Russell Dickerson reflects on Tennessee roots before Houston Rodeo
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Russell Dickerson reflects on his small-town roots.
The country music star, who grew up in Tennessee and is best known for hits like “Yours” and “Blue Tacoma,” has spent the past decade building a successful country music career that has taken him from country fairgrounds to some of the genre’s biggest stages, including an upcoming performance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Speaking with Fox News Digital, Dickerson said that while he was growing up, entertainment in his home revolved around small-town traditions.
COUNTRY STARS LAINEY WILSON, LEANN RIMES AND KELSEA BALLERINI STUNNING ON THE CMA AWARDS RED CARPET IN NASHVILLE
Ahead of his appearance at the Houston Rodeo, Russell Dickerson reflects on his small-town Tennessee roots and a full-fledged career moment. (Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo)
“Definitely…we didn’t go to the movies much. We went to rodeos, we went to tractor pulls, and that was just my redneck pastime growing up.”
WATCH: COUNTRY STAR RUSSELL DICKERSON SAYS SMALL-TOWN RAISING MEANS ‘RODEOS AND TRACTOR PULLS,’ NOT MOVIES
That upbringing is now returning in a very real way for the country singer as she prepares to take the stage at one of the most iconic rodeos in the country.
“Just to put it all together at RodeoHouston, it’s incredible to be able to perform my music there.”
For Dickerson, this milestone carries additional meaning beyond his own career, as it is a moment he wants to share with his family.
DO YOU LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
“Yeah, so we’re definitely bringing my oldest son, Remington. Of course he’ll be there, because this is the biggest show of my life. And he needs to see it. I think he’s going to freak out.”
Russell Dickerson performs at a recent live concert as he prepares for his landmark performance at the Houston Rodeo. (Gilbert Flores/Getty Images)
On Wednesday, January 7, Dickerson helped bring a taste of RodeoHouston culture to New York by participating in a pop-up performance in Times Square as part of the event’s national promotion. The appearance gave fans a preview of the Western traditions that shaped his upbringing ahead of his upcoming HoustonRodeo performance.
“I’ve never seen so many cowboy hats and boots wandering around Times Square. It’s such a beautiful sight and country music is so universal.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
The Times Square appearance in New York City was just one part of a larger moment for Dickerson, as the RodeoHouston invitation marked a major turning point in his career.
WATCH: RUSSELL DICKERSON SAYS COUNTRY MUSIC ENABLED TIMES SQUARE BEFORE RODEOHUSTON MOMENT
This opportunity is especially meaningful for an artist, Dickerson said.
“I remember when I got the call. I had just been at the gym and my manager was on the phone with all three of them. And I was like, ‘This is weird.’ And they were like, ‘Hey, we all wanted to tell you at the same time that you’ve been invited to play RodeoHouston.’ And I said, ‘Oh, so the absolute bucket list.’ It’s already been said, but it’s an absolute honor to be one of the artists featured in this lineup this year.”
That moment comes as Dickerson is having one of the biggest years of his career. His song “Happen to Me”, released in March 2025, attracted great attention and helped introduce his music to an even wider audience.
Dickerson said he was surprised by the response, calling it “absolutely out of the blue” and thanked his fans for embracing the song and coming out on this track.
Russell Dickerson poses with his wife Kailey, with whom he shares their two sons. (Taylor Hill/WireImage/Getty Images)
She will perform at RodeoHouston on March 5, 2026, joining a star-studded cast including Chris Stapleton, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, Tim McGraw, Lizzo and Cody Johnson.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
