TRACE ADKINS In country, respect may mean success

For Trace Adkins, country music tradition lies in the lyrics.
By DEBORA SHAULIS
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
The Grand Ole Opry's newest member is coming to a concert stage near you.
Tall, deep-throated, guitar-playing Trace Adkins will perform Saturday at B & amp;B Backstage in Boardman -- exactly one week before his formal induction in the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Adkins has performed many times on the Opry stage as a guest. Officials considered that, as well as his awards, record sales, hit songs and what Adkins calls "a respect and a reverence for the music," before inviting him to join.
The 78-year-old Opry built its reputation by bringing the top country music stars to a nationwide radio listening audience. Membership is a big deal, especially to Adkins.
"For me there's a certain feeling of validation, kind of being accepted into the fold," Adkins, 41, said in a telephone interview.
"It's such an honor. ... It's the history of this genre represented right there in that institution. I'm humbled and honored."
Nontraditional
What he's not is traditional, like early Opry star Roy Acuff. "I was quick to point out, don't expect me to carry the torch for traditional country," Adkins said. "I love it, but that's not what I'm all about. I get a little rowdy with you now and then ... do things that don't fit in that box."
Adkins cited his song "Chrome" as an example. That was the title song from his 2001 CD, which spent more than 70 weeks on Billboard magazine's country albums chart. The lyrics of the single were about speed -- as in cars, trucks and motorcycles. In other words, it's not your stereotypical country song about broken hearts, empty whiskey bottles and missing pets.
Since "Chrome" was still a hit at the time he was invited to join the Opry, Adkins is confident that Opry officials respect his approach to music, he added.
His latest hit is "Then They Do," a serious song about parent-child relationships. (He has four daughters.) A greatest-hits collection was released in July.
Lyrical content
For Adkins, it's the words that make not only the song, but music history. "Country music always has been lyric driven. It's not driven by drum loops and grooves and that kind of thing. It's about lyrical content. That's what tradition is -- having songs that say something."
Asked who among his peers is lyrically strong, Adkins cited Toby Keith and Brad Paisley. "Toby's one of my favorites right now," he noted.
Adkins doesn't expect the content of his post-induction performance at the Opry to be much different than the show he'll perform in Boardman. The Opry night "ought to be fun but I'm afraid it's going to be nervewrecking," he said.
At B & amp;B, Adkins also expects to perform a few songs from his next album, which should be released in the fall, he added.
Off the road, Adkins is happy to spend time on his 60-acre farm in Tennessee. He bought it about three years ago. He calls farm work "therapeutic," saying "I just can't allow people to do my work for me. I have to get my hands dirty and sweat and stink."
Before he makes a move, however, he flips on the TV. "I'm a huge fan of The Weather Channel," Adkins said. "I pour a cup of coffee and light a Marlboro ... and decide whether I'm going out."
shaulis@vindy.com