It is a big night as Trace Adkins will be celebrating his 15th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
The Grand Ole Opry stage holds many fond memories for Trace Adkins, beginning with his 1996 debut performance. In 2003, the 6'6" singer was invited to join the Opry by 4'11" veteran Little Jimmy Dickens, who stood on a stepladder to ask him fact to face. Later that same year, one of Adkins' heroes, fellow Opry member Ronnie Milsap, welcomed him into the family.
Country music fans first embraced Trace's rich, resonant baritone nearly two decades ago. His lengthy list of hits includes "(This Ain't) No Thinkin' Thing," "Every Light in the House Is On," "Then They Do," "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk," "You're Gonna Miss This" and "Just Fishin'".
Trace grew up in Sarepta, La. and developed an interest in music when his father taught him to play guitar. During his school, he joined a gospel group called the New Commitments. He spent time working on an oil rig before moving to Nashville to pursue a career in country music. After a record executive saw Adkins playing at a small club just outside of Nashville, he was soon signed to his first record deal.
Trace, who has worked as a spokesperson for the Wounded Warrior Program, is well known for his staunch support of the U.S. military. He has performed for troops in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In 2007, he was honored with the USO Merit Award in recognition of his dedication to assisting others through charitable works. In 2007, Random House published his autobiography, "A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Freethinking Roughneck."
In 2008, Trace expanded his fan base beyond the country audience when he finished second on Celebrity Apprentice. Because his daughter Brianna has severe food allergies, he used the time on the show to raise money and awareness for the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. Trace won All-Star Celebrity Apprentice in 2013, raising money for the American Red Cross. He's also acted in several films including An American Carol, The Lincoln Lawyer and The Virginian.
Joining Trace on Tuesday night for two shows will be Opry members Vince Gill and Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry.
1st show
7:00: Vince Gill; Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry; Dillon Carmichael
8:00: Exile; Dustin Lynch; Trace Adkins
2nd show
9:30: Vince Gill; Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry; Dillon Carmichael
10:30: Exile; Dustin Lynch; Trace Adkins
Congratulations to Trace, who is another of those members who joined in the past several decades that has honored his commitment to the Opry and who understands what being an Opry member is all about.
Trace (or as is known back home in Louisiana, as Tracy) is a great talent with his distinctive voice. He is from Sarepta, a small town in northwest Louisiana. For fourteen years I lived about eight miles from Sarepta.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that the show lists Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry instead of just Montgomery Gentry, especially since Eddie has kept the Montgomery Gentry name (and I believe the rest of the band) when touring. Maybe the distinction is that the band isn't appearing and only him.
ReplyDeleteDustin Lynch was invited tonight by Trace Adkins to become the Opry’s newest member. September 18 will be the induction date.
ReplyDeleteJust heard. Not my first choice but not surprised either. Seems the direction the Opry is intent on going.
DeleteI just cannot get into modern acts like Lynch. My kids play modern country radio and all the artists and songs sound alike to me. I don’t consider myself old (I’ll be 38 Saturday), but I miss real country music. I realize the Opry must go forward, but with artists such as Chris Young and Chris Janson recently being inducted, I was hoping for a Rhonda Vincent or maybe a 80’s or 90’s artist such as Tracy Lawrence or Mark Wills to be the next inductee. Shoot, even Restless Heart or Exile. Then there are artists such as Amber Digby, Mandy Barnett and The Quebe Sisters, who lack the commercial hits, but would bring so much traditionalism to the Opry stage. Maybe next time.
DeleteSeriously - what difference does it make anymore? Another manufacturerd cookie cutter hit maker who couldn’t tell Roy Acuff from his ass who’ll put his Opry membership on the shelf like an award, say how it’s the most important thing in his career and rarely if ever play the Opry. Meanwhile Mark Wills, Mandy Barnett, Rhonda Vincent, the Grascals, Gene Watson and so many others can make hundreds of appearances and still be “guests”. Give me a break. Opry membership is a joke.
ReplyDeleteAgree with everything said by Anonymous, Gary, David B. Dustin who????
ReplyDeleteI just don't get it - lost interest at the 90th Anniversary and have no desire to go back. We don't even bother listening anymore. Our focus is finding those performers we like and going to their "full" concerts if they are anywhere near us. Sad commentary. Anonymous in PA.
Oh joy. Dustin Lynch!
ReplyDeleteThe good news is that he likely will almost never appear on the 'Opry.
That was too harsh. Sorry
DeleteDustin Lynch??? Never heard of him....
ReplyDelete