How to Hire RODNEY ATKINS For Your Event!
Born in: Tennessee
Based in Tennessee
Based in: Nashville
Hire: Rodney Atkins
Rodney Allan Atkins was born on March 28, 1969, in Knoxville, Tennessee. His early life was marked by adoption; after being given up at birth, he was adopted by a couple, Allan and Margaret Atkins, who raised him in the small town of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. Growing up in a rural environment, Atkins developed a deep appreciation for country music, which would later shape his career.
During his high school years, Atkins became interested in playing guitar and songwriting. He continued his musical journey while attending Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee, where he actively performed and honed his craft.
Early Career & Breakthrough
In the mid-1990s, Atkins moved to Nashville to pursue a music career. His first break came when he signed with Curb Records in 1996. However, it took several years before he found commercial success.
His debut self-titled album, Rodney Atkins, was released in 1997, but it did not gain significant traction. The album produced several singles, including “In a Heartbeat” and “God Only Knows,” which received moderate airplay but failed to chart significantly.
Hire Rodney Atkins for your festival or concert plans! (t,s)
Rise to Fame: If You’re Going Through Hell (2006)
Atkins’ breakthrough came in 2006 with the release of his sophomore album, If You’re Going Through Hell. The album became a huge success, spawning four consecutive #1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart:
- “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows)” – A motivational anthem that resonated with listeners, becoming one of the most-played country songs of the year.
- “Watching You” – A heartfelt song about a father-son relationship, inspired by his own experience as a parent.
- “These Are My People” – A celebration of small-town life and blue-collar America.
- “Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)” – A humorous and relatable take on a father’s protectiveness over his daughter.
The album was certified platinum and established Atkins as a household name in country music.
Continued Success: It’s America (2009) & Take a Back Road (2011)
Following the success of If You’re Going Through Hell, Atkins released his third studio album, It’s America, in 2009. The album produced another #1 hit, the title track “It’s America”, which became a patriotic anthem.
In 2011, Atkins released Take a Back Road, featuring the title track “Take a Back Road,” which became one of his biggest hits. The song, which celebrates country living and escaping the city, topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart and was certified platinum.
Other notable songs from this era include:
- “Farmer’s Daughter” (2010) – A romantic country hit that became another fan favorite.
- “He’s Mine” (2011) – A heartfelt song about fatherhood and standing by your child, regardless of challenges.
Later Career: Rodney Atkins: Greatest Hits (2015) & Caught Up in the Country (2019)
In 2015, Atkins released Rodney Atkins: Greatest Hits, which compiled his most successful songs along with a few new tracks.
His next full-length studio album, Caught Up in the Country (2019), featured the title track “Caught Up in the Country” featuring the Fisk Jubilee Singers. The song broke records by spending 57 weeks on the Country Airplay chart, making it one of the longest-running songs in the chart’s history.
Personal Life
Atkins was married to Tammy Jo McDonald, with whom he had a son, Elijah. However, they divorced in 2012. In 2013, he married singer-songwriter Rose Falcon, and the couple has since welcomed two more sons.
Atkins is known for his strong Christian faith and deep connection to family life, themes that often appear in his music.
Musical Style & Influence
Rodney Atkins’ music is deeply rooted in traditional country themes, focusing on small-town values, family, and resilience. His storytelling approach, along with his ability to connect with audiences through relatable lyrics, has made him a favorite among country fans.
Legacy & Impact
Rodney Atkins has cemented his place in country music with multiple chart-topping hits, platinum albums, and industry accolades. With a career spanning over two decades, his songs continue to resonate with audiences who appreciate authentic, heartfelt country music.
Rodney Allan Atkins (born March 28, 1969) is an American country music singer and songwriter. Signed to Curb Records in 1996, he charted his first single on the Billboard country chart in 1997, but did not release an album until 2003’s Honesty, which included the hit single “Honesty (Write Me a List)”.
Hire Rodney Atkins for your special event!
Rodney Atkins has received six nominations from the Academy of Country Music and two from the Country Music Association, winning Top New Male Vocalist from the former in 2006.
Atkins toured in late 2007-early 2008 as an opening act on Brad Paisley‘s Bonfires & Amplifiers Tour.
In September 2013, Atkins released the single “Doin’ It Right”, which peaked at 53 on the Country Airplay chart. It was followed in October 2014 by “Eat Sleep, Love You, Repeat”, which was co-written by Walker Hayes and Ryan Bizarri.
His discography includes 5 studio albums and 20 singles.
How do I book Rodney Atkins? See below.
Hire Rodney Atkins for your party or event!
Learn booking fee and availability.
How much does it cost to book Rodney Atkins? See below.
Rodney Atkins may be available for your next special event!
What is the Rodney Atkins booking fee? See below.
Book Rodney Atkins, now!
For other great suggestions for booking music acts, look here.
Check Rodney Atkins tour dates:
Watch Rodney Atkins Videos:
Listen to Rodney Atkins:
- Hire Rodney Atkins. -