Industry Ink: Steve Hodges, CMA, Randy Rogers Band, More

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Steve Hodges Joins Craig Campbell Promotion Team

PR Headshots of Steve Hodges

Industry veteran Steve Hodges has joined Craig Campbell‘s promotion team taking his uptempo single “Missing You” to country radio. Hodges, who left his role as Exec. VP of Promotion and Artist Development at Sony Music Nashville at the end of 2024, brings decades of experience as a consultant to Campbell’s team under the Hodges Entertainment umbrella.

“Missing You,” written by Jonathan Singleton, Barry Dean and Dave Barnes, was originally released on Campbell’s 2018 See You Try album. He recorded the updated version of the song, which has been a fan favorite for many years.

 

CMA Hosts STEAM Education Panel At SXSWedu

CMA panel at SXSWedu

CMA hosted a session, “Backstage Pass: STEAM Behind Country Music’s Biggest Night,” at SXSWedu this year, providing an engaging discussion about the role of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education in the music industry. The conversation was led by Franklin Willis, Emmy winner and Director of Visual and Performing Arts for Metro Nashville Public Schools, and explored how STEAM skills are woven into every part of live event production.

Panel participants included key figures from the CMA Awards production team, including Jessica Basile, Post-Production Supervisor; Danny Rader, Musical Director; and Robert Deaton, Executive Producer. Each offered valuable insights into how the CMA Awards come to life using STEAM, and how these skills shape the future of country.

 

Randy Rogers Band Celebrates Gold & Platinum At Ryman

Pictured (L-R): Brady Black, Les Lawless, Johnny Chops, Randy Rogers, Kid Rock, Erin Burr – RIAA, Todd Stewart and Geoffrey Hill. Photo: Justin Rice

Randy Rogers Band celebrated three RIAA certifications at their sold-out Ryman Show on Saturday night (March 8), marking three consecutive years selling out shows at the Mother Church of Country Music. The evening began with fellow Texans Josh Abbott Band playing some of their fan-favorite hits and infusing the room with the Lone Star spirit. Kid Rock later walked out on stage joined by Erin Burr of the RIAA to announce the group earned three new RIAA certifications, Gold for “Buy Myself A Chance,” Platinum for “Kiss Me in the Dark” and Platinum for “In My Arms Instead.”

 

Jason Scott & The High Heat Named Emerging Group of the Year at Texas Music Awards

Jason Scott & The High Heat. Photo: Jessi Chapman

Jason Scott & The High Heat have been named Emerging Group of the Year at the inaugural Texas Music Awards, recognizing their rising impact in the Americana and Texas music scene. With the upcoming release of their new album, American Grin, the group has been turning heads with their blend of heartland rock, roadhouse country and electrified Americana. The Texas Music Awards were created to shine a light on independent artists who don’t always fit into mainstream categories but play a vital role in shaping Texas music.

 

Roger Cook Spearheads Third Annual Our Place Nashville Benefit March 19

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Roger Cook is helping empower adults with developmental disabilities by spearheading the third benefit concert for Our Place Nashville March 19 at 3rd & Lindsley. Our Place Nashville partners with nonprofits to provide Friendship Houses, inclusive, affordable housing for adults with developmental disabilities, while also promoting meaningful work opportunities to give residents the means to live independently.

Performing at the in the round at 3rd & Lindsley will be Cook, Pat Alger, Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman, Dickey Lee, Earl Bud Lee, Richard Leigh, Billy Prine and Leslie Satcher. Cook’s daughter Katie, a longtime CMT host, will serve as emcee for the evening. Tickets are available here.

The Cooks’ interest in Our Place Nashville has a personal element—Cook’s older daughter and Katie’s big sister, Joanne, had an intellectual and developmental disability. Though Joanne passed away in 2018 and unfortunately never had the opportunity to live in a Friendship House, one of the Nashville houses is named after her, and she was able to attend one of the benefits before she passed away.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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