Multi-Platinum country icon Trace Adkins has accomplished a lot in the 25 years since he first began his music career. He has sold over 11 million albums, charted more than 20 singles, earned multiple awards and Grammy nominations, and has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for nearly two decades. From powerful ballads to clever country party anthems, Adkins’ timeless sound has spawned countless hits. And with the release of his critically acclaimed 13th studio album, The Way I Wanna Go late last year, he proves his talent only continues to grow throughout the years.
Adkins’ signature baritone sound and charismatic stage presence have expanded his country career into acting in both movies and TV. His most recent role is on Fox’s hit drama series, Monarch, which premiered this fall as the number one scripted debut of 2022. The hit show follows the cut-throat lives and legacy of the first family of country music, with Adkins playing the reigning king of country, Albie Roman, alongside his queen of country wife, Dottie Roman, played by Susan Sarandon. Reflecting on milestones throughout his larger-than-life career, Adkins chatted with us about the show, his music, and what it all means to him.
Nashville Lifestyles: Going into Monarch, could you ever have predicted it would be as successful as it has been?
Trace Adkins: I didn’t have any idea of what it was going to be. I just knew that it was something I thought would be fun to do, and it looked like a part—on paper anyways—that I might be able to pull off. That’s the way I make a lot of decisions in my career these days; I just ask the question: ‘Would that be something fun to do?’ If the answer is yes, I’ll probably do it. The people that I get to work with are accomplished, professional actors and it’s daunting, but at the same time it’s just so much fun to work with these folks. Everybody has been really kind and patient with me. I’m enjoying every day of it.
NL: What do you think fans are enjoying most about Monarch?
TA: Hopefully the music because music is the star of the show. Really, it all revolves around the music, and everything is anchored by the music. It has given me an opportunity to [record] some songs that I never would have touched. I never would have gone to the studio and recorded “A Country Boy Can Survive” or some other classic country songs in the show. That’s sacred ground; I never would have touched them, but as Albie Roman I can do them.
NL: This year marks the 25th anniversary of your debut album, Dreamin’ Out Loud. At the beginning of your career, did you ever imagine you would have collaborations with some of the artists on your newest album like Snoop Dogg, Blake Shelton, and Melissa Etheridge?
TA: Everything that has happened in my career I never would have, as a realist, allowed myself to dream that big. I’ve already accomplished more and done more than I ever thought I would. I couldn’t believe when we did this album that we just kept calling people and they just kept saying yes. Snoop, well, Snoop owed me one; I was on one of his records years ago. And you know I had to let Blake be on it, or he would have had his feelings hurt (Adkins laughs with his signature good-natured humor). With [The Way I Wanna Go] I had the opportunity to go in the studio and do these vocals with a rested voice. I’ve never had that chance before. I’ve always been touring and then I would come in with just a couple days of vocal rest and do vocals, but we did this album during the pandemic, so I wasn’t touring. I think my vocals on this album are the best that I’ve ever done. It’s strange that it took 25 years for that to happen, but it was really a lot of fun to go in there and be in the best voice that I could be.
NL: Of everything you’ve accomplished in your career, what has been the most meaningful moment so far?
TA: When they made me a member of the Grand Ole Opry, that’s at the top of the list. Nothing can touch being bestowed the honor of being a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It’s just the fellowship. You go backstage and it’s so unique; there’s nothing else like it. You have that horseshoe shaped row of dressing rooms, everybody’s door is open, everybody’s hanging out visiting with one another, and that’s been my favorite thing about the Opry over the years. I think it always will be my favorite thing.