Thomas Rhett
A country music star who smoothly evolved from behind-the-scenes songwriter into a chart-topping performer known for slick, R&B-tinged anthems about love and good times.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American country singer·Birthday: March 30·Millennials
Biography
Thomas Rhett Akins Jr. grew up in Nashville surrounded by songwriting, watching his father, Rhett Akins, navigate the industry. He initially entered the business as a writer, penning tracks for other artists before stepping into the spotlight himself. His early sound was traditional country, but with albums like 'Tangled Up' and 'Life Changes,' he masterfully pivoted, weaving in pop, funk, and R&B influences to create a vibrant, danceable brand of country that dominated radio. Hits like 'Die a Happy Man' and 'Craving You' showcase his knack for romantic sentiment and slick production. More than just a performer, Rhett represents modern country's expansive boundaries, building a persona around a laid-back, family-oriented charm that resonates in packed arenas.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Thomas was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Thomas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Thomas's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the CMA Award for Album of the Year in 2019 for 'Center Point Road'.
- His single 'Die a Happy Man' won both the ACM and CMA Award for Single of the Year in 2016.
- Has achieved over 20 number-one singles on the US Country Airplay chart.
- Co-wrote the number-one hit 'I Ain't Ready to Quit' for Jason Aldean before launching his own singing career.
Did You Know?
He married his wife, Lauren, in 2012; they were high school sweethearts.
He adopted his eldest daughter, Willa Gray, from Uganda in 2017.
He appeared in the 2021 film 'The Jesus Music', a documentary about contemporary Christian music.
“I think the best songs are the ones that are the most honest.”
