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Like many celebrities, Rodney Atkins is using his fame to promote a good cause. Atkins, the platinum-selling country musician, recently was named the 2007-2008 Celebrity Spokesperson of the Year for the National Council for Adoption. Atkins, who is adopted, also has played shows for U.S. troops overseas. In addition to his many goodwill activities, Atkins has managed to maintain presence in the mainstream country scene. His latest release, 2006's If You're Going Through Hell, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart and has since sold more than 1 million copies. He's also part of one of the year's biggest country tours, which includes Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift. That tour stops off at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on Friday, Nov. 2, and Atkins chatted with 210SA about his charitable activities, being a parent and how he most wants to be remembered.
 

This seems like a pretty diverse bill, considering Paisley has elements of comedy, you have some heartfelt songs and Taylor Swift is only 17.

Brad's an incredible guitar player, and what I do is try to kind of have the crowd involved in what I do. I'm kind of all over the place and very high-energy. Taylor brings the younger crowd, and fortunately with “Watching You” (which hit No. 1 on the county singles chart), I've got the families with kids that can relate to that song. It makes sense. You come to the show and see these acts fitting together with the demographics we all draw, and it's a great show. Maybe I'm biased, but this is one of the best shows out there right now that folks can come and see.

You experienced some minor success earlier this decade, and then had a dry spell. Did you think you'd ever get back to prominence?

You never know. You don't know what the point is until you're in the middle of it. You're into something, working to make a living ..... I had to support my family by doing whatever I had to do, and to get to this point, it's unbelievable to sit here now. With three No. 1 (singles) and the record sales, the awards and being asked to be the national spokesperson for adoption, that's really the biggest thing that's happened.

What went through your mind when you were asked to be the adoption spokesperson?

It's just a huge honor. I remember calling my folks. That was the first thing I did ..... My parents taught me that with success comes responsibility. I don't know what fame is. People ask what it's like to be famous, and I don't feel famous. Honestly, I don't. I do know that more people recognize me now than before, and if I can use that to bring awareness to adoption, it's an honor ..... Most of the (current adoption) funding goes to foster families, and some of those people are incredible, but the kids are still being shifted around. Our goal is to put more funding toward awareness about kids being adopted and raised in a family environment.

How much did your upbringing influence you as a parent today?

There's not a day that goes by when I don't think about what my mom and dad did for me. Who knows what I would have been or what my work ethic would have been or what my values would have been, if not for family.

For which would you rather be remembered more — your music or your charitable contributions?

Being a good father and being somebody people could count on. I'm a father first and foremost in my mind. My son is 6 years old now, and he started kindergarten this year, and I'm gone from him (on tour). He's been on the road with me a lot, and now I'm having to deal with being gone from him. That's the toughest thing. But when I'm out there, I'm singing worthwhile songs, not just junk. If I'm gone, I want him to know that I'm helping other children, not just out there on the road having the time of my life. I'm out there making a difference, hopefully.

CLINT HALE | 210SA