Log in to your account
Stats
Biography
Atkins was born in Knoxville,Tennessee on 28 March, 1969 and was put up for adoption by his then 19 year old mother. As an infant Atkins was afflicted with both respiratory infection and colic, which sabotaged the finalization of his adoption from a few of his potential parents. He was eventually taken in by Allan and Margaret Atkins and moved with them to Speedwell, Tennessee. He went to high school at Powell Valley High and after receiving a guitar for Christmas devoted the majority of his free time learning the instrument and competing in local festivals. Atkins went to college at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville,Tennessee. Whenever he was not studying he shot straight to Nashville to absorb the town’s rich music scene and showcase songs he had been developing.
After graduation Atkins moved to Nashville and signed to Curb Records in 1996. A year later he debuted his 1st single “In a Heartbeat” which entered the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks at No. 74. Atkins’ studio debut album was also expected to be released this year, but unsatisfied with the final result Atkins scratched the whole release and started working on a new project with various musicians and producers. This project also failed to be released and it was not until 2003 that Atkins resurfaced back into the Country music scene.
Atkins 1st studio album “Honesty” finally came out on 14 October 2003 through Curb Records. The record gradually caught on with the public and rose to no. 50 on the US Billboard Top Country Albums and no. 47 on the US Billboard Top Heatseekers. This release produced a total of five singles, four of which entered the US Country Charts and 1 “Honesty (Write Me a List)”, which peaked at no. 4.
In 2006 Atkins put out his 2nd album “If You’re Going Through Hell”. The title track launched his career into the mainstream and spent four weeks at no.1 on the Hot Country Songs Chart. Three more no.1 hit singles followed “Watching You”, “These Are My People”, and “Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)”. This album certified Atkins as the 1st country star since Tim McGraw to have an album feature four no.1 singles. “If You’re Going Through Hell” also reached platinum status and won Atkins an Academy of Country Music Award” for “Top New Male Vocalist”.
Though Atkins next album “It’s America” received mixed reviews it was another commercial victory for the artist, debuting at no. 3 on the US Billboard Top Country Albums and no.15 on the US Billboard 200. Atkins 4th studio album “Take a Back Road” did even better hitting no. 3 on the US Billboard Top Country Albums and no. 8 on the US Billboard 200. The album’s title track topped the US Country charts and was recognized as the fastest rising single Atkins’ put out to date. “Take a Back Road” also generated a significant amount of critical praise with the publication Country Standard Time crediting it as "the type of wholesome country musician that you would enjoy hanging out with on a Sunday afternoon with your wife and kids." These words served as a haunting irony as it was revealed that later that year Atkins was arrested for attempting to smother his wife with a pillow in front of his 10 year old son. Atkins claimed that the altercation was purely verbal and was cleared of charges in 2012.
In 2013 Atkins was back in the game, releasing the popular single “Doin’ It Right”. The following year he issued the single “Eat Sleep Love You Repeat” and in 2015 he put out his “Greatest Hits” compilation.
Live reviews
A classic example of a great country show! Just the kind of vibe you look for at a summer concert.
Rodney Atkins isn’t new to the country atmosphere – he’s been recording music under the same label as Tim McGraw since 1996 and has lived in Tennessee all his life. While his music has been getting more and more popular with each album he releases, he has clearly stuck to his roots and plays in front of thousands with the same true country passion he might have at a cornfield party. Between inviting fans on stage and enjoying his beer, he hasn’t lost a step in his cool country ways. You really get the sense Atkins is just happy to be part of the party at his show. And it definitely is a party. There’s no stopping the fun, easy atmosphere, where your neighbor is a friend just excited to sing along with you. The rain started coming at his outdoor show, and rather than leave or find cover, the audience happily chanted along to his popular “Take a Back Road” and went for another beer.
This show is full of true American country spirit and some of the most recognizable country songs out today – the perfect way to unwind on a summer night.
jacksonhoward
When you hear that a country singer shares the same label as country icon Tim McGraw, then you know that you’re probably on for a winner. The American music market is saturated with Tennessee born country musicians, but Rodney Atkins stands out from the crowd. Reminiscent of McGraw himself, Atkins possesses a real country, summery and Southern vibe. He is a real talent who is no stranger to the stage, having been performing since the 90s. Atkin’s country tunes are easy listening, fun and incredibly catchy- one need only listen to ‘If You’re Going through Hell’ in order to get hooked. There is something wonderfully authentic about Atkins and homely about his songs, particularly when you really listen to his lyrics. Lyrics that centre around his family and love. ‘Watching You’ is especially sweet and it is a nice respite to hear songs about our children and real life matters of importance rather than love or sex. Atkins is family friendly, fun and perfect for Summer. His tracks are happy go lucky and positive, from ‘America’ to ‘These are my People’.
sabraziz
Rodney and his band were terrific!!
Our group ranged in age from 19 to 50 and everyone had a fabulous time. We loved the way he engaged with the audience members.
Thank you Rodney!! You were truly and enjoyable family experience.
wadababe-1
Videos (2)
