NEWS

Billy Blue Publishing Signs Dave Adkins  

Nashville, Tennessee (February 9, 2024) -- Billy Blue Publishing, a division of Daywind Music Group, is excited to announce the signing of bluegrass singer, guitarist, and songwriter Dave Adkins, to an exclusive publishing agreement. 

Joe Dan Cornett, Creative Director for BBP says, “I am very much so looking forward to working with Dave! His incredible songwriting and vocal skills, along with his infectiously fantastic personality will be a great addition to the Billy Blue Publishing family! I’m excited to see what the future holds for us!”

“I am so tickled and proud to become a member of the Billy Blue Publishing,”Adkins comments. “They are amazing people with incredible work ethic and a real family feel throughout the entire company. Can’t wait to get to work with Joe Dan Cornett and the entire team. I’m very thankful for this opportunity.

Dave’s newest project, What I’m For, was released January 25 on Billy Blue Records, and includes the hit single and title track, “What I’m For.”

Billy Blue Publishing has gained significant acclaim for its exceptional repertoire, with five #1 songs to its credit in its short existence. Notable hits include Alan Bibey & Grasstowne's "Hitchhiking to California" and Donna Ulisse's "When I Go All Bluegrass on You." Since its inception in 2019, Billy Blue Publishing has fostered a creative environment for exceptional songwriters, including Laura Leigh Jones, Bill Whyte, David Morris, Donna Ulisse, Alan Bibey, Jason Barie, Kristy Cox, Jerry Cole, John Meador, Mike Richards, Jim VanCleve, Barry Abernathy, Carson Peters, Darrell Webb, and now Rick Lang.

Bluegrass Vocal Phenom Dave Adkins Unveils Highly Anticipated Album WHAT I’M FOR 

NASHVILLE, TN – January 26, 2024 – With a career beginning on Atlantic Records and highlighted by a recent GRAMMY® nomination and musicality centered around stirring vocal performances, renowned bluegrass artist Dave Adkins adds to the canon of bluegrass with his highly-anticipated Billy Blue Records debut, What I’m For, on January 26th. 

The album is a serious, yet joyful reflection on life following Adkins’ recent successful bout with cancer. His renewed hope, purpose, and resilience shine through the authenticity and musical integrity of the album. The album features a collection of tracks that embody Adkins’ artistic evolution, a perfect blend of traditional bluegrass elements fused with contemporary influences. From heartfelt ballads to foot-stomping bluegrass anthems, the tracks are woven masterfully together to showcase Adkins’ unparalleled vocal and musical craftsmanship. 

His rendition of the classic Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” is an incredible heart-racing interpretation of this classic. Infused with Adkins’ unique vocal style and his bluegrass roots, the song takes on a new dimension and “...makes for a natural grassification with its irrepressible beat,” as stated by music writer John Lawless. The track perfectly captures the essence of the original while adding a distinct Adkins flare that is unmistakably his own.

On the title track, “What I’m For,” Adkins celebrates love, freedom, and the simple pleasures that make life worthwhile. With its catchy melody and authentic lyrics, Adkins performance encourages listeners to embrace positivity in every circumstance by focusing on what they are for rather than what they are against.

The album features a who’s who list of prominent country, Gospel, and bluegrass songwriters including Allen Shamblin, Marc Beeson, John Fogerty, Jerry Salley, Brent Baxter, Frank Myers, Tammy Rogers-King, Tim Raybon, Gary Baker, Bart Millard, Greg Crowe, Lee Black, and more.

In excitement of the album release, Dave Adkins states, “I’m beyond excited about my new release on Billy Blue Records! I love Ed Leonard and the Billy Blue family and what they have brought into my life. They were wonderful. I owe Jerry Salley a lot of gratitude for being an amazing producer and what a great job he did on this record. I am also thankful for the musicians and songwriters for their contributions to my favorite record so far. I can’t wait for you all to hear it.”

Jerry Salley, producer and A&R/creative director of Billy Blue Records, stated, “Working with Dave in the studio was one of the greatest experiences in my producing career! His voice is as big as his heart, and I love the way he pours sincere emotion into every note he sings. But he is not only a great singer. He is an artist. And a great song guy.  He knows how to pick songs that will move listeners, and that is a quality that separates great singers from great artists!”

Adkins is set to debut tracks from his new release on January 26th at the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) annual confab in Nashville, TN. 

