Rhett Akins is a prominent country music artist and songwriter who has been active in the industry for over three decades. His career began in the early 1990s with the release of his debut album, ‘A Thousand Memories’, which included several hit singles. Akins’ success as a songwriter has been equally impressive, with credits on numerous chart-topping songs by other artists.
Born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1969, Akins grew up in a musical family and was exposed to a variety of genres from an early age. He started playing guitar and writing songs as a teenager, and after a stint in college, he moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music.
Over the years, Akins has established himself as a respected and influential figure in the country music scene, known for his catchy melodies, clever lyrics, and distinctive voice. This article will explore Akins’ early life and musical influences, his career as a songwriter and recording artist, his personal life and family, and his plans for the future.
Key Takeaways
- Rhett Akins is a prominent country music artist and songwriter with a career spanning over three decades.
- He has collaborated with several successful country artists, including Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, and Jason Aldean.
- Akins has been open about his struggles with alcoholism and credited his family and faith for helping him overcome addiction.
- His musical style has shifted from traditional country to a more contemporary sound over the years, and his album ‘Country Again: Side A’ received critical acclaim for its authenticity and relatability to country music fans.
Early Life and Musical Influences
Rhett Akins’ early life and musical influences greatly contributed to his development as a country music artist. Born on October 13, 1969, in Valdosta, Georgia, Akins grew up surrounded by music. His father was a country singer and songwriter, and his mother was a music teacher.
Akins started playing the guitar at a young age and began performing in local talent shows and fairs. He also sang in his church choir, which further honed his vocal skills. Akins’ musical influences were wide-ranging, including country legends like Merle Haggard and George Jones, as well as rock and roll icons like Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
He also drew inspiration from contemporary country artists such as Randy Travis and Dwight Yoakam. Akins’ exposure to such diverse musical influences helped shape his unique sound, which has been described as a blend of traditional country and modern rock. His early experiences in the music industry, combined with his eclectic taste in music, would prove to be invaluable in his later career as a successful country music artist.
Developing His Career as a Songwriter
The early years of Rhett Akins’ career were dedicated to developing his skills as a songwriter, with a focus on crafting heartfelt lyrics that resonated with audiences. Akins’ approach to songwriting was heavily influenced by the country music tradition, which emphasizes sincerity and storytelling. As a result, his early compositions often dealt with relatable themes such as love, heartbreak, and the struggles of everyday life.
Akins’ early success as a songwriter came in the form of hit singles for other country artists, including ‘Don’t Get Me Started’by Rodney Crowell and ‘I Brake for Brunettes’by Rhett’s close friend, Sammy Kershaw. These successes helped establish Akins’ reputation as a songwriter in Nashville and provided him with the opportunity to collaborate with other industry professionals.
Over time, Akins’ songwriting skills continued to evolve, as he experimented with different styles and techniques, while remaining true to his commitment to crafting authentic and emotionally resonant lyrics.
Signing His First Record Deal
After establishing himself as a successful songwriter, Akins signed his first record deal with Decca Records in 1994. His debut single, ‘Don’t Get Me Started,’was released in 1995 and peaked at number 68 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Despite its modest success, the song helped Akins establish himself as a solo artist and paved the way for his future endeavors in the music industry.
Akins’ self-titled debut album was released in 1995, and it included his debut single as well as several other tracks that showcased his talents as a singer and songwriter. The album was well-received by critics and fans alike, and it helped Akins establish himself as a rising star in the country music scene.
Overall, Akins’ first record deal marked a pivotal moment in his career as he transitioned from a successful songwriter to a successful solo artist.
Debut Album: ‘A Thousand Memories’
Released in 1996, ‘A Thousand Memories’ was Rhett Akins’ second studio album and showcased his ability to blend traditional country sounds with contemporary styles. The album’s lead single, ‘Don’t Get Me Started,’ reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, and was followed by the top 5 hit ‘That Ain’t My Truck.’
Akins co-wrote all but one of the album’s tracks, highlighting his skills as a songwriter as well as a performer. One notable aspect of ‘A Thousand Memories’ is its diverse range of musical styles. Akins incorporates elements of rock and blues into his country sound, creating a unique blend that sets him apart from other artists in the genre.
Additionally, the album features heartfelt ballads such as ‘Dream the Rest’ and up-tempo, danceable tracks like ‘I’m Finding Out.’ Overall, ‘A Thousand Memories’ solidified Akins’ place in the country music scene and showcased his versatility as an artist.
- ‘Don’t Get Me Started’ reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart
- Akins co-wrote all but one of the album’s tracks
- The album blends traditional country sounds with contemporary styles, incorporating elements of rock and blues into Akins’ sound
- ‘A Thousand Memories’ features a diverse range of musical styles, from heartfelt ballads to up-tempo dance tracks.
Hit Singles and Continued Success
Following the success of his debut album, Rhett Akins continued to thrive in the country music industry. With his undeniable talent and distinct sound, he released several hit singles that solidified his standing as a formidable force in the genre.
