Ask American Profile

Trace Adkins is one of my favorite country singers. What is he up to now, and when can we expect some new music from him?
—Linda H., Ohio

Trace Adkins, 39, is working on his new album, which should be out sometime this year. When he’s not in the studio, Adkins has been busy touring. He also has been spotted singing the national anthem at professional football and hockey games. “Performing live is something I absolutely live for,” Adkins says. The son of a papermill worker, Adkins was born in Springhill, La., (pop. 5,590) and grew up in nearby Sarepta (pop. 900). He worked on offshore oil rigs for 10 years before moving to Nashville, Tenn., and finding success quickly with hits like (This Ain’t No) Thinkin’ Thing and Every Light in the House is On. Adkins and his wife, Rhonda, live in Nashville with daughter Mackenzie, 3. His daughters Tarah, 15, and Sarah, 12, live in Louisiana.

I love the music of pop artist Jewel. Is that her real name?
—Will A., Wyoming

Jewel was born with that name 26 years ago. She is named for her mother, Lenedra, whose middle name is Jewel, and her grandfather, Yule, a Swiss native who moved to Homer, Alaska, (pop. 4,608) in 1940. His name was spelled “Juel” in his homeland. You’re not the only one who loves Jewel’s music. Her first album, Pieces of You, released in 1995, sold more than 10 million copies, making it one of the top best-selling albums of all time by a female artist. Her second album, Spirit, released in 1998, has been certified triple platinum, meaning it has sold more than 3 million copies.

I recently watched the 1979 movie Americathon with comedian/talk show host Jay Leno cast in the part of Larry Miller. Has he done any other acting?
—Jeff F., Tennessee

Jay Leno’s recent appearances in films usually are cameo appearances as himself, but he has done some acting. Besides Americathon, he was in Silver Bears in 1977, American Hot Wax in 1978, and Collision Course in 1989. He’s also appeared in The Flintstones, Wag the Dog, Wayne’s World 2, and Dave. When he’s not acting or talking with celebrities on the popular The Tonight Show, Leno, 50, married to Mavis Nicholson, spends time with his classic cars and motorcycles.

My dad says CBS sports commentator Dan Dierdorf was a great football player. Can you tell me something about his career?
—Matt B., Pennsylvania

Dan Dierdorf, 51, a game analyst for The NFL on CBS, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996. During his 12-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1971-83, he was named All-Pro six times. He also was selected as the NFL’s top offensive lineman three times and was voted to the NFL Team of the Decade for the 1970s. In college, he was a two-time All-Big Ten tackle at the University of Michigan, where he was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. He also was named to seven All-American teams as a senior.

Upload Your Own Stories, Photos and Videos

Every week, American Profile magazine brings you stories that celebrate the people and places that make America great. Now we want to hear your stories and see your photos, videos and even audio.

 Start Uploading Now!

 

Discuss this Article