Randy Goodman (Class of 1977), now Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Nashville, entered David Lipscomb College for reasons not unlike some current Lipscomb students: he wanted to be in music, and his dad wanted him to go there.

After becoming an active member of the college’s community and culture, Goodman decided to stay. Fortunately, too, were the benefits which going to college in Music City provided. Even as a teenager and as a college student, Goodman knew he wanted a career in music.

Starting at Radio Corporation of America (RCA), Goodman has worked for various music businesses over his career. After years in the industry, Goodman landed his dream job as the chief executive at one of the most well-known labels in the music industry. While this is his dream job, the music industry as a whole is facing remarkable challenges.

As the music industry faces the continual shift to streaming music, the responsibility falls on record companies and their leaders, like Goodman, to navigate the morphing environment successfully. Goodman said it is a challenging environment, and there is need of a marriage between business and art in his responsibilities at Sony.

Not all of his responsibilities are as full of challenges, however. As a part of his job, he seeks out new talent. One of the favorite parts of his job is an unquestioned ability to listen to music all day in his office.

Goodman said to be on the lookout for up-and-coming artists Cam and Old Dominion. In addition, he mentioned two new music groups which were just recently signed by Sony, Maren Morris and Lanco.

For Lipscomb graduates and today’s college students, Goodman had the following advice: work hard and do not be afraid to do even the most mundane tasks in internships. He encouraged recent graduates to have strong work ethics and not to see any task as below one’s level.  This, he said, can lead to job offers and quick promotions.

Just as he suggested recent graduates and college students work hard and demonstrate a good work ethic, those same traits surely helped Goodman in his career.

Photo by Alan Poizner

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