History of Thomas Rhett in Timeline

Thomas Rhett Akins Jr. is a prominent American country music artist known for both his singing and songwriting abilities. His musical lineage is evident as he is the son of established country singer, Rhett Akins.

March 30, 1990: Birth of Thomas Rhett Akins Jr.

Thomas Rhett Akins Jr., an American country singer-songwriter, was born on March 30, 1990. He is the eldest son of country singer Rhett Akins.

1994: Co-writes "1994" for Jason Aldean

Thomas Rhett co-wrote the song "1994," a single released by Jason Aldean in 1994.

2010: Co-writes "I Ain't Ready to Quit" for Jason Aldean

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

2011: Signs Recording Contract with Valory Music Group

Thomas Rhett secured a recording contract with Valory Music Group, a division of Big Machine Records, in 2011.

October 12, 2012: Marriage to Lauren Gregory

Thomas Rhett married Lauren Gregory on October 12, 2012.

2012: Debut Single "Something to Do with My Hands" Released

Thomas Rhett's debut single, "Something to Do with My Hands," was released in early 2012, followed by "Beer with Jesus" later that year. Both songs achieved a top 30 ranking on the Hot Country Songs charts.

September 21, 2013: Five Songs Co-written by Thomas Rhett or His Father in Country Airplay Top 10

On September 21, 2013, the Country Airplay chart featured five songs co-written by either Thomas Rhett or his father, Rhett Akins, in the top 10, including Thomas Rhett's own hit, "It Goes Like This." This achievement highlighted their songwriting prowess in the country music industry.

October 29, 2013: Release of Debut Album "It Goes Like This"

Thomas Rhett's debut album, also titled "It Goes Like This," was officially released on October 29, 2013.

2013: Release of Debut Album "It Goes Like This"

In 2013, Thomas Rhett released his debut album, "It Goes Like This," under the Valory Music imprint of Big Machine Records.

August 4, 2014: Release of "Make Me Wanna"

"Make Me Wanna," the fifth single from Thomas Rhett's debut album, was released to country radio on August 4, 2014.

March 7, 2015: "Make Me Wanna" Reaches Number One

On March 7, 2015, "Make Me Wanna" reached the top spot on the Country Airplay chart.

April 7, 2015: Release of "Crash and Burn"

Thomas Rhett released "Crash and Burn" on April 7, 2015, as the lead single from his upcoming second studio album.

September 2015: "Crash and Burn" Tops Country Airplay Chart, "Tangled Up" Released

"Crash and Burn" reached the summit of the Country Airplay chart in September 2015. This same month, Thomas Rhett released his second studio album, "Tangled Up."

September 28, 2015: Release of "Die a Happy Man"

"Die a Happy Man," the second single from Thomas Rhett's album "Tangled Up," hit country radio on September 28, 2015.

November 1, 2015: Adoption of Willa Gray

Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins welcomed their first daughter, Willa Gray, into their family through adoption on November 1, 2015. Willa Gray was born in Uganda.

December 2015: "Die a Happy Man" Reaches Number One

In December 2015, "Die a Happy Man" climbed to the number one position on the Country Airplay, Hot Country Songs, and Canada Country charts.

2015: Release of Second Album "Tangled Up"

Thomas Rhett released his second studio album, "Tangled Up," in 2015.

January 2016: "Die a Happy Man" Maintains Number One Spot

"Die a Happy Man" continued its reign at number one on the Country Airplay chart in January 2016, holding the top position for an impressive eight weeks. This achievement marked only the second time in the chart's history that a song had achieved such longevity at the top spot.

February 16, 2016: Release of "T-Shirt"

"T-Shirt," the third single from "Tangled Up," was released to country radio on February 16, 2016. Despite reaching number one on the Country Airplay chart, the song faced criticism for its lyrics.

June 13, 2016: Release of "Vacation"

On June 13, 2016, Thomas Rhett released "Vacation," the fourth single from his album "Tangled Up."

June 2016: "T-Shirt" Tops Country Airplay Chart

In June 2016, "T-Shirt" reached the pinnacle of the Country Airplay chart.

