Rodney Atkins’ mounting success has united the Music Row community in one very distinct way: everyone couldn’t be happier. After 10 years of labor, Atkins is finally experiencing a load of deserved success. His now platinum album, If You’re Going Through Hell, spawned a No. 1 single by the same name, but it was the Atkins’ co-penned “Watching You” that gave him his first No. 1 as a songwriter. Written with BMI hitmaker Steve Dean and Brian White, the song basks in warm everyday exchanges between father and son. Wednesday, March 28 was Rodney’s birthday, and BMI rolled a platinum, No. 1 and birthday celebration into one giant party. Rodney was greeted by a main lobby filled with sincere well-wishers.
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BMI presented a special edition Takamine guitar to co-writer Steve Dean. Pictured are (l to r): BMI’s Jody Williams, Steve Dean and BMI’s David Preston.
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Longtime staff writer and new Country Weekly editor Larry Holden told folks a bit of the “story behind the song.” Pictured are (l to r): BMI’s Jody Williams, Rodney Atkins, Country Weekly’s Larry Holden and Steve Dean.
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Curb Records’ Mike Curb made a triumphant platinum presentation. Pictured are (l to r): producer Ted Hewitt, Curb’s Phil Gernhard, Rodney Atkins and Curb’s Mike Curb, with Elijah Atkins smiling up at his dad in front.
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Elijah helped dad Rodney blow out the candles on his birthday cake.
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BMI artist and songwriter
Taylor Swift (left) showed up to congratulate Rodney (right) in person.
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Pictured after the presentations are (l to r): BMI’s Jody Williams, Curb Records’ Mike Curb, Rodney Atkins, Steve Dean, producer Ted Hewitt, BMI’s David Preston and Curb Music Publishing’s Drew Alexander.
Photos by Alan Mayor
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