Country Music Icon Talks About His Longevity While Celebrating 30th Anniversary Tour In 2026

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

June 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of country music's Trace Adkins debut album 'Dreamin' Out Loud'. The platinum release brought Adkins four Top 20 singles with 'Every Light in the House', '(This Ain't) No Thinkin' Thing' and 'I Left Something Turned On at Home', peaking at No. 3, No. 1, and No. 2 respectively. 

Over his three decade career Adkins has released 13 studio albums, charted 20 singles on the country music charts, adding 'Ladies Love Country Boys', and 'You're Gonna Miss This' to his list of number one hits. To date his 2005 multi-platinum release 'Songs About Me' including the fan favorite 'Honky Tonk Badonkadonk' remains his biggest seller overall.

While he hit pay dirt right away with your debut album 'Dreamin' Out Loud', he never imagined his appeal would last as long as it has. "I don't think any artist thinks they will have a career that spans three decades! I am fortunate that my fans and promoters have stuck by me and allow me to still do this."

A multi-talented performer Adkins has done TV, film, and music. He enjoys all equally well. "Each is different in many ways but the same in this way. Whether you are recording new music, on a TV soundstage or a movie set you are surrounded by incredibly talented and accomplished professionals." He adds, The top of their craft. It propels you to be better."

Adkins has over a dozen movies to his credit including appearing in the two "I Can Only Imagine' films profiling the Christian band Mercy Me, as well as twice as many appearances on the small screen. “There is something very stimulating about a television or movie set. Whenever the opportunity comes along I usually jump at the chance to take part.”

It's been five years since the release of 'The Way I Wanna Go' celebrating Adkins 25th year in the business. "Well, it was during the covid years so we had a lot of time on our hands. Somebody convinced me that it was a good idea to record 25 new songs which is two albums worth of material.' 

The album brought a wealth of diversified talent his way. "It was cool to record songs with Snoop, Melissa, Keb, Pitbull, Luke and even got a harp solo by the great Stevie Wonder. Hopefully, I didn't leave anyone out"

Fans of Adkins will be happy to know his recording dry spell is over. "Currently recording a new album for my 30th anniversary on MCA/Virgin. The first single, 'AMERICAN MADE', released on June 26 and I will perform it on July 3rd at the Capitol 4th celebration in DC."

While he may have been labeled an outlaw country artist during his early days, Adkins admits his music today reflects more of a man who has found himself. “You look at things differently when you’re in your 60’s than you do in your 30’s.”

Known for his patriotism, Adkins has a soft heart when it comes to our country's military. "My management was contacted by Wounded Warrior Project and I have been working with them for nearly 20 years. One of the most worthwhile and honorable endeavors of my career."

Blessed to be doing what he's been called to do for a living, he feels it's important to give back. "I don't want to speak for the other artists but I am forever grateful for these United States." Adkins senses that pride comes from being born and raised in America. "Many people struggle mightily to reach these shores and I was one of the fortunate to have been born and raised here."

His arsenal of memorable songs includes 'I'm Tryin', 'Chrome', 'Hot Mama', and 'Rough & Ready', as well as 'Hillbilly Bone', a 2010 chart-topping collaboration with Blake Shelton. Known for his baritone voice and pony tail, it's been a huge career for a mult-faceted entertainer who stands 6'6" tall. Those songs and more are all a part of his non-stop hit parade during the 30th anniversary tour.

I caught his show recently at the Alabama Theater (June 21st) in Myrtle Beach. In an auditorium that holds 2000 seats I may have seen a dozen empty, proving 30 years down the road his brand of country rock mixed with Texas roadhouse blues still appeals to his fan base.

"I love South Carolina and a large helping of shrimp and grits. I have played Myrtle Beach a time or two and always enjoy a tour stop there. And to perform in a theater that its namesake (Alabama) shaped music for decades is quite an honor."

Since it was Father's Day when he performed in Myrtle Beach he gave a nice shout out to dads young and old, adding he had only heard from two of his five daughters by 8pm, jokingly admitting he only liked two of them anyway, and none of their mommas.

He drew thunderous applause when he offered up back to back tributes to our armed forces, thanking a woman in the crowd who gave him a commemorative coin a deceased family member received fighting in middle east. He humbly accepted the coin but added he'd be more than willing to return it if she didn't want to part with it.

Adkins' 30 Anniversary Tour is by all accounts a greatest hits tour with a few rare gems thrown in, including a very soulful rendition of the 1980's song, 'At This Moment'. The crowd went wild over his version by one hit wonder Billy Vera & the Beaters.

Clearly, Adkins knows his fans and judging by the reaction from the audience, they love this good old country boy who's not afraid to say he's a patriot, supports our military and first responders, and is proud to be an American. His anniversary tour carries Adkins well into November of this year. For see where he's playing close to you visit https://traceadkins.com/pages/tour

Side bar: If you're in Myrtle Beach, the Alabama Theater is easily one of he greatest American all purpose entertainment treasures. Opened in 1993 by the multi-platinum country music super group, the Alabama Theater is an patriotic venue that appeal to all ages. They regularly hosts big name entertainers from all genres, including top name comedians and the very best tribute artists.

Alabama Theater is family friendly and situated at the heart of Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. Their regular ICONIC show is a must see. Its offers a blend of country, classic rock, pop, and Broadway tunes, as well as a hint of comedy. For more on the Alabama Theater visit https://www.alabama-theatre.com/myrtle-beach-shows/schedule