Nominated by the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, alumni and country music star Randy Rogers is accepting the Young Alumni Rising Star Award.
The award is given to two winners annually and is presented by the alumni association. Rogers’ 17 years in the music industry, his work with charities and undertaking the Cheatham Street Warehouse made him a worthy candidate for the award.
Rogers’ is the lead singer of the Randy Rogers Band, whose hit songs include “In My Arms Instead” and “Kiss Me in The Dark.” Annually, the group does anywhere between 125-250 shows across the country and internationally. Currently, Rogers calls New Braunfels home, but is originally from Cleburne, Texas.
At the age of 17, Rogers made the decision to enroll at Texas State despite serious interest in the University of North Texas. This decision proved to be the right one, as Rogers and his band got started at Cheatham Street Warehouse doing weekly open-mic nights. Kent Finlay, late owner of the Warehouse, invited the band back to play new songs weekly.
“If you had told me back in the day that I would own the place, I would’ve called you crazy. I got so lucky,” Rogers said about owning and operating the music venue in San Marcos. “Kent Finlay always said the harder you work, the luckier you get.”
Rogers was determined to complete his degree, however, and said he now values his undergraduate degree in Mass Communication and Public Relations. He said if he were not an artist, he would be in PR for sure.
“I had professors who were really cool who allowed me to miss class, or take a test early or do an assignment early,” Rogers said. “We had a lot of people pulling for us.”
Rogers and his former professor Fred Blevins still have a close friendship. The two bonded while Rogers was in school and trying to perform. Rodgers credits Blevins for being an inspiration to him during his time at Texas State.
Rogers lived in Falls residence hall while completing his undergraduate degree. He worked at the Eddie Bauer Outlet and bartended until he and his band started touring near the end of their senior year in 2001.
Rogers said he continues his music career because of his love to write, create and perform on stage. But he wishes he had more time with Cheatham Street Warehouse, his wife and his three children.
“It’s a hectic life, it’s not for everybody. It’s no good life, but it’s my life,” Rogers said. “I just love to be on stage and performing.”
In addition to accepting his award, Rogers spoke to some classes and attended the award gala.
“I love the university,” Rogers said. “ I always felt coming to school here was one of the best decisions of my life.”