Tommy Atkins ft. Rissi Palmer – «It Took a Woman»

After making history at country radio in 2020 with the first ever hit to feature openly gay lyrics in the UK and Europe («Freedom», May ‘20), Tommy Atkins has become a passionate advocate for diversity in country music. And now, hot off a nomination for ITV’s National Diversity Awards, he celebrated Pride Month with the release of his new single: «It Took a Woman», featuring Rissi Palmer.

«This song is a love letter to my husband’s grandmother, who raised him. It’s a love letter to all parents who treat their LGBTQ+ children with love and respect. We haven’t seen much representation of that over the years, so I think it’s important we celebrate that progress this years Pride Month».

The track features ground-breaking U.S artist, Rissi Palmer, whose work with «Color Me Country» on Apple Radio has recently been recognised in an exhibition at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

«I’ve been a fan of Rissi’s music for 14 years. Her advocacy for BIPOC country artists has made her a role model, and this song has made her a friend. If I could go back and tell the 16-year-old me, who was reading the lyrics and liner notes to her first album, that someday we’d be singing together, it would blow his mind».

During Pride Month this year «Proud to Be Country» returned, a radio series which Atkins founded and continues to host. 100% of the main artists played identify as LGBTQ+ and span across country, roots and Americana. The second season was aired on ARC Radio during June, and included special guests D’orjay the Singing Shaman, Jake Blount and Phillipa Cookman.

«It Took a Woman» will feature on Tommy’s debut album, out this summer. Visit www.tommyatkinsmusic.com/shop to pre-order now.