• ABOUT
    • Contact
    • The Team
    • FAQ
    • Use & Privacy Policy
  • ADVERTISE
  • ROWFAX
  • JOB LISTINGS
MusicRow.com
  • CALENDARS
    • Album/EP Releases
    • Single/Track Releases
    • Industry Events
  • OBITS
  • CHARTS
    • Radio Chart (Current)
    • Radio Chart (Archives)
    • No. 1 Challenge Coin
    • Songwriter Chart (Current)
    • Songwriter Chart (Archives)
  • REVIEWS
  • MY STORY
  • NEWSLETTER
    • Newsletter (Current)
    • Newsletter (Archives)
    • SIGN UP (FREE!)
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • STORE
  • Click to open the search input field Click to open the search input field Search
  • Menu Menu

Acclaimed Keyboardist Tim Akers Passes [Updated]

September 1, 2021/by Lydia Farthing

 

Tim Akers. Photo: Anthony Scarlati

Keyboard player, session and touring musician, songwriter, arranger and producer Tim Akers passed away on Aug. 30 due to complications from pneumonia following multiple treatments for Leukemia. He was 59.

Hailing from Hendersonville, Tennessee, Akers was the keyboard player and band leader for his band, Tim Akers and The Smoking Section. The 17-piece R&B band, comprised entirely of Nashville session players, have all played on countless records across all genres.

An acclaimed studio session player, Akers had a variety of recordings to his credit, including those for Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Megadeth, Michael Bolton, Rascal Flatts, SHeDAISY, Jewel, LeAnn Rimes, Trace Adkins, Glen Campbell, Barry Manilow, Pam Tillis, Patti LaBelle, Joss Stone, Wynonna, Kid Rock, Josh Gracin, and many others. His music has also been featured on a handful of soundtracks for movies like Chicken Little, Evan Almighty, Herbie Fully Loaded, The Prince of Egypt, We Were Soldiers, Kissing Jessica Stein, and Anastasia.

Akers was the Music Director for TNN’s show, Prime Time Country, from 1997-1999, and as a conductor/arranger/bandleader, he directed shows with artists to the likes of Stevie Wonder; Earth, Wind & Fire; Patti LaBelle; Donna Summer; John Legend; Michael McDonald; Kenny Loggins; Christopher Cross and more. Akers was also a touring keyboardist with country music trio Rascal Flatts, and also toured with LeAnn Rimes, Faith Hill, Amy Grant, and Vince Gill over the years.

“It’s a heartbreaking loss for Tim’s family, friends and our music community,” says AHP Records President Steve Emley. “The times I spent with Tim in tour busses, on stage, in the studio and over a great cup of coffee were filled with compelling conversations, lots of laughter and awe of his genius talent. Recently, the way he walked through his illness with such grace and peace, I found inspiring. In brief, Tim leaves a beautiful legacy as a joyful and talented believer, Husband, father, grandfather, friend and musician. I’m confident Heaven has some amazing new arrangements of some classic hymns now that Tim’s there.”

Akers was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2017. Akers is survived by his parents, his wife Dianna, son Chase Akers, daughter Camille Akers Blinn, her husband Jesse and their two children.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for memorial and living expenses. To give to the Akers family, click here.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Lydia Farthing
Follow me
Lydia Farthing
Lydia Farthing
Follow me
Latest posts by Lydia Farthing (see all)
  • Nate Smith Nabs First Chart-Topper With Debut Single, ‘Whiskey On You’ - January 30, 2023
  • Ross Copperman Makes His Way Into The Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart - January 30, 2023
  • Weekly Register: Hardy Makes Massive Debuts On Country Albums & Songs Charts - January 30, 2023
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share by Mail
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/07013043/unnamed-4.jpg 960 1200 Lydia Farthing https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.png Lydia Farthing2021-09-01 16:04:572021-09-02 15:56:48Acclaimed Keyboardist Tim Akers Passes [Updated]

RECENT NEWS

  • MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…) July 11, 2025
  • Riley Green Releases Acoustic EP ‘Midtown Sessions’ July 11, 2025
  • George Strait & Vaqueros Del Mar Slate ‘Strait To The Heart’ Benefit For Flood Victims July 11, 2025
  • Porter’s Call Unveils Lineup For 16th Annual “Evening Of Stories” In September July 11, 2025
  • Marcus King Band’s New Album ‘Darling Blue’ On Deck For September July 11, 2025
  • The Band Loula Offers Nostalgic Postcard From Home On New EP July 11, 2025
  • Trace Adkins, Jamey Johnson & More Salute Charlie Daniels On ‘Opry 100 Honors’ July 11, 2025
  • Lanie Gardner Slates Sophomore Record For September July 11, 2025
  • Marfa Inks With Ascend Music July 11, 2025
  • Luke Bryan Rises To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart July 11, 2025

Like Us on Facebook

Follow Us on Twitter

Tweets by MusicRow
© 2025 Music Row Enterprises, LLC - Enfold WordPress Theme by Kriesi
Website hosted by Nashville web design company, All My Web Needs.
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to X
  • Link to Instagram
Scroll to top