 

Album credits:

Executive Producer: Dottie Leonard Miller

Producer: Jerry Salley

Harmony vocals: Jerry Salley, Magnolia Williams, Zack Vickers, Ari Silver

Banjo: Aaron McDaris

Resonator Guitar and Mandolin: Justin Moses

Bass: Jeff Partin

Fiddle and Guitar: Jason Roller

ABOUT DAVE ADKINS

There is no mistaking the raw and powerful vocals by singer, songwriter, and guitarist Dave Adkins. His significant chart success and his stellar live performances have made him one of the most talked-about male vocalists in acoustic music. In 2010, he formed the group, Dave Adkins & Republik Steele. Adkins' soulful vocals earned him a 2013 SPBGMA nomination as Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year followed by multiple top charting songs. In 2014, Adkins released his first solo album Nothing To Lose. The album had numerous #1 song on bluegrass music charts, including Bluegrass Today and the Roots Music Report. Adkins is featured twice on the Grammy® nominated Gonna Sing Gonna Shout album and was recently nominated for SPBGMA Male Vocalist of the Year award in 2022.

ABOUT BILLY BLUE RECORDS

Billy Blue Records is a boutique bluegrass label, home to an award-winning roster of artists, including Adam McIntosh, Alan Bibey and Grasstowne, Appalachian Road Show, Barry Abernathy, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Donna Ulisse, Jason Barie, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Kristy Cox, Marty Raybon, Tennessee Bluegrass Band, Country Faith Bluegrass, and the Grammy-nominated recording Gonna Sing Gonna Shout. Founded in 2018 by Jerry Salley, Ed Leonard, and Dottie Leonard Miller, Billy Blue is distributed to retail by the Orchard (Sony) and New Day Distribution.

For radio service, contact Tiffany Noecker. For more information, contact Jerry Salley or Jules Wortman.

For Booking & Media, contact Penni McDaniel, Hope River Entertainment, penni@hoperiverentertainment.com.

Dave Adkins Releases Inspiring New single, "What I'm For" 

NASHVILLE, TN – January 5, 2024 – Dave Adkins unveils his latest single, "What I'm For," following the success of his first Billy Blue Records release—a fiery bluegrass remake of John Fogerty’s 1970s hit, “Bad Moon Rising.”

"'What I’m For' is a song I wish I had written. It says so much about how I feel, and I know a lot of other folks who share the same sentiments. It’s dear to my heart, and I hope everyone loves it like I do!” shares Dave Adkins.

Co-penned by music industry veteran Marc Beeson and Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member Allen Shamblin (“He Walked On Water,” “The House That Built Me,” “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” “Life’s A Dance,” among others), "What I'm For" caught the attention of Billy Blue Records’ A&R/Creative Director Jerry Salley during a luncheon at the iconic Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee.

“Marc Besson, an old friend of mine, was performing at a luncheon I was attending, and he sang a song that day that blew me away! 'What I’m For' is a perfectly written song about things we all care about and feelings we all share," remarks Salley.
 
Chorus:
I’m for dusty pawn shop guitars
And boxers past their prime
I’m for soaking up the wisdom
When an old man speaks his mind
I’m for laid-off factory workers
When the wolf is at the door
No, you don’t have to guess what I’m against
If you know what I’m for

“Before Marc had even finished the song, I was sitting there thinking what a great song it would be for Dave Adkins," continues Salley. "Dave absolutely loved it, we recorded it, and it is the title cut of his debut Billy Blue Records album. His big, soulful voice delivers a strong lyric about a list of things that every single one of us can agree on!”

The upcoming Adkins album is also produced by Jerry Salley, and is set to be released January 26th of this year.

Dave Adkins Signs with Billy Blue Records 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 2, 2023) –  DAVE ADKINS has signed to Billy Blue Records and Billy Blue Publishing. Widely recognized as one of bluegrass and Gospel music’s top singers and songwriters, Adkins joins a fantastic roster of accomplished artists and songwriters currently recording and writing for the vibrant label and publishing house.
 
The addition comes during a season filled with hope and purpose for Adkins after his recent successful bout with cancer. Billy Blue Records will release Adkins’ debut single to bluegrass radio on August 11th, with an album release to follow in early 2024.
 
Adkins best described the news, “Signing to Billy Blue Records and getting to work with these wonderful folks is a dream come true. No one can out work the individuals at Billy Blue. Jerry Salley can and will get any job done. I’m so excited! This has been a ‘pinch me’ kind of moment in my career. I just want to make great music. One of these days when I leave this earth, I hope people look back and say I did pretty good when I was here. I look forward to working with Billy Blue to help me do that.”
 
