Adkins” country roots run deep

When strangers approach Trace Adkins, they don’t always ask for his autograph right away.

First they want to know what he is famous for.

“People come up to me and say, ‘You’re either a country music singer or a professional wrestler,’ ” Adkins said during a telephone interview.

With his chiseled frame and towering presence, Adkins looks like he could drop a devastating elbow off the top turnbuckle, but it’s his rumbling baritone that made him a star.

Still, with his rugged looks and take-no- mess demeanor, Adkins has been touted as one of the last torchbearers of traditional country music, as opposed to the washed-out alt-country rock that fits neatly with mainstream rock.

But Adkins shrugs off the pressure to be the champion for country rock purists.

“Don’t put that burden on me. I’m gonna do what I’m gonna do,” Adkins said.

He brings his country swagger to a sold-out show tonight at Northern Quest Casino. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

Following two platinum CDs in 2004 and a host of television appearances, Adkins’ latest studio set, “Songs About Me,” further solidifies his presence as one of country music’s elite artists.

The title track and lead-off single debuted at No. 1 on the country singles charts last month. The album marked the third consecutive time Adkins broke his career-record first-week sales.

Adkins said he already is looking to get back into the studio after his summer tour.