October 3, 2016: Release of "Star of the Show"

"Star of the Show," the fifth single from the album "Tangled Up," was released to country radio on October 3, 2016.

May 2017: Announcement of Pregnancy and Adoption

In May 2017, Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins shared the exciting news on Instagram that they were expecting a child and were also in the process of adopting a child from Africa.

August 2017: Birth of Ada James

In August 2017, Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins welcomed their second daughter, Ada James.

2017: Release of Third Album "Life Changes"

Thomas Rhett's third studio album, "Life Changes," was released in 2017.

April 16, 2018: Release of "Life Changes" as Single

On April 16, 2018, the title track from Thomas Rhett's third studio album, "Life Changes," was released as the album's fourth single.

March 1, 2019: Release of "Look What God Gave Her"

Thomas Rhett released "Look What God Gave Her" as the lead single from his fourth studio album, "Center Point Road," on March 1, 2019.

2019: Release of Fourth Album "Center Point Road"

In 2019, Thomas Rhett released his fourth studio album, "Center Point Road."

February 10, 2020: Birth of Lennon Love

Lennon Love, Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins' third daughter, was born on February 10, 2020.

2020: Release of "Be a Light" and Entertainer of the Year Win

In 2020, Thomas Rhett released the collaborative single "Be a Light," featuring Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, and Keith Urban, with proceeds donated to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. This year also saw him win the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

March 2021: Announcement of Double Album "Country Again"

Thomas Rhett revealed his plans to release a double album titled "Country Again" in March 2021.

April 30, 2021: Release of "Country Again: Side A"

"Country Again: Side A," the first part of Thomas Rhett's double album, was released on April 30, 2021. This album marked a return to his country roots, featuring stripped-down songs and traditional country elements. Notably, six of the songs were co-written with his father, Rhett Akins.

November 15, 2021: Birth of Lillie Carolina

Lillie Carolina, the fourth daughter of Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins, was born on November 15, 2021.

November 2021: Release of "Slow Down Summer"

Thomas Rhett released "Slow Down Summer" in November 2021 as the lead single from his upcoming album "Where We Started."

2021: Release of "Country Again: Side A"

The first part of Thomas Rhett's double album, "Country Again: Side A," was released in 2021.

April 1, 2022: Release of Sixth Album "Where We Started"

Thomas Rhett's sixth studio album, "Where We Started," was released on April 1, 2022. The album features collaborations with Katy Perry, Tyler Hubbard, and Russell Dickerson.

June 6, 2022: Release of "Half of Me" with Riley Green

On June 6, 2022, Thomas Rhett dropped "Half of Me," a collaboration with Riley Green, as the second single from "Where We Started."

October 21, 2022: Release of "Merry Christmas, Y'all" EP

Thomas Rhett embraced the holiday spirit with the release of his EP "Merry Christmas, Y'all" on October 21, 2022. The EP features his renditions of four beloved Christmas classics.

2022: Release of Sixth Album "Where We Started"

Thomas Rhett's sixth studio album, "Where We Started," was released in 2022.

January 23, 2023: Release of "Angels (Don't Always Have Wings)"

"Angels (Don't Always Have Wings)" was released on January 23, 2023, as the third single from "Where We Started."

March 2023: Update on "Country Again: Side B" Release

In March 2023, Thomas Rhett provided an update on the release of "Country Again: Side B." He explained that the album's release had been delayed due to his focus on creating high-energy music for live performances but expressed hope for its eventual release.

September 29, 2023: Release of "20 Number Ones" Greatest Hits Album

To celebrate "Half of Me" becoming his 20th number one single on the Country Aircheck/MediaBase chart, Thomas Rhett released a greatest hits album titled "20 Number Ones" on September 29, 2023. The album includes the bonus track "Mamaw's House," a collaboration with Morgan Wallen, which was also released as a single.

May 10, 2024: Release of "Beautiful as You"

Thomas Rhett released the single "Beautiful as You" on May 10, 2024.

June 5, 2024: Announcement of Seventh Album "About a Woman"

On June 5, 2024, Thomas Rhett delighted fans with the announcement of his seventh studio album, "About a Woman," scheduled for release on August 23, 2024.