"You guys sound great!"
"I have been blessed to have worked with Sticktight the past few years and I am always impressed by his superb performances and musicianship. Sticktight is one of Kentucky's best emerging artists and has a wonderful bright future ahead of him. I always enjoy performing with him whenever he gives me a call."
- Tony Hammons, Montgomery Gentryt
- Tom Wopat, "Luke Duke" of The Dukes of Hazzard
"I have recorded Sticktight in my studio and I found he is an organized great singer, great player, and all around good guy! His band would be entertaining and a good choice for your entertainment needs."
- Mark Dreyer, Mark Dreyer Productions, Nashville Connection, NashVegas Allstars
Born in the heart of Kentucky, Ernie "Sticktight" Akins has had an infatuation for music since he started walking. The name Sticktight came from Country Music Superstar, John Michael Montgomery. When visiting John at his farm, a two year old Ernie Akins was exploring in the woods and emerged covered in sticktights. John found it humorous and said, "Boy, we're going to have to start calling you, 'Sticktight'". Since then, "Sticktight" has stuck.
Sticktight grew up listening to radio and chart topping icons such as Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Charlie Daniels, Montgomery Gentry, and well as legendary Blues, Classic & Southern Rock Bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, George Thorogood, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc. When performing, you can hear these influences blended into one giving Sticktight a sound of his own.
2022 has been a massive momentous year for Sticktight! Since the release of his debut album, "The Beginning", he has achieved accolades in a short amount of time!
Accolades include:
- 2022 Male Rising Star of the Year (ISSA Music Awards: Atlanta, GA)
- 2022 Music Video of the Year "Hillbilly Hollywood" (Who's Hoo Country Music Awards: Columbus, IN)
- 2023 Male Vocalist of the Year (ISSA Awards: Atlanta, GA)
- 2024 Male Music Video of the Year "All That and Then Some"(ISSA Music Awards: Atlanta, GA)
- 2024 Entertainer of the Year (Who's Hoo Independent Country Music Awards: Columbus, IN)
Sticktight has been direct support for artists and bands such as David Frizzell, Tom Wopat (Luke Duke of Dukes of Hazzard), Rehab, Scotty Austin (Saving Abel), Whey Jennings, Dallas Moore, and Donnie Baker to name a few.
Sticktight's Band consists of seasoned professional musicians who are determined, passionate, and driven to perform as well as deliver a memorable charismatic performance, giving 110% every time they step on stage.
When attending a Sticktight concert, you’ll be guaranteed entertainment at it’s best. Keeping the crowds engaged with not only his original music, but a variety of band and audience favorites of legendary Country and Rock songs from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Waylon Jennings, Fleetwood Mac, The Charlie Daniels Band, Bon Jovi, ZZ Top, Luke Combs and CCR, among countless others.