Russell Dickerson is a contemporary country music singer-songwriter who has gained a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim for his heartfelt and upbeat music. Born on May 7, 1987, in Union City, Tennessee, Dickerson grew up in a musical family and developed a love for music at an early age.
He honed his skills as a singer and songwriter while attending Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he earned a degree in music.
After graduating, Dickerson began playing local gigs and building a following in Nashville. He caught the attention of music industry professionals with his unique sound and dynamic live performances, leading to a record deal with Triple Tigers Records.
Since then, Dickerson has released two successful albums and collaborated with other notable artists in the country music scene. In this article, we will explore Dickerson’s early life, musical beginnings, rise to fame, and future plans as an artist.
Key Takeaways
- Russell Dickerson is a contemporary country music singer-songwriter who grew up in a musical family and earned a music degree from Belmont University in Nashville.
- He caught the attention of the music industry with his unique sound and dynamic live performances and signed a record deal with Triple Tigers Records.
- Dickerson has released two successful albums and collaborated with notable artists in the country music scene, touring with major acts such as Thomas Rhett, Lady Antebellum, and Darius Rucker.
- He has been recognized with several awards and nominations, including New Artist of the Year at ACM Awards and being named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country in 2020, and is known for his high energy and crowd engagement during live performances.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Russell Dickerson’s early life and musical beginnings are characterized by his childhood exposure to music and his subsequent pursuit of a career as a musician.
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Dickerson was exposed to music from a young age. His father, who was also a musician, played in a Christian rock band, and his mother was a choir director.
Growing up, Dickerson was heavily influenced by the music of Christian rock bands such as DC Talk and Jars of Clay, as well as country music legends like Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw.
Dickerson began playing the guitar in middle school and started writing his own songs in high school. He continued to hone his craft while attending Belmont University, where he studied music.
After graduating, Dickerson began performing at local venues and writing songs for other artists. In 2011, he released his first EP, ‘Die to Live Again,’ which was followed by his debut album, ‘Yours,’ in 2017.
Today, Dickerson is known for his unique blend of country and pop music, and has become a rising star in the country music scene.
Moving to Nashville and Starting His Career
Upon relocating to Nashville, Russell Dickerson began his journey towards establishing his career in the music industry. He started performing in local bars and clubs, gaining experience and exposure to different audiences. He also took part in songwriting sessions, collaborating with other musicians and honing his craft.
To further his career, Dickerson released his first EP, ‘Die to Live Again,’in 2011. This was followed by another EP, ‘Yours,’in 2016, which included the hit single of the same title. The success of ‘Yours’propelled him to the forefront of the country music scene, leading to more opportunities to perform and record music.
With his talent and determination, Dickerson has continued to build his career and expand his fan base, cementing his place as one of the rising stars of country music.
Three notable songs from Russell Dickerson’s discography are ‘Yours,’ ‘Blue Tacoma,’ and ‘Every Little Thing.’
Dickerson has toured with major country music acts such as Thomas Rhett, Lady Antebellum, and Darius Rucker.
He has also received recognition for his music, including nominations for the ACM Awards, CMT Music Awards, and iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Playing Local Gigs and Building a Fanbase
After relocating to Nashville, Dickerson began playing local gigs and participating in songwriting sessions as a means of establishing his career and building a fanbase. He played at various venues, including Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, where he performed regularly and developed a following.
Through his live performances, Dickerson was able to connect with fans and develop a rapport with them, which helped to build a loyal fanbase that would support him throughout his career.
In addition to playing local gigs, Dickerson participated in songwriting sessions with other artists and songwriters in Nashville. This allowed him to hone his craft as a songwriter and collaborate with other musicians to create new music. Through these sessions, Dickerson was able to develop a network of contacts within the music industry, which would prove invaluable as he continued to pursue his career.
Overall, Dickerson’s hard work and dedication to his craft paid off as he continued to establish himself as a rising star in country music.
Catching the Attention of Music Industry Professionals
Establishing a loyal fanbase and honing his craft as a songwriter allowed Dickerson to catch the attention of music industry professionals, ultimately leading to his breakthrough success in the country music scene.
One major factor that helped Dickerson garner attention was his ability to connect with his audience through his live performances. He made a point to engage with his fans and create a sense of community at his shows, which not only kept them coming back but also caught the attention of industry professionals who were impressed by his ability to cultivate a following.
Another key factor was Dickerson’s ability to write catchy, relatable songs that resonated with listeners. He spent years perfecting his songwriting craft, constantly writing and refining his music to create a unique sound that stood out in the crowded country music landscape.
This dedication to his craft paid off when his debut single ‘Yours’ caught the attention of Nashville’s top music executives, ultimately leading to a record deal and widespread success.
Through a combination of hard work, talent, and a commitment to building a loyal fanbase, Dickerson was able to catch the attention of music industry professionals and establish himself as a rising star in the country music world.
Releasing ‘Yours’ and Signing with Triple Tigers Records
Following his success as an independent artist, Russell Dickerson caught the attention of Triple Tigers Records with the release of his debut single ‘Yours.’ The song initially gained traction on social media, with its music video racking up over 60 million views on Facebook. Its popularity eventually led to radio play and the attention of industry professionals.
