Headline
Rodney Atkins & Charlie Daniels Pair Up for GAC’s ‘Into the Circle’
Artists discuss how to “break the mold”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (October 14, 2008)— On Oct. 18 (10 pm ET), Great American Country (GAC) will premiere the fourth episode of Into the Circle, with Rodney Atkins and Charlie Daniels, a pair who believes staying true to oneself creates more success in a career than conformity ever does. As Daniels discusses what it means to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry, he recalls memories of never giving up through years of fighting industry constraints, and encourages Atkins to continue to follow down his own unique path of self-expression.
In the presence of one of country’s most legendary artists, Atkins is honored to meet his childhood hero.
“I remember being maybe six years old and hearing Charlie Daniels on the radio and asking my parents, ‘Who is that?’ and they said, ‘That’s Charlie Daniels,’ and I said, ‘Well, what do you gotta do to be him?’ Having the opportunity to sit and talk [with him] about everything is like I rubbed a Genie lamp somewhere,” he said.
Now, the rising star is not only admiring Daniels’ music, but taking to heart the heroic stories of determination he has to tell of overcoming adversity. Atkins recalls being asked to change his musical direction during the ten years from the time he signed a record deal, to the release of his first successful single, “If You’re Goin’ Through Hell.” Industry executives suggested he change his name and alter his style to fit the trend. However, he stuck by the unwavering belief that with authenticity, he would thrive. “My music is me. I can’t pull off anything but me. Some people can go in and out of character, but I can’t do that very well. I’m not an actor, I’m a singer.”
Daniels reassures Atkins’ beliefs about genuine self-expression by sharing one of his own career hurdles. “I never fit the mainstream of Nashville’s music. People were always saying that I played too loud, that I was too bluesy, too this and too that. At night when I came home from the club, I could see Nashville, I rode up on that hill and sat in my car and shook my fist at the city and said, ‘You will not beat me. You will not.’”
Taking Daniels advice in with vigor, Atkins lives with the anticipation of becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry next to his mentor. “I remember growing up as a kid and hearing that the Opry was the ‘Mother Church of Country Music.’ I never quite understood it until I got to play it the first time in 2002. There’s a spirit in that place, that as a country music artist, when you go out on the road, you carry with you.”
Daniels tells Atkins, with that sense of appreciation he’s off to a good start. “If you don’t get a feeling in here, [points to heart], the first time you play the Opry stage, you ain’t got no business being in country music. You oughta go do something else.”
Atkins is assured building a career in country music is a part of the life he’s meant to live. “Country music changed my life’s direction,” he said. “I just always hoped I could do something I loved that would touch folk’s lives. The first thing on my mind was not having platinum albums or number ones, it was to play the Opry—that was the priority. It’s one of the most respectable things about country music for them to invite you to walk on that stage.”
In hopes of someday walking across that stage with an induction award in his hand, Atkins plans to stay true to himself throughout his career. Meanwhile, he will implement the values the Opry so greatly endorses by spending time with his family on his down time. Viewers will get a peek into the personal life of Atkins as he takes his youngest son, Elijah, on an afternoon fishing excursion, something he recalls doing with his own dad.
Also in the premiere, viewers will see performances of Atkins’ chart-topping hits, “Cleanin’ This Gun,” “These Are My People” and “If You’re Goin’ Through Hell” at aVenue, a Nashville music venue. Visit the Opry Live YouTube channel to see a bonus performance of Rodney's "Watching You" from this weekend's episode!
For more information on GAC's Into the Circle, visit gactv.com.
About Great American Country
Great American Country is the leader in country music entertainment. GAC delivers to viewers the widest variety of country music, its artists and the lifestyles they influence. GAC broadcasts original country music programming, country music performance specials, live concerts, music videos, and is the exclusive television home of the Grand Ole Opry. GAC is available in more than 54 million households and online at GACTV.com.
Related Links