Showtime Tunes Up New Music Special

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Showtime will launch a new music-themed special days ahead of its Sunday debut of Roadies.

The special, Miles to Go Before I Sleep, premieres Friday and chronicles the true stories of musicians and the relationships they have with their road crew, according to network officials.

The 30-minute special, executive produced by Sam Jones, will feature appearances by Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters), Jim James (My Morning Jacket ) and Jackson Browne.

The film also follows the band Hippo Campus and their behind-the-scenes team as they tour the country, said Showtime.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.