Alumnus Cody Fry Returns Home for Amazon Music Holiday Special

Grammy-nominated artist to host globally streamed Christmas at Belmont 

For Grammy-nominated artist Cody Fry, performing again in Belmont University's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts feels like coming full circle. The commercial music graduate will return to his alma mater as one of the featured hosts for this year's "Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville," streaming globally for the first time on Prime Video and Amazon Music's Twitch channel, Wednesday, Dec. 11. 

"Truly, it's hard for me to even talk about how amazing it is to be back here," said Fry, whose last performance at the Fisher Center featured a full orchestra conducted by his father, Gary Fry. "The Fisher Center is a super special place." 

Music has always been the through line of Fry's life. Growing up with a professional musician father who worked in the jingle business before transitioning to orchestral arranging, Fry witnessed firsthand the joy of making music a career.  

"Every day, he seemed like he was excited about what he was working on," Fry said. "Watching that growing up, I thought, 'Well, I think I'd like to do that for my job.'" 

That dream led him to Belmont in 2012, where he found an educational environment that embraced all forms of music.  

"There's such an amazing environment of acceptance for music at Belmont," Fry said. "No form of music is better than another. It's just kind of like this amazing environment where all music is important." 

During his time at Belmont, Fry discovered his unique musical voice, blending pop sensibilities with orchestral arrangements. He credits professors like Dr. William Pursell, who introduced him to Ravel's "Daphnis et Chloé," and , whose arranging techniques he still references today, for helping shape his distinctive sound.  

Looking back, Fry's journey with Christmas at Belmont began during his student years. 

"The first orchestral piece I ever wrote — an arrangement of ‘The First Noel’ — was performed at Christmas at Belmont when I was a student," Fry said. “To hear it performed and then have it broadcast on PBS... it was just one of those moments where I found myself being so encouraged. Those experiences stick with you after the classes are over and after you've graduated. It's those experiences that really make you want to keep going." 

Now, with nearly a billion streams to his name and an RIAA Certified Gold record, Fry returns to participate in one of Belmont's most beloved traditions. This year's lineup will showcase more than 600 student musicians and vocalists, featuring traditional carols, classical masterworks and seasonal favorites. 

For Fry, who regularly acknowledges music students and educators at his shows, the opportunity to perform alongside current Belmont students holds special significance. 

"Being around these young people who are making an investment in their future... it reminds me of how powerful music can be in setting the trajectory of a life," he said. 

Don't miss Fry, along with fellow Belmont alumni Ashley Cooke and Dwan Hill, when "Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville” streams Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. EST.