Ryan Adams

Ryan Adams is only 37 and he’s already more accomplished than most people are at retirement.

The North Carolina native is certainly an overachiever. During his 12-year career he has released eight official solo albums and five albums with his former backing band, The Cardinals. That averages out to more than an album a year. Adams has also released two volumes of poetry (Infinity Blues and Hello Sunshine) and has another book slated for release later this year.

However, hard work and tons of time in the studio don’t necessarily equal fame. Though he has such a huge legion of fans that his local show at Taft Theatre sold out weeks ago (not an unusual occurrence for Adams), the singer/songwriter has never won a Grammy, none of his singles broke the Billboard Top 40 and, most likely, your Grandma never heard of him.

That might be changing. His latest single, “Lucky Now,” recently peaked at No. 38 and Ashes & Fire became his second album to debut in the Top 10 on Billboard’s album charts. Another change: Adams’ notoriously bratty behavior at times (which resulted in predictable backlash) seems to be behind him. Having long struggled in the spotlight, Adams took a break from music in 2009 and married Pop songstress Mandy Moore (unlike many married celebrities, the couple is quickly approaching their third anniversary).

Also, since returning, there have been no “Bryan Adams”-related tantrums reported at his shows. Keep your phone lines clear — with his recent turnaround, Granny may soon be calling to ask if you’ve ever heard of “that Ryan Adams fella.”