Career Timeline of Thomas Rhett: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 12, 2025

Discover the career path of Thomas Rhett, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Thomas Rhett Akins Jr., known professionally as Thomas Rhett, is a prominent American country singer-songwriter. He's also recognized as the son of country music artist Rhett Akins, which influenced his career in the same genre. Thomas Rhett has achieved significant success in the country music scene with numerous hit songs and albums, contributing to modern country music.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1994: Co-wrote '1994'

In 1994, Thomas Rhett co-wrote the single "1994" that was performed by Jason Aldean.

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2010: Co-wrote 'I Ain't Ready to Quit'

In 2010, Thomas Rhett co-wrote the song "I Ain't Ready to Quit" which appeared on Jason Aldean's album My Kinda Party.

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2011: Signed with Valory Music Group

In 2011, Thomas Rhett signed a recording contract with Big Machine Records' Valory Music Group division.

2012: Released Debut and Second Singles

In 2012, Thomas Rhett released his debut single, "Something to Do with My Hands", followed later that year by "Beer with Jesus". Both singles made the top 30 on the Hot Country Songs charts.

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September 21, 2013: Five Songs in Top 10

During the chart week of September 21, 2013, Thomas Rhett or his father co-wrote five songs within the top 10 of the Country Airplay chart, including "It Goes Like This".

October 29, 2013: Debut Album Release

On October 29, 2013, Thomas Rhett released his debut album, titled "It Goes Like This".

March 7, 2015: 'Make Me Wanna' Reached Number One

On March 7, 2015, Thomas Rhett's single, "Make Me Wanna", reached number one on the Country Airplay chart.

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September 2015: 'Tangled Up' Reached Number One

In September 2015, Thomas Rhett's album, 'Tangled Up', reached number one on the Country Airplay chart.

December 2015: 'Die a Happy Man' Reached Number One

In December 2015, Thomas Rhett's single "Die a Happy Man" reached number one on the Country Airplay, Hot Country Songs, and Canada Country charts.

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January 2016: 'Die a Happy Man' Chart Success

In January 2016, "Die a Happy Man" remained at number one on the Country Airplay chart for 8 weeks, making it the second song in the chart's history to achieve this milestone.

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June 2016: 'T-Shirt' reached number one

In June 2016, Thomas Rhett's song "T-Shirt" reached number one on the Country Airplay chart, but received poor critical reviews criticizing its lyrical content.

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2020: Released 'Be a Light' and Won Entertainer of the Year

In 2020, Thomas Rhett released the standalone single "Be a Light", a collaboration with Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, and Keith Urban and won Entertainer of the Year at the 2020 Academy of Country Music Awards.

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