It’s been over a decade since Russell Dickerson strolled out of Belmont University alongside his friends and dove headfirst into making his dreams a reality. Fast forward and the Union City, Tennessee native finds himself inside Nashville’s Electric Jane celebrating three number ones — “Every Little Thing,” “Love You Like I Used To” and “God Gave Me A Girl” — with a special “hat trick” party last Monday (February 26).
Surrounded by friends, family, press, collaborators and members of the industry, the event, which was hosted by BMI, SESAC and ASCAP, recognized Dickerson for his achievements alongside co-writers Casey Brown (SESAC), Zach Crowell (ASCAP), Ashley Gorley (ASCAP), Chase McGill (BMI) and Parker Welling (BMI). Sponsored by Studio Bank, highlights included a donation presentation made by Kari Barnart on behalf of Dickerson and the songwriters in support of Cul2vate, which help seniors connect—as recipients and contributors—with their surrounding communities.
“I always get so pumped with what’s ahead that I have to remind myself to take a minute and reflect on all the exciting things that have already happened,” Dickerson said in a press release. “Earning my fifth No. One with “God Gave Me A Girl” was a very surreal milestone – especially with a song so close to my heart. I’m so happy we could celebrate three No. Ones yesterday. It was so special to recognize everybody that played a role in getting these songs to the top of the charts – I can’t thank everyone enough for their support. And we’re just getting started!”
Photo Credit: Thomas Heney
All of these songs are a true testament to the growth the songsmith has made as both an artist and individual. As time goes on, it’s wondered if there’s any pressure building to keep rolling out number ones since the key to songcraft has seemingly been unlocked when Russell, Casey and Parker get in the writers’ room together.
“When we first get back together, maybe it’s a little safe, but then we dig in a little more and get back to our old vibe and we trust in each other’s instincts. I think we’ve had four number ones together?” Dickerson tells Celeb Secrets Country reporter Brianna Vacca in a media session ahead of the event, with Welling adding, “[Casey] Brown and [Russell] Dickerson are like brothers to me. I feel like we have grown up in this industry together, and it has been so fun. You guys, separately and together, are the safest room for me. I’m always so impressed. There’s not a lot of artists that come in and have the vision of what they wanna say and how they wanna say it. Russ is so generous with his story and with his ideas, but he’s also really focused on what his artistry is. It’s always really fun working with him because it’s easy to get behind his vision.”
Throughout the years, as a co-writer, it’s apparent that Russell has matured and has mastered his craft. His collaborations have nothing but great things to say about his growth as an artist. Parker spills, “As a writer, Russell has grown in his vision of what he wants to say and how he is, like assertive, in a room. I’ve been in a lot of rooms with Russell and for a long time, it felt like only the rooms with Casey and I for a long time were where he felt like he could speak up. I feel like Russell’s like, ‘No, this is what I wanna say. This is how I want to say it.’ So just being more confident, since we started writing together. It makes it so much more fun because we can try all these different combinations and still get the common thread of Russell’s personality through all of it, which is really great.”
Gorley chimed in, “He’s in it. If we come back to the house and fix four syllables, so be it. We did that in the last album. It’s gotta be right, which I love. For me, his tour and writing go hand in hand, so you almost have to experience the show and then when you write the song, it gives it a different life. That’s how I feel about it.”
RUSSELL DICKERSON, KAILEY DICKERSON
With multiple albums, tours, number ones and even babies later, Dickerson still often finds himself getting caught up with comparison and reflects on what he would tell a young Russell navigating the successes of his life both professionally and personally back at home with his wife Kailey and their two sons.
“It’s something I struggle with all the time. At the time, it was looking around like, ‘Oh, nobody’s ever heard of them. Now they’re selling more seats than I have there.’ I would go back and say keep your eyes on the road in your lane and make the best music you can. I feel that I have done that, but I’ve definitely struggled with looking around and being like, ‘oh, who is surpassing me now?’ You know? I feel like my road is strong and steady and going to keep going. I’m going to outlast ’em all. I’ve been here longer and I will end up being here longer, no doubt,” he shares.
“Anytime I’m praying about it, it doesn’t even matter, you know? There’s one me, there’s one plan, there’s one path, and it’s going to be what it’s going to be. As much as I want to try to strive, and struggles and claw my way past ahead of where I would be. I’ve just learned to stay focused on my songs, my music, my style. There’s only one Russell Dickerson and maybe the people, they look at me and think the same thing. It’s really doubling down on myself. I have to compartmentalize. I’m not very good at that, but it’s like, today I’m going to wake up. Today I’m going to be a songwriter. Then, now we’re going into studio mode. Now I’m the recording artist. It’s a lot of flipping on and off a lot. It takes a lot of energy when you get home and then none of that stuff matters. There’s poopy diapers, people gotta get fed, house’s gotta get clean. I try to help Kail as much and it’s hard,” he concludes.
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