On Wednesday, November 13, Texas State University alumnus and country music star Randy Rogers ’01, owner of Cheatham Street Warehouse, presented a $75,000 donation from the venue to the TXST Center for Texas Music History.
This generous contribution, raised during Cheatham Street Warehouse’s 50th Anniversary Street Party in October, will support both the Kent Finlay Legacy Endowed Scholarship and the Tommy Foote Memorial Scholarship. These scholarships celebrate the enduring impact of two legendary figures in Texas music and honor TXST’s commitment to preserving the state’s vibrant musical heritage.
Kent Finlay ‘61, who co-founded Cheatham Street Warehouse in 1974, was a cornerstone of the San Marcos music community. Under his guidance, the venue became a nurturing ground for emerging artists such as George Strait ‘79, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Randy Rogers ‘01. Finlay’s dedication to Texas music extended to mentoring young songwriters through his weekly “Songwriters’ Circle” and establishing the Cheatham Street Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Texas music.
Tommy Foote ‘75, another pivotal figure in Texas music, spent 50 years in the music industry and was George Strait’s original drummer in the Ace in the Hole Band. Later, he served as Strait’s tour manager for more than four decades, supporting and guiding the success of one of country music’s most celebrated careers. The Tommy Foote Memorial Scholarship was established to honor his legacy following his passing in April 2024.
“At TXST, we are proud to be part of a musical legacy that has influenced generations of artists and fans alike,” said TXST President Kelly Damphousse, Ph.D.
“Randy Rogers wrote a lot of his songs literally sitting on the steps outside of Falls Hall when he was a student here. His generous gift celebrates the rich heritage of Texas music at TXST, supports our students, and reinforces our commitment to honoring legends like Kent Finlay and Tommy Foote, whose contributions have shaped both our university and the wider Texas music community.”
Jason Mellard, Ph.D., director of the Center for Texas Music History, who accepted the donations along with President Damphousse at the event, shared his thoughts on the impact of the donation: “We are so very grateful for Cheatham Street's generosity. The donation ensures that generations of TXST students will have the support they need to continue their studies and to explore Texas's rich musical history. More than that, these scholarships also mean that the legacies of Kent Finlay and Tommy Foote will resonate in perpetuity, that their deep imprint in music and the music industry and their mentoring of and support for students will continue, year in and year out. It was icing on the cake that we had the chance to share all this with a sold-out crowd at Cheatham Street Warehouse, this site has been the beating heart of the San Marcos scene for a half century now.”
The Center for Texas Music History at TXST remains dedicated to exploring the stories, sounds, and significance of Texas music. Through scholarships and innovative programs, the center equips students with knowledge and experience that honors Texas’s influence on music history and culture.
For more information about the TXST Center for Texas Music History and ways to support its mission, please contact Mellard at jasonmellard@txstate.edu.