidifying his place in the Nashville scene.
Signed to Banner Music in 2023, Foster’s momentum is undeniable. His full-length debut We Made Fire is set for a 2025 release, and is produced by Ken Coomer, a veteran of alt-country giants Wilco. “I had nothing to lose,” Foster says of his Nashville journey, and it’s clear that this attitude — coupled with a deep love for songwriting — has carried him to where he is today.
“Walter” is a poignant addition to Foster’s growing catalog. It’s not just a song; it’s a piece of his soul, shared with the world in an act of empathy and solidarity. And in a genre where authenticity is often the key to longevity, Foster’s unwavering commitment to truth and heart makes him a voice worth paying attention to in the years to come.
Colin Jordan
