CJ Hooper: Richmond’s Independent Voice Keeping Country Honest
Hailing from Richmond, Texas, CJ Hooper isn’t your industry-manufactured country act. He’s a singer/songwriter who describes himself as an average guy who decided to do something different — and had the courage to follow through.
the work ethic and mindset that built CJ Hoopers career
Without family connections in the music business or a financial safety net to lean on, Hooper built his path the old-fashioned way: passion first, grind second, everything else after. For him, music has never been about chasing trends or industry formulas. It’s about love — the same kind of love he has for his friends and family. That authenticity bleeds into every track he writes.
“I don’t come from money. I don’t come from a family in the music business,” Hooper says. “I’m here for the love of music. It’s worth all the work I put into it.”
That mindset has already begun to pay off. One of his songs was selected for the Texas Country Music Association’s Best Country Picks Volume 8, a milestone that validated the long hours and independent hustle.
Trials and tribulations
Like many independent artists, Hooper’s biggest challenge hasn’t been creativity — it’s been finances. Recording, production, marketing, travel — it all adds up. Instead of letting that reality slow him down, he’s learned how to move strategically, figuring out how to get what he needs done without putting himself in a financial hole. It’s not a unique struggle, but it’s one he’s met head-on.
What’s next
Looking ahead, Hooper’s vision is clear. Over the next few years, he plans to break out of the regional touring circuit and expand into new markets, introducing his music to audiences beyond Texas. The goal isn’t overnight fame — it’s steady growth, built the right way.
His approach remains firmly grassroots and integrity-driven. He isn’t making music based on what he thinks will sell. He’s making the music he believes in. The kind that feels right. The kind that lasts.
That commitment to authenticity is fully realized in his brand-new album, Over Yonder, released February 6, 2026. The seven-track project showcases Hooper’s songwriting heart and Texas country roots, giving listeners a deeper look at the stories and sounds he’s worked tirelessly to create.
For CJ Hooper, the journey is just as important as the destination. And if Over Yonder is any indication, he’s headed somewhere worth following.