Adkins added, “I cannot wait for others to hear what we have been working on. I’m like a little kid, giddy about what’s to come. The good Lord felt it fit to keep me here, and I take nothing for granted since my diagnosis. I’m determined to lay everything I have out there to be the best person, musician, singer, and songwriter I can be.”
Jerry Salley, director of A&R for Billy Blue Records, commented, “I have been friends with Dave Adkins for many years now. I know his powerful voice and have worked with him in the recording studio. I’ve experienced his live performances and witnessed the crowd reaction to his shows. He’s the real deal, and I’ve been hoping that when the time was right, we could work together on a full album project together for Billy Blue. Dave’s talent and personality fit our family of artists perfectly, and our entire team is excited about working with him and representing his dynamic brand of bluegrass music.”

Say Jesus, A New Southern Gospel Album by Dave Adkins 

STREAM/PURCHASE HERE

May 2023 - Morning Glory Music proudly presents the new Southern Gospel album, Say, Jesus, by Grammy-nominated artist Dave Adkins. During his musical journey, Adkins has achieved success in both country and bluegrass music due to his trademark vocals and powerful delivery. Now thanks to continued fan requests, Adkins debuts this new Southern Gospel album that will undoubtedly touch your heart. 

This powerful and incredibly moving 11-track album includes original songs and Southern Gospel's most beloved songwriters like Gerald Crabb, who wrote/co-wrote four tunes, including "You Wouldn't Know Me Now." Adkins said, "Gerald and I spent a lot of time on the phone when I was getting this album together. In my younger days, I was too wild and too high, so this song hit home with me. My life completely changed after I met and married Katrina and she is the best thing that ever happened to me. This song means so much to me, and if you listen closely, you may hear me break down near the end. I hope the song touches people like it has touched me."

Rick Lang and Thomm Jutz wrote, "The Lord Will Provide." Lang said, "I was honored to have a song I wrote with Thomm on Dave's new Southern Gospel release. I have been a big fan of his singing as far as I can remember. Dave was a featured guest artist on two tracks from my last Gospel release, Gonna Sing, Gonna Shout.' Both were standouts!" That album received a 2020 Grammy Nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album.

"When we finished writing 'Not Even Dying,' we both knew it was a gospel song with a powerful message. It has found the perfect home with Dave Adkins. He brings the message to life, and we hope it touches a lot of people! We look forward to everyone hearing Dave's recording of 'Not Even Dying," said Mark "Brink" Brinkman and Paula Breedlove. 

Say Jesus tracks and writers include:

01        Matthew, Mark, Luke & John – Phillip David Ruff

02        Love on Jesus – Corey Lee Barker, Ava Paige, Tery W Wilkins 

03        The Devil Ran – Gerald Crabb

04        The Way That I Am – Gerald Crabb, Laura Leigh Jones, Ronnie Bowman 

05        Wings On Me – Gerald Crabb 

06        The Broken Ones  Carl Jackson, JB Rudd, Jerry Salley

07        Not Even Dying – Paula Breedlove, Mark Brinkman

08        Jesus – Dave Adkins, Tim McDonald

09        The Lord Will Provide – Rick Lang, Thomm Jutz

10        You Wouldn’t Know Me Know – Gerald Crabb 

11        Chain Breaker (Feat. Moriah Hinton) –Jonathan Lindley Smith, Mia Leanne Cherie Fieldes, Zach Williams

Musicians on Say Jesus include Dave Adkins on lead vocals; Seth Taylor on guitar; Nick Falk on drums; Tim McDonald on keyboards and piano; George Mason on violin; and Aaron Ramsey on bass. Harmony vocals are provided by Mike Slusher, Moriah Hinton, Alan Vest, Mark Hodges. The choir is comprised of Missy Delgado, Kate Delgado, Rhonda Mingus, Erica Windham, Mike Slusher, Moriah Hinton, and Alan Vest. Say Jesus was produced by Mark Hodges and Dave Adkins and mixed and mastered by Aaron Ramsey at Mountain Fever Studios in Willis, Va.

 

New Album: We're All Crazy now released! 

Willis, Va. (Aug. 5, 2022) – Mountain Fever Records is proud to announce the new album, We’re All Crazy, by Grammy-nominated Dave Adkins, is now released. Adkins shines again on this new project delivering soulful and powerful lead vocals that earned him a 2022 nomination as the SPBGMA Male Vocalist of the Year. 

