Trace Adkins Nearly Quit Music Forever – And the Reason Was Buried for Years
In the world of country music, Trace Adkins is known for his deep baritone, raw emotional delivery, and unwavering presence on stage. But in 1994, long before he became a household name, his life nearly ended – literally and figuratively – in one of the most tragic and rarely-discussed moments of his past.
That year, Trace was shot through the chest and both lungs by his second wife, Julie Curtis, during a domestic dispute. The bullet missed his heart by less than two inches. Miraculously, he survived. And perhaps even more shocking – he refused to press charges, saying he never wanted to see her again, but also didn’t want to ruin her life.
While most fans know Trace as a towering figure of strength, few realize that after this incident, he fell into a deep depression, completely stepping away from music. According to Trace, he seriously considered quitting music forever, convinced he had no energy left for the stage or studio.
“It was the darkest place I’ve ever been in,” he admitted in a 2006 interview. “I didn’t care about anything anymore. Not even the music.”
But fate had other plans.
Months before the shooting, Trace had recorded a raw demo titled “Every Light In The House” – a ballad of longing and quiet heartache. That demo somehow made its way to renowned producer Scott Hendricks, who was immediately struck by the voice and emotion behind the track. Hendricks tracked Trace down and offered him a second chance.
In 1996, that very song became his breakout hit. It didn’t just launch his career – it gave him a reason to live again.
The incident itself faded into silence, rarely spoken of again – but its psychological impact lingered. Trace channeled his pain into songs, many of which resonate deeply with fans because of their real emotional weight.
This forgotten chapter in Trace Adkins’ life shows that even the strongest voices come from places of deep pain. And sometimes, it’s not just talent – but resilience and forgiveness – that bring someone back from the brink.