Trace Adkins

Trace Adkins helped keep country's traditionalist flame burning during the crossover-happy late '90s, mixing classic honky tonk with elements of gospel, blues, and rock & roll. Adkins had a knack for songs about the home truths of life and love in working class America like "You're Gonna Miss This" and "Every Light in the House," but he also knew how to get the party started with numbers like "Ladies Love Country Boys" and "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk." And his deep, rich voice was powerfully expressive regardless of the themes. Adkins' debut album, 1996's Dreamin' Out Loud, showed...