Thomas Rhett At a Glance
Full Name | Thomas Rhett Akins Jr. |
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Birthday | March 30, 1990 |
Age | 32 |
Hometown | Valdosta, Georgia |
Wife | Lauren Akins |
Kids | 3 daughters |
Genre | Country |
Labels | Big Machine, Valory Music |
Albums | 6 studio albums |
Notable Songs | "Die A Happy Man", "It Goes Like This" |
Awards | ACM, CMA, Billboard Awards |
Social Media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube |
As a longtime country music fan, I‘m thrilled to see Thomas Rhett‘s meteoric rise to stardom over the last decade. With his infectious energy, smooth R&B-infused sound and talent for writing emotive songs, he has become one of country‘s brightest new stars. Let‘s take a closer look at Thomas Rhett‘s background, musical journey, and what makes this Georgia-born singer so special.
Early Life & Country Roots
Thomas Rhett Akins Jr. was born on March 30, 1990 in Valdosta, Georgia to country singer-songwriter Rhett Akins and his wife Paige. The music roots run deep in the Akins household. His father Rhett has released 5 studio albums and charted 18 singles on the Billboard country charts, including the Top 5 hit "That Ain‘t My Truck". Thomas‘ grandfather was James Akins, also a professional country artist.
Surrounded by country music from birth, Thomas got his first guitar at age 8 and soon started writing his own songs. His parents were his biggest supporters, and he honed his sound by listening to 90s country stars like Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw. As a teenager, Thomas signed a publishing deal with EMI Music Publishing and began laying the groundwork for his future career.
Musical Journey To Stardom
In 2011 at just 21 years old, Thomas headed to Nashville to pursue his dreams of country stardom. He signed with the Big Machine Label Group, home to country superstars like Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw and Florida Georgia Line. His debut single "Something To Do With My Hands" didn‘t gain much traction, but the 2012 track "Beer With Jesus" cracked the Top 40 on country radio.
Thomas Rhett‘s big breakthrough came with the release of his slyly charming 2013 single "It Goes Like This", which topped the country charts for multiple weeks. It was the first of now 14 chart-topping singles under his belt, an incredible accomplishment in just a decade as a recording artist. His debut album It Goes Like This also introduced the country world to Thomas Rhett‘s dynamic blend of country storytelling with pop and R&B melodies.
Over the next few years, Thomas cemented his place in country music with multiple #1 hits like "Get Me Some Of That", "Make Me Wanna", "Crash And Burn", "Die A Happy Man", "Star Of The Show" and more. He has released six studio albums, with his most recent project being 2021‘s Country Again. Thomas‘ soulful vocals and willingness to push country‘s boundaries have made him one of the genre‘s brightest young stars.
Seeing Thomas explode from a new artist in 2013 to now playing arena tours and racking up awards has been so energizing as a lifelong country fan. The way he blends genres while keeping true to his country roots makes his music appealing to wide audiences. And at just 32 years old, it‘s clear Thomas‘ hitmaking days are far from over.
Personal Life
Thomas‘ personal life is equally as touching as his heartfelt songs. In 2012, he met his now-wife Lauren Gregory when she appeared in his music video for "It Goes Like This". After a whirlwind romance, the two married later that year. Thomas credits Lauren as his muse, and she often helps co-write his songs.
The couple have three daughters together: Willa Gray, adopted from Uganda in 2017, Ada James, born in 2017, and Lennon Love, born in 2020. Thomas‘ two eldest daughters often accompany him on touring, creating a heartwarming family atmosphere at his concerts. Fatherhood and his family inspire Thomas‘ music and life philosophy deeply, as shown in emotional songs like "To The Guys That Date My Girls" and "Blessed".
Giving back is also important to the star. Inspired by daughter Willa‘s birthplace, Thomas partnered with 147 Million Orphans to build homes and schools in Uganda. He and his family continue to be heavily involved in charity work supporting communities in Uganda.
Why Thomas Rhett Stands Out
What makes Thomas Rhett one of country music‘s most fascinating new stars?
- His soulful, R&B-infused sound brings a fresh vibe to country music and expands the genre‘s boundaries. Songs like "Star of the Show" blend country storytelling seamlessly with pop and funk grooves.
- He writes relatable, emotional songs centered on love, family, and his experiences as a husband and father that widely resonate. "Marry Me" and "Die a Happy Man" showcase his talent for crafting heartfelt love ballads.
- His high-energy live shows are filled with infectious enthusiasm and non-stop entertainment. Thomas knows how to play off the crowd‘s energy for an electrifying concert experience.
- Already accomplished at just 32 years old with 6 albums, 14 #1 singles, arena headlining tours, and a shelf full of awards.
- His openness to collaborate often with pop, R&B, and hip-hop artists like Tori Kelly, Daniel Caesar, and Tyler Hubbard shows an eagerness to experiment.
Blazing his own trail by folding R&B, pop and soul into country music, Thomas Rhett has helped push the genre forward and introduce it to new audiences. Given his meteoric early rise, it‘s clear Thomas‘ musical journey is just getting started. His unique sound and family-first philosophy have made him one of country music‘s brightest young stars.
Fun Facts About Thomas Rhett
- Thomas got married barefoot, and his wedding guests were also barefoot and wore flip flops.
- His wife Lauren has co-written many of his hits, including "Die A Happy Man" and "Life Changes."
- He still uses his first guitar he got at age 8 to write songs.
- Thomas has toured with country stars like Miranda Lambert, Florida Georgia Line, and Jason Aldean.
- His first jobs as a kid included sweeping hair at a barbershop and helping lay sod on a golf course.
With his catalog of multi-platinum hits and charismatic energy, Thomas Rhett has cemented himself as one of country music‘s new generation of superstars. As both a longtime fan and music critic, I‘m confident Thomas‘ best songs and most thrilling moments are still ahead. His unique artistry and family-first spirit are sure to entertain and inspire country fans worldwide for decades to come.