After signing with Triple Tigers Records, Dickerson’s career took off. ‘Yours’ went on to become a platinum-certified hit, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and peaking at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The success of the single also paved the way for the release of his debut album, ‘Yours,’ which debuted at number five on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
With the support of Triple Tigers Records and the success of ‘Yours,’ Dickerson has become a rising star in the country music scene.
Debut Album: ‘Yours’
After the success of his single ‘Yours’and signing with Triple Tigers Records, Russell Dickerson went on to release his debut album, also titled ‘Yours’. The album was released on October 13, 2017, and received positive reviews from both fans and critics alike. The album was produced by Casey Brown and features songs that range from upbeat and fun to emotional ballads.
The album’s lead single, ‘Yours’, was a massive success and helped put Dickerson on the map. But the album as a whole showcases his talent as a songwriter and performer.
Here are some key highlights of the album:
- The album features a mix of upbeat, catchy tracks like ‘Billions’and ‘MGNO’as well as emotional ballads like ‘Twentysomething’and ‘Would You Love Me’.
- The album’s production is top-notch, with catchy hooks and memorable melodies.
- The album showcases Dickerson’s country roots while also incorporating pop and rock elements.
- The album’s lyrics are relatable and heartfelt, touching on themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
Overall, ‘Yours’is a strong debut album from Russell Dickerson and sets the stage for a promising career in country music.
Second Album: ‘Southern Symphony’
‘Southern Symphony’ is a testament to the artistic growth and musical range of the country music industry, as it features a diverse mix of genres and collaborations with renowned artists. Russell Dickerson’s sophomore album not only showcases his signature sound but also highlights his ability to experiment with different styles, such as incorporating pop and rock elements into his tracks.
The album’s lead single, ‘Love You Like I Used To,’was a chart-topping hit, and its accompanying music video has over 25 million views on YouTube. The album’s title track, ‘Southern Symphony,’is a standout piece that perfectly captures the essence of the album. It features a full orchestra and choir, creating a grandiose and cinematic soundscape.
Additionally, the album includes collaborations with Florida Georgia Line, Chris Tomlin, and Keith Urban, demonstrating Dickerson’s willingness to step outside of his comfort zone and work with artists from different genres. Overall, ‘Southern Symphony’ is a remarkable achievement for Russell Dickerson and the country music industry, showcasing the genre’s evolution and the artist’s musical growth.
Collaborations and Awards
Collaborations with renowned artists and numerous accolades have solidified Russell Dickerson’s position in the country music industry.
In 2019, Dickerson teamed up with pop singer Carly Pearce for the hit single ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now,’which won the CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year. The track also earned a nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the Grammy Awards.
Additionally, Dickerson has collaborated with country stars like Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Dickerson’s success has not gone unnoticed, as he has been recognized with several awards and nominations. He earned his first major award nomination in 2018 for New Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards and has since earned nods for Song of the Year and Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards.
In 2020, Dickerson was named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, further solidifying his place as a rising star in the genre. With a growing list of collaborations and accolades, Dickerson continues to make waves in country music.
Touring and Live Performances
Touring and live performances have been instrumental in establishing Russell Dickerson’s fan base and connecting with his audience on a deeper level, creating unforgettable experiences for country music fans.
Dickerson has been actively touring since the release of his debut album, Yours, in 2017. He has opened for notable country acts such as Thomas Rhett, Lady Antebellum, and Darius Rucker, and has also headlined his own tours.
Dickerson’s live performances are known for their high energy and crowd engagement. He often incorporates covers of popular songs into his setlist, adding his own unique twist to them. His hit single, ‘Yours’, has become a fan favorite and is often the highlight of his concerts. Dickerson’s ability to connect with his audience has also earned him slots on major music festivals such as Stagecoach and CMA Fest.
Overall, touring and live performances have been crucial in building Dickerson’s career and solidifying his place in the country music industry. In addition to his live shows, Dickerson has also hosted virtual concerts during the COVID-19 pandemic. These online performances have allowed him to stay connected with his fans and continue to share his music despite the limitations of in-person events.
Dickerson has also been nominated for multiple awards for his live performances, including the ACM New Male Artist of the Year and the CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year. With his dynamic stage presence, Dickerson’s touring and live performances are sure to remain a highlight of his career.
Future Plans and Potential New Releases
In terms of his future plans and potential new releases, Russell Dickerson has hinted at the possibility of exploring new musical styles and experimenting with different sounds. In an interview with Country Now, Dickerson revealed that he wants to continue to evolve as an artist and challenge himself creatively. He stated that he is excited to see where his music takes him and hopes to push the boundaries of what is expected from a country artist.
Dickerson has also mentioned that he has been writing new material and is eager to share it with his fans. He has not given any specific details about when a new album or single will be released, but his fans can expect new music from him in the near future. With his track record of producing chart-topping hits, it will be interesting to see how Dickerson’s experimentation with new sounds will be received by his audience.