A music publisher with 30 years’ experience (and plenty of success) in the country music genre will join the College of Arts & Media’s Music & Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS) faculty this fall. Dan Hodges, DBA brings teaching experience at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee in addition to his years in the music business.

“Dan will bring significant expertise and experience within the country music genre, given that he has lived and operated a publishing company in Nashville for many years,” explains Sean McGowan, chair of MEIS.

Hodges has worked for BMG Music Publishing, Rick Hall’s FAME Music, and Murrah Music. As a songplugger, Hodges successfully placed the hits “Where Would You Be” by Martina McBride and “I’m A Survivor” by Reba McEntire (the theme for the TV show “Reba”), and Billy Currington’s ASCAP 2008 Country Song of the Year “Good Directions”.

From 2008-2022, Hodges operated his own music row-based publishing company, Dan Hodges Music, LLC. The company has enjoyed two chart toppers and had songs recorded by country stars such as Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Chris Young, Lee Brice, and Kelsea Ballerini. 

Country Music + International Business

In addition to his specified experience with country music, McGowan says Hodges also brings “vast knowledge” concerning global markets. Hodges has worked with publishers from many different countries and opened a virtual branch of his publishing company in Australia in 2015, where the company enjoyed six chart toppers and over 30 major label cuts.

Hodges earned a doctor of business administration degree in international business from Liberty University, and he has taught as an adjunct and lecturer at Belmont University from 2016-2022.  His recent research includes publications in the College Music Symposium Journal, Liberty University’s Digital Commons and a presentation at Music & Entertainment Industry Educators Association’s 2022 online Summit.

In fall 2022, Hodges will assume the role of Associate Professor at CU Denver. Hodges says he was drawn to CU Denver by the reputation of the school’s music business program and “the opportunity to fill a need” based on his background. “I am looking forward to experiencing a Denver winter and getting to know my new colleagues. Most importantly, I am excited to meet and help the students of CU,” he concludes.