Tom Hedden

Tom Hedden
Genres Orchestral
Occupation(s) Music composer
Years active 1990–present
Labels NFL Films
Associated acts David Robidoux
Website tomheddenmusic.com
For the speedway rider, see Tommy Hedden.

Tom Hedden is an American score composer, the former music director at NFL Films, and the current National Football League Director of Music Administration.

Career

Hedden graduated out of Berklee College of Music, and became the music director of NFL Films in 1990. Working with audio engineer David Robidoux, the two were instructed by NFL Films director Steve Sabol in 1994 to create a score for a TNT special titled, 75 Years: The History of the NFL. After nine months, the two were given the Emmy Award for Musical Score;[1] they would eventually win four more Emmys for the specials Favre 4Ever, Emmitt Smith: Run With History, NFL Century – In Their Words, and Unitas.[2] Together, Hedden and Robidoux would also create the score for History Channel's Blood in a Stone.[1] In 1997, Hedden performed the Super Bowl theme he composed with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra at Super Bowl XXXI.[3] One of the pieces he composed, A New Game, featured an unusual 15/8 time signature; the piece would eventually be played at National Basketball Association games whenever the visiting team calls a timeout.[1] Another composition of his, Sprint Right, is played in NFL broadcasts.[3] Hedden also composed the film scores for The Waterboy and Little Children.[4] In 2008, he became the NFL's Director of Music Administration, and is in charge of music rights for NFL Network, NFL.com and other branches operated by the league.[5] In 2009, Hedden left his position at NFL Films to form Tom Hedden Music, a musical production and consulting company, though he still works with the company.[3] In 2012, Hedden composed music used at Watkins Glen International.[4]

He was named SESAC's Television Composer of the Year twice, and has received accolades from the International Television Association and Philadelphia Advertising Club. Hedden was awarded a Clio Award in 1988 for Best Automotive Campaign when he composed for a Subaru commercial.[5] Hedden's work is featured in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and NASCAR Hall of Fame.[4] His work is also featured in the Madden NFL video game series.[5]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Wise, Brian (2005-09-11). "The Music of the Spheres". The New York Times. Retrieved 2012-11-09.
  2. ↑ "'SportsCenter' wins for best daily studio show". ESPN. 2005-05-03. Retrieved 2012-11-10.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Tom Hedden". APM Music. Retrieved 2012-11-10.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Emmy-Winning Composer Tom Hedden Creates Signature Sound for Watkins Glen International". Watkins Glen International. 2012-06-02. Retrieved 2012-11-10.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Emmy Award-Winning NFL Films Composer Tom Hedden to Visit Dixie State Campus Next Thursday". Dixie State College of Utah. 2008-10-31. Retrieved 2012-11-10.