Thomas Rhett
Biography
Thomas Rhett Akins Jr. was born on March 30, 1990, in Valdosta, Georgia, to Paige Braswell and singer-songwriter Rhett Akins. Growing up, he was surrounded by the music industry, with his father having hit singles in the 1990s and later becoming a prominent songwriter. This early exposure allowed him to get to know other country stars like Tim McGraw and Brooks & Dunn. Rhett learned to play the drums in junior high and would sometimes join his father on stage. In high school, he was in a band called The High Heeled Flip Flops. After high school, he attended Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, to study communications but dropped out at 20 to pursue a career in music, signing a publishing deal with Big Machine Label Group.
Music Career
Before launching his solo career, Thomas Rhett established himself as a successful songwriter, penning tracks for artists like Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, and Lee Brice. In 2012, he released his debut singles, "Something to Do with My Hands" and "Beer with Jesus". His third single, "It Goes Like This," became his first No. 1 hit and was the title track of his debut album released in 2013. This album also produced the No. 1 singles "Get Me Some of That" and "Make Me Wanna".
Rhett's second album, Tangled Up (2015), featured the massive crossover hit "Die a Happy Man," which topped the country charts and became a success on the pop charts as well. His third album, Life Changes (2017), debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and included hits like "Craving You," "Unforgettable," and "Marry Me". Subsequent albums like Center Point Road (2019), Country Again: Side A (2021), and Where We Started (2022) have solidified his status as a major country music star. He has received numerous awards, including Male Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards, and has earned multiple Grammy nominations.
Studio Albums
- It Goes Like This (2013)
- Tangled Up (2015)
- Life Changes (2017)
- Center Point Road (2019)
- Country Again: Side A (2021)
- Where We Started (2022)
- About a Woman (2024)
Personal Life
On October 12, 2012, Thomas Rhett married Lauren Akins (née Gregory), whom he has known since childhood. The couple has four daughters: Willa Gray, Ada James, Lennon Love, and Lillie Carolina. They adopted their eldest daughter, Willa Gray, from Uganda in 2017, the same year their second daughter, Ada James, was born. Rhett is a devout Christian and often incorporates his faith into his music. He has been open about the challenges of marriage and fatherhood, aiming to present a realistic portrayal of his life.