Thomas Rhett | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 15, 2025

Who is Thomas Rhett?

Thomas Rhett Akins Jr., born on March 30, 1990, in Valdosta, Georgia, is a notable country singer and songwriter who has made a significant impact in the music industry. The son of renowned singer-songwriter Rhett Akins, Thomas Rhett has carved his own identity, opting to use his first and middle names professionally. His third album, "Life Changes," released in 2017, not only topped the Billboard 200 across all music genres but also showcased hits like "Craving You," "Die A Happy Man," and "Marry Me." Rhett's distinctive sound blends country roots with pop influences, a reflection of his diverse musical inspirations.

Throughout his career, Thomas Rhett has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Male Vocalist of the Year award at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2017. His songwriting prowess has led to co-writing several successful tracks, both for himself and for other artists like Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line. With a warm, relatable style and heartfelt lyrics, Rhett’s music connects deeply with his fans. Beyond his musical achievements, he is also known for his engaging personality and has made appearances as a judge at events such as the Miss America pageant, further illustrating his multifaceted talents.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Rhett Akins Jr. was born on March 30, 1990, in Valdosta, Georgia, into a musically inclined family. His father, Rhett Akins, is a recognized singer-songwriter, which naturally influenced Thomas's upbringing. As a child, he was exposed to various musical styles, and it played a significant role in shaping his future career. Although his parents divorced when he was nine years old, Thomas's passion for music remained unwavering. He initially promised his mother not to pursue a similar career path as his father but eventually found his calling in songwriting and performing.

During his education at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Thomas initially explored a degree in business before transferring to communications. While studying, he maintained a strong connection to music by participating in a cover band and previously being the drummer for a punk rock band in high school. At the age of 20, he made a pivotal decision to drop out of college after securing a publishing deal, allowing him to fully invest in his burgeoning music career. This blend of formal education and practical experience would later serve him well as he embarked on his journey to become a celebrated country music artist.

Music Career Beginnings

Thomas Rhett Akins Jr. set his sights on a music career at a young age, influenced by the musical talents of his father, renowned country singer-songwriter Rhett Akins. Initially hesitant to pursue music due to his parents' divorce, Rhett discovered his passion for songwriting while attending Lipscomb University in Nashville, where he studied communications. Dropping out at the age of 20, he quickly secured a publishing deal that marked the start of his journey in the music industry.

Before releasing his own music, Rhett honed his songwriting skills by collaborating with other artists. He wrote songs for big names in country music, including Jason Aldean's "I Ain't Ready to Quit" and Florida Georgia Line's "Round Here." His persistence and dedication culminated in a record deal when he turned 21, paving the way for his debut album, "It Goes Like This," which garnered critical and commercial success, establishing Rhett as a prominent figure in contemporary country music.

Major Career Success and Achievements

Thomas Rhett emerged as a prominent figure in the country music scene with his third album, "Life Changes" (2017), which achieved remarkable success by debuting at the top of the Billboard 200 chart across all music genres. His ability to blend traditional country elements with contemporary pop influences resonated with a wide audience, resulting in hit singles like "Craving You," "Die A Happy Man," and "Marry Me." These tracks not only topped charts but also showcased Rhett's songwriting prowess, earning him numerous accolades, including Male Vocalist of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2017.

Building on his early achievements, Rhett continued to create award-winning music throughout his career, with subsequent albums like "Center Point Road" and "Country Again: Side A". His first single "Marry Me" made significant waves, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, while "Die a Happy Man" captured Song of the Year at both the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Awards. Thomas Rhett’s innovative approach to music, including his willingness to collaborate with various artists, has cemented his status as a leading male artist in today's country music landscape.

Albums and Notable Songs

Thomas Rhett’s musical journey began with his debut album, (2013), which showcased his ability to blend traditional country sounds with modern influences, reaching No. 6 on the all-genre Billboard 200. This album featured hit singles like "It Goes Like This" and "Get Me Some of That," establishing Rhett as a rising star in country music. His follow-up, (2015), solidified his fame with four chart-topping songs, including "Die a Happy Man," which drew inspiration from his deep love for his wife, Lauren. This romantic ballad spent an impressive 17 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, earning Rhett multiple awards and accolades.

Rhett continued to captivate audiences with (2017), an album that debuted at No. 1 across all genres and reflected significant milestones in his life, including marriage and fatherhood. Track highlights such as "Craving You," a collaboration with Maren Morris, and "Unforgettable," demonstrated his unique blend of country and pop influences. This innovative approach broadened his appeal and garnered him the 2017 Academy of Country Music Awards title for Male Vocalist of the Year. Rhett's subsequent albums, including (2019) and (2021), further showcased his evolution as an artist, each contributing to his ongoing legacy in country music.

Personal Life: Married to Lauren Akins with Children

Thomas Rhett married Lauren Gregory on October 12, 2012, after a long history that began in their childhood. The couple first met in kindergarten, attended the same church camp, and even had a brief relationship during high school. Despite dating other people in college, their paths crossed again in 2011 at a graduation party, where Rhett finally confessed his feelings for Lauren with encouragement from her father. Their bond was solidified when they became engaged in December 2011, paving the way for a loving partnership that aligns with Rhett's heartfelt songwriting.

As a family, Thomas and Lauren have embraced parenthood with open arms. Their journey began with the adoption of their daughter Willa Gray in May 2017, shortly before the birth of their second daughter, Ada James, born just a few months later on August 12, 2017. The couple expanded their family once more with the arrival of their third daughter, Lennon Love, in February 2020. In May 2021, they announced their plans to welcome their fourth daughter later that year, showcasing their commitment to creating a loving and nurturing environment for their children while balancing Thomas's flourishing music career.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary Insights

Thomas Rhett's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, primarily generated through his successful music career as a country singer and songwriter. His income streams include album sales, concert tours, and royalties from his songs, many of which have topped the charts. With multiple platinum certifications to his name and hit singles consistently reaching the top of various Billboard charts, Rhett has established himself as a prominent figure in the country music genre. In addition to his music income, he also ventures into brand endorsements and collaborations, further enhancing his financial portfolio.

Rhett's earnings significantly increased following the release of his critically acclaimed album "Life Changes" in 2017, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album’s success, alongside hit singles like "Craving You" and "Die a Happy Man," not only brought him recognition but also boosted his concert ticket sales and merchandise profits. Given his growing popularity and the positive reception of his music, Rhett's financial trajectory appears promising as he continues to write and perform, solidifying his place in the country music landscape.