Category: New Release Notes
NASHVILLE, TENN. (July 18, 2025) — Renowned bluegrass artist Dave Adkins has released his latest single, “Tear Thirty,” to radio. Originally featured on his January 2024 album, What I’m For, the aching ballad with a subtle sway was written by Alex Dooley and award-winning songwriter Jerry Salley, and produced by Salley.
Since its debut on the album earlier this year, the song has resonated deeply with listeners for its relatable message and raw honesty. Now, with its official radio release, Adkins hopes even more people find connection in the story.
"‘Tear Thirty’ tells the story of a brokenhearted man, who puts on a tough front all day long, but can’t escape those lonely hours when he returns home to an empty house every evening,” Adkins shared. “Been there, done that. Anyone who has ever lost a true love knows what time it is when the hurt and night-time collide."
“Tear Thirty” continues the momentum of What I’m For, a project that highlights Adkins’ ability to blend his powerful voice with heartfelt lyrics that captivate fans and critics alike.
Tear Thirty (2:53)
US-3U8-24-00002
(Jerry Salley/Alex Dooley)
Banner Music/Banner Bison Songs Music Publishing/Extry Good Music (SESAC)/Big Banner Music (BMI)
Producer: Jerry Salley
Harmony vocals: Jerry Salley
Banjo: Aaron McDaris
Resonator Guitar and Mandolin: Justin Moses
Bass: Jeff Partin
Fiddle and Guitar: Jason Roller
ABOUT DAVE ADKINS
There is no mistaking the raw and powerful vocals by singer, songwriter, and guitarist Dave Adkins. His significant chart success and his stellar live performances have made him one of the most talked-about male vocalists in acoustic music. In 2010, he formed the group, Dave Adkins & Republik Steele. Adkins' soulful vocals earned him a 2013 SPBGMA nomination as Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year followed by multiple top charting songs. In 2014, Adkins released his first solo album Nothing To Lose. The album had numerous #1 song on bluegrass music charts, including Bluegrass Today and the Roots Music Report. Adkins is featured twice on the Grammy® nominated Gonna Sing Gonna Shout album and was recently nominated for SPBGMA Male Vocalist of the Year award in 2022.
ABOUT BILLY BLUE RECORDS
Billy Blue Records is a boutique bluegrass label, home to an award-winning roster of artists including Adam McIntosh, Alan Bibey and Grasstowne, Appalachian Road Show, Authentic Unlimited, Bob Minner, Caroline Owens, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Dave Adkins, Jason Barie, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Kristy Cox, Marty Raybon, the multi-artist projects Blue Collar Gospel, Country Faith Bluegrass, and the Grammy-nominated recording Gonna Sing Gonna Shout. Founded in 2018 by Jerry Salley, Ed Leonard, and Dottie Leonard Miller, Billy Blue is distributed to retail by the Orchard (Sony) and New Day Distribution.
Dave Adkins, the celebrated singer, songwriter, and guitarist, has carved an enduring career in the Bluegrass, Country, and Gospel music industries. And now, as the newest artist to join the Billy Blue Records family, he’s releasing his debut single with an old, familiar song performed in an exciting, barn-burning, brand-new way: “Bad Moon Rising.”
Taking a cue from Credence Clearwater Revival, Adkins tackled the old Rock and Roll hit by recording it at an incredible speed. 180 bpm, to be exact.
In his own words, “We took one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite old bands and got the idea from Curly Ray Cline's son, Timmy Cline. Timmy’s band recorded the song 30 years ago. We recorded it at 180 bpm and put the 'drive' in it. The musicians put everything they had into the track and blistered it! I could not be happier with the way it turned out. It’s a dream come true to have Jerry Salley and Billy Blue in my corner! Hope you all enjoy my favorite cut to date!"
In August 2023, Adkins embarked on an exciting new chapter by signing with Billy Blue Records, after becoming a prominent figure in the music industry. His remarkable, powerhouse vocal talents, paired with his exceptional songwriting abilities, have garnered him a slew of awards, nominations, and chart-topping hits.
Honing his craft on the stages of Dollywood as a teenager, Adkins’ talents were soon recognized with the prestigious title of Kentucky Colonel, an accolade recognizing exceptional contributions and service.
While his journey took diverse paths, including solo country shows and rock band performances, Adkins found his way back to his roots in 2010 with the formation of Dave Adkins & Republik Steele. Since then, there have been several reincarnations of his bluegrass bands, and these days he’s affectionately known simply as “Big” Dave Adkins.
In 2022, he was given a SPBGMA Male Vocalist of the Year nomination, a testament to his enduring impact on the genre.
His music continues to inspire, gaining him countless fans with his unwavering passion and extraordinary talent. Stay tuned for more of the musical brilliance of Dave Adkins.