Among these singles were ‘Don’t Get Me Started,’ ‘That Ain’t My Truck,’ and ‘She Said Yes,’ which garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. In particular, ‘She Said Yes’ became Akins’ first number one as a songwriter, and it remains one of his most recognizable and beloved tracks to date.
Akins’ continued success in the industry also allowed him to collaborate with other notable artists, such as Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, and Jason Aldean. He continued to write songs and release albums that showcased his growth as a musician and storyteller.
With his undeniable talent and dedication to his craft, Rhett Akins has become a prominent figure in country music, inspiring countless artists and fans alike with his music and legacy.
Collaborations with Other Country Artists
Collaborating with notable country artists such as Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, and Jason Aldean, Rhett Akins has solidified his standing as a respected musician in the industry. His ability to work with others while still maintaining his own individual style has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Akins’ collaboration with Blake Shelton on the hit song ‘Honey Bee’ helped him reach a new level of success and introduced him to a wider audience. His duet with Luke Bryan on ‘I Don’t Want This Night to End’ also received widespread praise and was a chart-topping hit.
Akins has also collaborated with Jason Aldean on several occasions, including the hit songs ‘When She Says Baby’ and ‘Just Gettin’ Started’. These collaborations have allowed him to showcase his songwriting abilities while also bringing a fresh perspective and unique sound to the country music landscape.
Akins’ willingness to work with others and explore new musical territories has cemented his place as a leading figure in the country music community.
Personal Life and Family
Akins’ personal life and family have been a significant influence on his music, as he often draws inspiration from his experiences and relationships. He has been married twice and has three children, including his son Thomas Rhett, who has also become a successful country artist. Akins has been open about his struggles with alcoholism and has credited his family and faith for helping him overcome his addiction.
In addition to his immediate family, Akins has also been influenced by his upbringing in rural Georgia and the Southern culture he grew up in. He often incorporates these themes into his music, such as in his hit single ‘Don’t Get Me Started,’which laments the changing landscape of small towns and the loss of traditional values.
Akins’ personal and familial experiences have shaped his music and made him a relatable figure to many fans who appreciate his honest and heartfelt approach to country music.
Awards and Achievements
Throughout his career, the country music artist Rhett Akins has been recognized for his talent and contribution to the industry, with notable awards and achievements.
Akins won a BMI Country Award for co-writing the hit song ‘Don’t Get Me Started’ which was recorded by Rhett’s son, Thomas Rhett. The song was a commercial success and peaked at number 25 on the US Hot Country Songs chart.
Akins was also inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2019, recognizing his contributions to the country music scene in the state.
Aside from his personal accolades, Rhett Akins has also contributed to the success of other artists. One of his most notable achievements was co-writing ‘Honey Bee’ with Ben Hayslip, which was recorded by Blake Shelton. The song became Shelton’s ninth consecutive number one hit and was certified triple platinum by the RIAA.
Additionally, Akins co-wrote ‘All About Tonight’ with Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip, which was recorded by Blake Shelton and became his first number one hit on the US Hot Country Songs chart. Akins’ contributions to the country music industry have been significant, and his talent as a songwriter and performer continues to be recognized by his peers and fans alike.
Evolution of His Musical Style
Over the years, Rhett Akins’ musical style has undergone significant changes, shifting from traditional country to a more contemporary sound.
During the early stages of his career, Akins was known for his traditional country sound, which featured elements such as steel guitar, fiddle, and straightforward lyrics.
His debut album, ‘A Thousand Memories,’ released in 1995, featured hits like ‘Don’t Get Me Started’ and ‘That Ain’t My Truck,’ which were both traditional country songs.
However, as Akins continued to release new music, his sound started to evolve. He began incorporating more pop and rock elements into his music, resulting in a more contemporary sound.
His 2006 album, ‘People Like Me,’ marked a significant departure from his traditional country roots and showcased a more upbeat, rock-influenced sound.
Akins’ evolution as an artist has allowed him to appeal to a wider audience and stay relevant in an ever-changing music industry.
Future Plans and Projects
Looking ahead to the future, it is evident that Rhett Akins has no plans of slowing down anytime soon, as he continues to work on new projects and collaborations within the music industry.
One of his most recent projects is the release of his album ‘Country Again: Side A,’ which features a collection of songs that reflect his personal experiences and growth as an artist. The album has received critical acclaim and has been praised for its authenticity and relatability to country music fans.
In addition to his solo work, Akins has also been collaborating with other artists in the industry. He recently co-wrote the hit song ‘Good Time’ with fellow country artist Niko Moon, which has become a fan favorite and has been climbing the charts.
Akins has also been working with his son, Thomas Rhett, who is also a successful country artist, on various projects. These collaborations not only showcase Akins’ versatility as an artist but also demonstrate his commitment to the country music community and his desire to continue creating meaningful and impactful music.