ACM@UCO welcomes our Director of Academic Operations, Chris Hicks, musician, educator, and recording artist.

Oklahoma native Chris Hicks is a skilled guitar and saxophone player, holding the OK Gazette Musician of the Year title from 1989 to 1991. With a range spanning styles such as Jazz, Rock, R&B, and Country, Chris continues to perform with the Chris Hicks Band.

Chris’s artistic development was strongly influenced by his first big gig where he collaborated with celebrated jazz trumpeter Chet Baker. In 1993, he ended up in Nashville, where he became part of RCA recording artists “Restless Heart” for two years. He also appeared in the film “Maverick,” with Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster. He appears on the movie’s soundtrack in his first master recording session with producer Josh Leo.

In 1995, Chris joined Reba McEntire’s band, where he remained through 2000 touring the United States, Europe, Australia, and Brazil. Since then, Chris has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Show with David Letterman, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, A&E’s “Live By Request,” two Reba McEntire specials airing on CBS, the ACM Awards, and the CMA Awards.

Chris has expanded his musical catalog, recording with Reba on her Grammy-nominated single “On My Own,” featuring Martina McBride, Linda Davis, and Trisha Yearwood and alongside Kenny Rogers on his 2002 release. His has also performed live with Kenny, Sara Evans, and Brooks & Dunn. Chris’s extensive studio work includes composing incidental music for the Nashville Network and commercial tracks for Frito Lay, and serving as an editor for Dolly Parton on several master tracks.

Chris comes from a family of educators who influenced his decision to teach at the university level. When asked what he loves most about ACM@UCO, Chris said “Being able to work with the youth, and watching them improve themselves as musicians and adults.”