Nashville, Tenn. - A singer died after he was shot in the head following an altercation at a bar in downtown Nashville early Saturday morning.

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Police confirmed Jerald "Wayne" Mills, 44, of the Wayne Mills Band, died from his injuries on Saturday evening.

The shooting was reported around 5 a.m. at the Pit and Barrel bar at 515 2nd Avenue South near Lea Avenue. The bar was closed at the time of the shooting.

The preliminary investigation reveals Mills began smoking a cigarette in a non-smoking area of the bar and the owner, Chris Ferrell, became upset. Ferrell, 44, and Mills allegedly began to argue. Others still inside the bar at the time left. According to a police report, witnesses outside reported hearing gunshots from inside the bar shortly after leaving and contacted police. Mills suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he died Saturday evening.

Ferrell, who has a valid handgun carry permit, told police he shot Mills in self defense. The investigation is ongoing.

"He was my best friend," stated Mills' manager, J.R. Smith. Smith said Mills was a gentle giant and one of the friendliest people you could imagine. "He has never been aggressive," he stated.

Mills leaves behind a wife and six-year-old son. A fund has been set up at FirstBank for his family. Anyone can donate to the Wayne Mills Family Fund at area FirstBank branches.

As of Sunday evening, Metro police said no new developments have been made in the investigation. The victim was previously misidentified as songwriter Clayton Mills, 50.