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After nearly a decade of writing and performing as an accomplished country music artist, Rhett Akins' lifetime of influences in roots country, rock and soul has never been more realized than in his new album, Friday Night In Dixie. The follow-up to three successful albums and a string of hits, with his new recordings, Akins feels the best is yet to come.
Friday Night In Dixie is a collection of songs representative of Akins' own musical tastes. This soulful project offers everything from the hard rockin' country of "Friday Night In Dixie" to the laid back stripped-down acoustics of his biggest single, "That Ain't My Truck." "This is the record that's most true to my roots and my influences," said Akins of the album he wrote and co-produced.
Akins' inspiration for the album was a session with country legend Charlie Daniels, in which they co-wrote "Friday Night In Dixie," and co-produced "Friday Night In Dixie" and "I Wonder What You're Doing Tonight."
Akins' relationship with Daniels also led him to the same record label. Recently signed to Audium Records (Dec., 2001), Akins felt like he was "coming home." "It's a natural fit for me. I've worked with so many people at Audium before, and I work with so many of their artists now...writing, producing and performing. They want their artists to do what they want to do...what's in their hearts. I produced Friday Night In Dixie for myself and for my fans, and Audium really understands that."
Growing up in Valdosta, Georgia, Akins' musical interests spanned all genres and included everything from George Jones and George Strait to the Rolling Stones and the Allman Brothers Band. Early in life, Akins learned to play the guitar, began writing songs, and dreamed of being a songwriter and performer. His family was close and supportive of his desire to move to Nashville to pursue his musical dreams.
Not long after Akins moved to town, he landed a publishing deal, which put him in contact with some of Nashville's finest writers. Soon, his songwriting skills were noticed and he was offered a recording deal with Decca Records. Akins' debut album, 1995's A Thousand Memories, launched his career and spawned the hit single, “That Ain't My Truck.” With the success of this album, Akins began touring with Reba McEntire. “There's no better person to learn the art of entertaining from than Reba,” said Akins. “I was fortunate enough to land as an opening act on one of her tours. I soaked it all in and learned a lot from her.” The album's success also garnered Akins an American Music Award nomination for "Best New Country Artist."
Akins next release, Somebody New, came in 1996. His growth as a writer and entertainer was evident as he peaked another chart-topping hit with “Don't Get Me Started.” Now, Akins was well engrossed in the country music scene, playing as many as 150-200 shows per year. He spent most of his time on the road mastering his ability to entertain a crowd. It was becoming more and more apparent that his live shows were his strong suit.
After completing some 200 performances in 1997, Akins made himself slow down enough to reflect on his career. He was preparing to go back into the studio to record his third album for Decca Records. This soul-searching process led him to bring on a new producer. Mark Wright had produced the first two albums, but Akins decided to make a switch to James Stroud, a veteran producer in the Nashville community who worked with Clint Black, Tim McGraw and Randy Travis, among others. “I really wanted people to know the heart and soul of Rhett Akins. I came to town to be the guy who sang the heartfelt songs, even though I love to have a good time and sing the fun and rockin' stuff too.” The result of the retrospective look was What Livin's All About, which contains “More Than Everything” and “Better Than It Used To Be.” Akins' achievements earned him an ACM Awards nomination for "Best New Male Artist."
In 1998, Akins began a relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America as their National Music Industry Spokesperson. The Boys Clubs were not unfamiliar to him. He'd spent many summers there playing ball as a kid, and was proud to give something back to the organization that gave so much to him.
When Decca closed its doors in late 1999, Akins concentrated on writing songs and working shows. In 2001, he toured with friends Jeff Carson and Daryle Singletary on the highly successful Honky-Tonk Tailgate Party Tour.
With the release of the first single, "Highway Sunrise," in February, 2002, and the album release of Friday Night in Dixie in March, 2002, Akins will rev up the Honky-Tonk Tailgate Party Tour with Singletary and Wade Hayes, and continue to write the music that is so close to his heart.
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