Adkins is joined on the album by Will Clark on mandolin & harmony vocals, Jeff Partin on bass, dobro, & harmony vocals, Jason Davis on banjo, and Aaron Ramsey on mandolin & harmony vocals. Ramsey also mixed and mastered the album. 

“I hope this new music has something for everybody. The songs are special to me, and I hope you find one special for you on this record. I sure appreciate the great musicians and writers and all the folks that help make my music possible,” said Adkins. 

The title track, “We’re All Crazy,” debuted on the Bluegrass Today Top 20 Song Chart at the end of April and has charted numerous times since then. The album features Adkins’ original, “Cold Hearted Woman,” and his previously released single – a cover of “Dixieland Delight” that Syntax Creative calls “a worthy alternative to one of the all-time bar-jam/college party anthems.” Other tracks include “Dear Departed,” the love song “Best I’ve Never Been In,” the haunting “Traveler,” the melodious “Blind Hawg,” and “Friday Night Jesus.” Rounding out the album is “Headed for the Hills” and “Bluegrass State of Mind.” 

Dave Adkins’ extraordinary vocal and songwriting talents are evident from his numerous albums on Mountain Fever Records, including Better Days, Right or Wrong, Nothin’ to Lose, and his self-titled album, Dave Adkins, that shot to #1 on Billboard’s Top Bluegrass Album Chart immediately upon its release. During his impressive career, Adkins has achieved a long list of awards and nominations in the bluegrass, country music, and gospel music industry, along with achievements for his songwriting talents. 

Dave Adkins’ extraordinary vocals can be heard on the 2020 Grammy-Nominated Best Americana Roots Gospel Album, Gonna Sing, Gonna Shout, which features songs written and co-written by the award-winning songwriter Rick Lang. Critics praised Adkins’ stellar vocals on the powerful song “Thinking Outside the Box,” where he is joined by the vocal talents of Tammy King and Jerry Salley, contributing to the album’s success. 

Dave Adkins Band has been busy touring across the country this year with upcoming dates on August 5 at CamFest in Flemingsburg, KY, August 6 at the Milan Bluegrass Festival in Milan, Michigan, Smokin’ Downtown BBQ Festival in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, August 25 at the Blistered Fingers Bluegrass Festival in Litchfield, Maine, and August 26 at Pickin’ in the Pasture in Lodi, New York. 

For a complete tour schedule, music videos, and more, please visit DaveAdkinsMusic.com.

New Single: "Cold Hearted Woman" 

Willis, Va. (July 26, 2022) – Mountain Fever Records has released another single, “Cold Hearted Woman” by Dave Adkins. The song was written by Adkins and appears on his new album, We’re All Crazy, set for release on August 5, 2022. 

Adkins overheard a man telling his friend that the sweetest lady he knew was a cold-hearted woman. “I couldn’t stop thinking about that conversation and him describing her as being so cold-hearted, so I wrote this song. I hope you enjoy it,” said Akins. 

“Cold-Hearted Woman” follows the single, “We’re All Crazy,” which appeared numerous times on the Bluegrass Today Top 20 Song Weekly Chart. Musicians on the track and the album include Dave Adkins on lead vocals, Will Clark on Mandolin & Harmony Vocals, Jeff Partin on Bass, Dobro, & Harmony Vocals, Jason Davis on Banjo, and Aaron Ramsey on Mandolin & Harmony Vocals.

Adkins, a 2022 SPBGMA Male Vocalist of the Year nominee, is currently on tour with his band. From their home base in eastern Kentucky, the Dave Adkins Band has already completed the west coast leg of their 2022 tour, along with performances at the popular PEI Old-Time Music Festival in Canada. Upcoming performances include July 30 at Musicians Against Childhood Cancer in Ohio, August 2 at Pickin’ in Parsons in West Virginia, Aug 4 at the Osborne Brothers Hometown Festival in Kentucky, August 5 at CamFest in Kentucky, and August 6 at the Milan Bluegrass Festival in Michigan.  

New Single "We're All Crazy 

Willis, Va. (April 22, 2022) – Mountain Fever Records is proud to announce a new bluegrass single, “We’re All Crazy,” written by Skip Black, Aaron Goodvin, and Catt Gravitt, performed by the award-winning singer-songwriter, Dave Adkins. 

“We're all crazy sums up how I feel about driving across the country to play an hour and a half of music, and by the time we get home, you realize you are just doing it to play! We're all crazy about something,” said Adkins. 

