Patsy Brock Henson
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 12:41 pm

Like any mom, I know I may be a little biased. But this isn't just my story to tell. It's one that has been told in school hallways, on football fields, in wrestling rooms, and now on stages and platforms far beyond our county lines.

This is a hometown story.

Kanaan Brock, a former R-S Central student-athlete, is currently building a name for himself in Nashville's country music scene. With over 430,000 followers across social platforms, more than 83,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and millions of streams, his professional growth is something to be proud of. But, what makes this story special isn't the numbers. It's the character.

Long before Nashville, there was Rutherford County.

Kanaan was a multi-sport athlete -- State Champion wrestler, varsity football player (center and nose guard), and a young man who earned a permanent place on the R-S Central Hall of Fame wall. He served as Student Council President, was a Beta Club member while attending RS Middle School, while maintaining A/B Honor Roll throughout his entire school career.

Yet if you ask around town, those aren't necessarily the things people mention first.

They talk about the heart.

They talk about the "Hilltopper of the Week" who stood up for classmates when others wouldn't. They talk about the young man who defended peers against bullying. A nurse currently serving in our own county has shared how his protection and kindness were the reason she felt safe enough to stay in school. Those are the kinds of stories that stay with a community.

After graduating from R-S Central, Kanaan played football at Western Carolina University while earning his business degree. Eventually, he made the difficult decision to hang up the cleats and chase what had quietly been calling his name all along -- music.

He is currently signed with 10th Street Entertainment and recently partnered with The Orchard, a global music distribution company and subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment that champions independent artists.

But perhaps the most meaningful part of this journey is this: he came home.

With the blessing of the county office and his former principal, Phil Roger's, Kanaan recently returned to R-S Central to film the music video for his upcoming single, "Last of A Dying Breed," which was released March 4. The video features former Rutherford County students and celebrates the brotherhood, friendships, and working - class backbone that define our community.

It's a tribute to blue-collar grit. To loyalty. To showing up. To being the kind of person who doesn't forget where they came from.

This is more than a music release. It's a story about a young man who lived fully in the moment as a student, built lifelong friendships, and is now using his growing platform to encourage the next generation to chase their dreams -- while honoring their roots.

These are the stories that bring pride to a hometown.

The kind that make people smile.

The kind that cause a tear or two.

The kind that remind us what our schools are truly producing -- not just athletes or artists, but leaders with heart.

If it sounds heartfelt coming from his mom -- that's because it is.

But if you ask around this county, you'll hear the same thing over and over: Kanaan Brock is...a good kid. A loyal friend. A young man with a big heart, who cares about others and has an infectious smile that will light up any room!

Thank you for supporting one of our own. Our community has always rallied around its people. I believe this is one of those moments.

In just over two years, that leap of faith has led to a growing platform:

• 310,000+ TikTok followers (2.1 million likes)

• 120,000+ Facebook followers

• 83,000+ monthly Spotify listeners

• Over 2 million streams on his cover of "Landslide"

• Original songs including "Sinner and Saint," "Down in the Holler," "Before She Leaves," Porch Swing, and "Life of the Party" -- the latter featuring several former Rutherford County students