Phil Vassar Survives Heart Attack, Releases New Song

• Phil Vassar survived a near-fatal heart attack and stroke in 2023.
• He spent five months in the Shepherd Center in Atlanta recovering from a genetic heart disease.
• The country star released the single “What It Means,” a reflection on life’s unanswered questions.
• A music video filmed in his own pool features an underwater scene at 30 degrees.

Phil Vassar, the Nashville-based country singer, emerged from a life-threatening heart attack and stroke in early 2023 to share a new single that tackles the mystery of why he survived. The track, “What It Means,” is paired with a striking music video that uses his own pool as a symbolic backdrop. In interviews with News Of Los Angeles, Vassar explained how the experience reshaped his outlook on life and music.

The 2023 Medical Emergency

In early 2023, Vassar suffered a near-fatal heart attack that was followed by a stroke. The event was traced to a genetic heart disease that had gone undetected for years. He was rushed to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, where he spent five months in intensive care.

During that time, Vassar underwent a series of medical tests. The most striking result was a calcium test that returned a reading of 1,200, far above the normal range. “I did a calcium test, and I didn’t get the results back until I had the heart attack,” he recalled. “Minimal risk is an 8, 9 or 10, but my calcium test was like 1,200.”

The doctors’ reaction was one of disbelief. “Holy crap, I don’t know how you lived as long as you did,” a physician told him. Vassar’s recovery was slow and painful, but it ultimately became a turning point.

Recovery and Reflection

After leaving the hospital, Vassar found himself struggling to remember even the most recent parts of his life. He said, “I honestly don’t remember any of it.” He had just finished a Christmas tour with Deana Carter and could not recall any of the tour’s moments.

His rehabilitation involved both physical and mental challenges. Breathing was difficult, and he had to relearn how to move. “Even breathing was hard,” he said. “I didn’t know why I didn’t feel well.”

Through determination and hard work, Vassar eventually regained his strength. He now speaks openly about his gratitude for being alive. “I am very grateful, you know?” he said, reflecting on the fragility of life.

Writing “What It Means”

The song “What It Means” emerged as a cathartic outlet for Vassar’s experience. He described the writing process as both challenging and therapeutic. “I guess writing this song was another step in the whole recovery, you know? It was a cathartic experience,” he explained.

Vassar admitted that ballads are difficult for him to write. “I’ve been writing songs for so long now, but ballads are hard for me to write. It’s hard to dig into some of that. They’re almost painful,” he said. The track places his masculine vulnerability front and center, allowing the unanswered questions to remain.

He co-wrote the song with Dean Sams and Marty Dodson, two collaborators who helped shape its emotional depth. The result is a reflective piece that asks, “What does it all mean?” without providing definitive answers.

The Music Video

The music video for “What It Means” premiered exclusively on News Of Los Angeles. It was filmed in Vassar’s own pool, featuring an underwater scene that symbolizes the moment he felt between life and death. “When they were talking about me going into the pool, I was quick to remind them that it was only 30 degrees out,” he laughed.

The cold plunge was a deliberate choice to convey the stark reality of his recovery. The shot turned out perfectly, mirroring how life seems to be right now for Vassar. “I don’t know why, but I just know I’m here for some reason,” he concluded.

Looking Ahead

Vassar is preparing to return to the road. He will tour with ACM Group of the Year Old Dominion beginning in April. “I was on the Peloton for an hour yesterday. I’m really trying to get back into the groove,” he said, expressing his eagerness to perform again.

He also emphasized that he no longer takes his health for granted. “It’s nice to see things clearer now. You notice everything more. I really don’t take this for granted. I savor every moment,” he said.

Key Takeaways

• Survival: Vassar survived a heart attack and stroke in 2023, thanks to intensive care and a strong recovery effort.
• Reflection: He turned his experience into the single “What It Means,” a song that embraces uncertainty.
• Symbolism: The music video’s underwater scene in a 30-degree pool represents the narrow margin between life and death.
• Future: Vassar is set to tour with Old Dominion in April, signaling a return to active performance.

The story of Phil Vassar’s recovery and artistic response serves as a reminder that life’s fragility can inspire profound creative expression.

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