NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Singer-songwriter and actor J.T. Hodges performs his new single “Sandman” on Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family” Tuesday, September 29 at 9 a.m. CST. Hodges returns to the network where he starred as Owen in the beloved holiday movie, “Finding Christmas,” to talk about the inspiration behind his new single “Sandman.” Released on the one year anniversary of Hurricane Dorian devastating the Bahamas, to remind the world that the vibrant community of the Abacos, Bahamas still needs assistance with relief efforts. Hodges tells hosts Debbie Matenopolous and Cameron Mathison about his time volunteering in the Bahamas and plays the new single acoustically.
The video, also released on September 1, showcases both the destruction of the natural disaster and the beauty of the island. Local Bahamian musician, Stumpy, lends his vocals and traditional Goombay style drums to the track. When paired with the laid-back, beachy lyrics from Hodges, they beautifully illustrate the island’s culture. CMT exclusively premiered “Sandman” with a broadcast debut.
Co-directed by Hodges with Cristy Nielsen, the video is shot in a pop-up style to not only show but tell viewers the story of “Sandman” and relief efforts including Team Ghosts, a privately funded grassroots movement on the ground in the Abacos since Dorian hit. Island locals like Stumpy and guitarist Lucky are featured throughout the video, the most prominent of them being students from Cooper’s Town Primary School, who thanks to organizations like Team Ghosts are finally returning to school this month for the first time since the hurricane.
“Sandman” was co-written by Hodges and Brandon James years ago and took on new meaning when the singer flew down to volunteer after the category 5 hurricane devastated the Bahamas. Hodges played “Sandman” while hanging out with locals. Their immediate connection to the song inspired him to record the single and video in the Abacos and feature local musicians. A portion of proceeds from “Sandman” will go toward the continued re-building of the Abacos.
This release is the Texas native’s first of 2020 following his Christmas EP, “All Through the Night: A Christmas Collection.” Hodges, known for his smash hits “Hunt You Down,” “Goodbyes Made You Mine” and “Sleepy Little Town,” which spent two weeks at No. 1 on Sirius/XM’s The Highway, is also in the studio working on all-new music for release later this year.
Keep up with Hodges on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and visit JTHodges.com.