Introduction
Country Star Trace Adkins Talks Veterans, Music, and Meaning Behind His Most Personal Album Yet
With a deep baritone that’s become a signature in country music, Trace Adkins has sold over 10 million albums worldwide. But beyond his music, he’s earned widespread respect for his unwavering commitment to honoring America’s veterans. Most recently, Adkins is lending his voice—and muscle—to a powerful initiative: the Guitar Legends for Heroes benefit concert, part of the America Salutes You series supporting veteran-focused charities.
During a recent interview, Adkins opened up about why giving back to those who serve is such a personal mission. “I started working with the USO over 15 years ago,” he said. “It was just the most rewarding thing I’d ever done. It made sense to keep going.” His work has since extended to organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project, and he continues to spend time with veterans whenever he can. “If you have a chance to be around real heroes, you take it. It changes you.”
Adkins’s latest album, Something’s Going On, reflects his own personal evolution. One standout track, Still a Soldier, touches on the lasting identity of those who’ve served—particularly those grappling with post-service struggles like PTSD. “Even if they’re retired, at their core, they’re still soldiers,” he explained. “Their biggest goal is always to get back to their brothers and sisters in uniform.”
Another emotional track, Watered Down, is among Adkins’s most candid to date. The song speaks to aging, recovery, and the passage of time. With lyrics like “these old ghosts still chase me,” it hints at battles with alcohol and the hard-won wisdom that comes with experience. “It’s where I’m at in life,” he shared. “You reach a point where things calm down a bit—you mellow out. Maybe you’re a little broken, but you keep going.”
Adkins has never shied away from showing his scars—whether emotional or physical. From surviving a gunshot wound in the ’90s to undergoing a recent knee replacement, he’s lived a life full of stories, many of which now find their way into his music.
Known for his authenticity, Adkins is also refreshingly direct about the role of celebrities today. “I don’t love it when people use awards stages to push political agendas,” he said. “That’s not the time or place. Thank your fans, thank your team, and move on. There’s a proper venue for those conversations.”
As for the Guitar Legends for Heroes concert, Adkins promises a night of unforgettable performances with legendary musicians like Billy Gibbons, Richie Sambora, Dave Navarro, and more. “Some of the best guitar players in the world are showing up for a great cause,” he said.
For Adkins, the concert is more than entertainment—it’s a salute. “These men and women have given us everything,” he said. “The least we can do is give something back.”