Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig Hendricks.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Raised up in the countryside of Sandersville, GA. on Family farmland and a wide variety of music (including Motown, Bluegrass, and Country Icons) I spent my youth roaming the pine thickets and river bottoms, honing his songwriting and guitar picking after being introduced to the guitar by my grandfather
Though delayed getting to the music scene, I had already seen some measure of success as a young songwriter including having a College Literature class use one of my songs as curriculum and making semifinals in a recognized music contest while i cut my teeth performing for local fundraisers and any venue that would let me play.
Realizing his passion, i found my escape and my future in my music and with the support of my wife, DeeDee, begin to follow my heart and the music. This led to more venues and opportunities, and the beginning of recognition as I began to rack up wins in small songwriting contests and played a myriad of stages in the south. This eventually led to the decision to leave my full-time, dead-end job and find the answer in music. My first “Tour” was created by DeeDee as a means to visit her family in Maine. The tour was a fantastic success and the world changed for us.
The road to the present (and to Nashville) was rough, long, and twisted. It led through churches, dive bars, restaurants, and music venues. 6 months After coming to Nashville, I landed my first Publishing deal and recorded my first EP with Art Ward and Century Music. the EP was a success and several of the songs garnered not only air play, but major independent artist recognition and awards. I went on to record a 2nd EP with Beverly Gosdin Jenkins and in May of 2025, released his first full album. The airplay, positive reviews, and increased visibility continue to fuel my Dreams and journey!
The music has propelled me across the nation as a Touring Artist. you can find me now on stages from Maine to Florida to Alaska. I’ve had the opportunity to open for major acts and perform on stages like The Capitol Theatre (Music Hall) in Wheeling, WV to The Geneva Ohio Grape Jamboree and even for the Alaskan Folk Festival in Juneau, Alaska. I also have 4 songs, presently on hold for major opportunities including Major label Artists and Major motion picture.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been anything but a smooth road. When we started, we had to learn everything the hard way. We had no help, no safety net, and no guidance. In fact, what we had were naysayers telling me not to follow this crazy idea of playing music for a living.
We had to overcome the criticism from family, we lost connections with people we thought were friends, we stepped out on thin air…and we went. We never hit the ground, and we are still flying.
I will say that we had a very, very few who decided to believe in me, and they stay in touch to this day. Those people, I owe a lot to.
Now, once on the road, it got harder, not easier. Booking our own shows, driving 9 hours to discover that I’m playing in a dive bar that billed itself out as a major music venue. True story, When I got there, there were patrons out front arguing over the best drug of choice. The bartender/manager wouldn’t let me play until the day crowd had left. They didn’t like me from the start, when i came into a grunge bar dressed in my Cowboy boots and hat, but if I left, I didn’t get a paycheck and I could barely afford gas to get home. So I packed in all my belongings from my little car, tucked them in around me on a tiny stage that I barely fit on, and I played my whole gig facing the wall as I got heckled by the 6 drunks still there. BUT, I got that paycheck and booked better gigs in the area before I headed home! You have to open your own door and pave your own road, i never quit.
We learned from each struggle, from each obstacle, and we got better. We still run into some interesting challenges, but there are always solutions!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a storyteller, and songwriter. I compose the best music I can to join with the words and connect with a listener. I want the listener to identify with something in that song…and take the trip with me. I work constantly on my writing, but I have spent more time lately, working on understanding those connections. Those are the important parts.
I am very proud of my songs, anytime someone finds a gem in it. What I mean, is when they find their own understanding…that lift, that heart toucher, that positive line, funny idea, it hooks them on an emotional level. That is an accomplishment.
I think what sets me apart is my approach. writing that song, delivering it on stage, searching for that connection. I always want to give it my heart, my all. I want to constantly learn and be better so I can share that. I often get remarks about my professionalism and how personal my performances and songs are. It’s the combination of the two that sets me apart.
Anything less than the best I can give is unacceptable.
What’s next?
I was picked up by a promotional group almost 3 years ago now. These folks have really come through for me on bookings, opportunities, logistics, and housing. I picked up new sponsors, too. I even have a new personal line of stage and casual wear created by one of my promoters and sponsors.
We are planning larger events for next year. I have new music coming and I’ll be back in the studio soon.
I have been booked already for some large festivals and for venues in New England, South Dakota, Montana, and Alaska, as well as places a bit closer.
I am launching my new Podcast soon and even have some instructional material that I am discussing with a publisher.
I will be doing some full band performances in 2026, some Emceeing, a lot of acoustic shows, and no telling what else!
I am already set to cowrite with some very experienced and successful writers including some Music Row writers and folks who have a track record for landing hits!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://craighendricksmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craig_hendricks_music
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craighendricksmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFQ0Ez_ittiBcwoq3Qzj2Fw
