TTU alum Rodney Atkins holds nation's #1 country single

The following press release from Shock Ink features news about TTU alumnus Rodney Atkins:

THREE WEEKS OF "HELL" FOR RODNEY ATKINS
Multi-week No. 1 Smash Propels Singer To Forefront Of Country

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Curb recording artist Rodney Atkins is celebrating the third consecutive week at No. 1 for his single "If You're Going Through Hell." The song's popularity contributed to the No. 1 debut of Atkins' new album of the same name, which remains one of the best-selling country albums in the nation.

Atkins' sophomore album has sold more than 100,000 copies since its release three weeks ago, powered by the massive amount of airplay the single is receiving. A review in the Miami Herald called Atkins "a gifted storyteller, capturing small town life, parenting and relationships with a keen eye and wit," while USA Today said "Country singer Rodney Atkins displays palpable authenticity on his new hit album."  And the New York Times raves the single in an album review calling it "a motivational anthem …There’s a driving beat, and even the banjo line sounds somehow uplifting. Here’s hoping he doesn’t get sick of this song anytime soon: he’ll be singing it for the rest of his career."

On the road, Atkins is drawing ever larger crowds who are cheering on the East Tennessee native and his new chart-topping song. His touring schedule is already packed through October, with a full list of dates available at www.rodneyatkins.com. His last album, Honesty, fielded a top 5 smash in the title track.

--Karen Lykins
This information posted 18 August 2006