Adkins received a 2022 SPBGMA Nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year, a Top 10 Inspirational Country Music’s Bluegrass Artist of the Year (2018), and an International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) nomination as Emerging Artist of the Year (2015). He is also an award-winning songwriter achieving significant chart success with his many original songs. Adkin’s fans, or “friends” as he calls them, are also very receptive to his cover song renditions, such as his bluegrass version of "Dixieland Delight,” a massive hit for Alabama. That song and the new single, “We’re All Crazy!” will appear on Adkins’ forthcoming bluegrass album scheduled for release later this year. 

In addition, Morning Glory Music, part of the Mountain Fever Records label, released an original Christian song by Dave Adkins titled "Say Jesus" last year. The song will appear on his upcoming contemporary Christian album also releasing this year.

Dave Adkins Covers Dixieland Delight 

Mountain Fever Records is proud to announce the new single, "Dixieland Delight," by Dave Adkins. The song garnered Alabama a #1 hit back in the early 80s and is given new life with a fresh bluegrass twist thanks to Adkins' impressive lead vocals and energic style. 

"I loved 'Dixeland Delight' growing up. I used to say all the time that it was a bluegrass song, it just didn't know it yet! I tried to make it the way I heard it in my head and the guys playing on the record did just that. I hope folks like it," said Adkins. 

Dave Adkins is an award-winning songwriter but has also achieved significant chart success, Spotify streams, and sales with cover songs. The most recent include "I Can Only Imagine" and "Sold," which reached the #1 spot six times each on the Bluegrass Today charts. 

"Dixieland Delight" is the first single release from Dave Adkins' new bluegrass album, releasing soon on Mountain Fever Records. Additionally, Morning Glory Music, part of the Mountain Fever Records label, just released an original Christian song by Dave Adkins titled "Say Jesus" from an upcoming gospel album also releasing next year.

New Gospel Single, "Say Jesus"  

Morning Glory Music is proud to present the new single, “Say Jesus,” by award-winning singer-songwriter Dave Adkins. Tim McDonald and Dave Adkins wrote this modern southern gospel song destined to become a favorite song of praise. Adkins’ impressive career and chart success has proven he can cross many genres with his stunning vocals and powerful delivery. 

“I am so excited to have you hear the first single from my upcoming gospel album. My great friend Tim McDonald shared this song with me, and I was lucky enough to become a co-writer,” said Adkins. “It has been my dream to do a gospel record with all the bells and whistles, and this project means the world to me. A huge thank you to Mark Hodges and everybody who has worked so hard putting their hearts and souls into this album. I hope folks enjoy listening to it half as much as I enjoyed making it.” 

There is no mistaking Dave Adkins’ raw and powerful vocals. He appears on two tracks on the 2020 Grammy™ Nominated “Best Roots Gospel Album” Gonna Sing, Gonna Shout by Rick Lang, including the spectacular “Thinkin’ Outside the Box” song with Tammy King and Jerry Salley. 

Adkins’ tremendous chart success includes two #1 albums on Billboard’s Top 10 Bluegrass Album Chart. Additionally, his radio chart success is remarkable with original songs and co-writes like “Blood Feud” with Larry Cordle and “Turn and Burn” with David Morris and Dawn Kenney. Adkins has quite the knack for choosing cover songs, including his beautiful rendition of “I Can Only Imagine,” that is his most streamed song on Spotify. 

“Dave and I talked about doing another gospel record following the huge success of "Turn To Jesus," the acoustic Gospel record we made a few years back. Dave's friend Tim McDonald is a phenomenal piano and keyboard player, so we asked him to play on the record. On their way to the studio during that long drive, they co-wrote this song that turned out to be the first single from what will be an incredible album. Everyone who has heard samples says the same thing.... 'We could listen to this all day,' and that's what we've done, over and over,” said label chief, Mark Hodges. 

Adkins is joined on “Say Jesus” by a choir consisting of Rhonda Hodges, Missy Delgado, Kate Delgado, Michael Slusher, Alan Vest, Erica Windham, and label owner Mark Hodges. Musicians include Seth Taylor on guitar; Nick Falk on drums, Tim McDonald on keyboard and piano; George Mason on violin; and Aaron Ramsey on bass.” 

Adkins’ significant chart success, coupled with his energetic live performances, has kept him touring extensively this year. For more information on his music and upcoming tour dates, please visit DaveAdkinsMusic.com and follow on Spotify.