Seven years ago, Curb Recording Artist Tim McGraw claimed the feat of having four consecutive singles off the same album land the coveted number one position on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles Chart. This week, label-mate Rodney Atkins accomplishes the same feat with “Cleaning This Gun” off his current CD If You’re Going Through Hell.
Two of Rodney’s previous number one singles were also named most played songs of the year according to Billboard and Country Aircheck – “Watching You” in 2007 and “If You’re Going Through Hell” in 2006. “These are My People” was the third Number one. His latest single made a steady climb to the top, and with four in a row under his belt, Rodney is amongst a select few of country powerhouses.
“Rodney is one of those guys who puts out one great hit song after another that just relates to people. He’s a great song guy,” Brad Paisley recently told GAC’s Country Music Across America.
It’s clear Rodney’s songs truly resonate with country radio listeners. Fans, critics, even first-time listeners can appreciate the message. But it’s Rodney’s demeanor and attitude that take an everyday tale and turn it into the voice of a new country generation whether it’s the fist-pumping anthems of “If You’re Going Through Hell” or “These Are My People” that motivates a listener or the story of a father trying to teach and protect in “Watching You” and “Cleaning This Gun.”
“Quite simply, Rodney Atkins’ songs touch people,” says Carson James, Sr. VP Promotion Curb and Curb/Asylum.
Bob Romeo, Executive Director of the Academy of Country Music Awards, had this to say: “From my perspective, it’s great to see an artist win an award as he did with last year’s New Male Vocalist and back it up with number one records and then back it up more with a powerful live show. I recently saw his show and I gotta tell you he did a great job. I walked away impressed. He’s also a nice guy.
“I just can’t believe it and am so humbled that radio and the fans have given me this shot,” says Atkins. “I just want to keep working hard to make music and record songs that are worthy of this. In my wildest dreams, I never could have hoped for four number one records in a row.”
In 2007, Atkins won ACM Male Vocalist of the Year, celebrated a platinum album, three #1 singles and performed for thousands of fans including the President of the United States at the White House. Rodney is back this year on Brad Paisley’s Bonfires & Amplifiers Tour. Atkins continues his role as the 2008 National Spokesman for the National Council for Adoption.