Stan Hitchcock

Stan Hitchcock, a television executive who guided the early years of CMT while balancing a career as a host and recording artist, died on January 4, 2023. He was 86. Hitchcock was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and started performing at 12 years old. While in the Navy, he formed a Country band; upon his discharge in 1958, he settled in Springfield, Missouri. Discovered by Red Foley, Hitchcock secured a contract with Epic Records. Although his singing career yielded modest results, he found a national audience through hosting two syndicated television shows. Hitchcock joined CMT in 1983, just as music videos were becoming prevalent. In addition to his interview series, Heart to Heart With Stan Hitchcock, he founded the Americana Television Network and BlueHighways TV.