Russell Dickerson Gets Rowdy (and Real) on New Album, Famous Back Home

Russell Dickerson is cranking things up with his new album Famous Back Home, out August 22. It’s his fourth studio project, blurring the line between arena-rocking performer and family-first hometown guy. He noted this is the first time since his debut where “[he’s] really gotten [his] hands dirty.” 

“I’m just gonna do what I want and what I think sounds awesome,” he said. “I wanna get into it. I wanna get rowdy.”

That raw, unfiltered approach carries through Famous Back Home, a 12-track collection co-produced with longtime collaborator Josh Kerr. Ten of the songs were co-written by Dickerson himself, while two mark his first-ever outside cuts. The album already features fan favorites “Happen To Me,” “Bones,” “Heard It In a Country Song,” and “Sippin’ On Top of the World.”

Sequenced Like a Live Show

Dickerson spent more time than ever on sequencing this album, he wanted it to feel like a live concert. “It starts hype then comes down fast.” He wants the album to reflect “the joys of everyday family life. It’s what it’s all about.”

Dickerson shared he can't wait to play "Worth Your Wild” live, he even bought a new guitar just for the performance. His kids have their own picks! On constant replay in the Dickerson household are “Worth Wild,” "Dust," and “Love That I Love You.” As Russell put it: “My kid is my number one A&R.”

Famous to Who Matters Most

The album title Famous Back Home was his wife’s idea, and it couldn’t be more fitting. Dickerson might be racking up hits and selling out tours, but at the end of the day, it’s all about being famous to the people who really matter. He believes if he’s not making sacrifices for his family, something’s wrong. 

That balance of fame and family has shaped not only his music but his outlook. He recently threw a family album release party, complete with “rockstar moments” for the kids and parents. “I want to teach my kids to not give a you-know-what about what people think,” he said. “To just trust their gut. That’s where I’m at now, too. The further down this road I get, the more real I want to become.”

“Happen To Me” Takes Off Ahead of Russel Dickerson Album Debut

Meanwhile, his single “Happen To Me” has become a career milestone. His biggest streaming debut to date, crossing 152 million global streams. It’s Top 10 on the Mediabase Country Chart, No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway and the UK Country Radio Airplay Chart, and climbing the Billboard Hot 100.

He was just having fun with his wife and her friends and never expected it to take off on TikTok, he’s just “a dad and doesn't know TikTok trends.” When asked who he’d want to see do the “Happen To Me” dance, alive or dead, his answer was immediate—Michael Jackson. Somebody please make that edit.

RUSSELLMANIA 2025

Dickerson will bring all this to the stage on his RUSSELLMANIA TOUR 2025, where his signature energy will collide with his most personal material yet.

He’s looking to “leave a legacy to be proud of.” Success to him is enjoyment, and he feels like he’s finally there. “I can just take it all in now.”