31+ No. 1 Hits: The Unstoppable Songwriting Empire Of Country Legend Rhett Akins

Rhett Akins has quietly cemented his legacy as one of the most prolific and successful songwriters in modern country music history, a powerhouse whose influence extends far beyond his own performing career. As of late 2024 and early 2025, Akins continues to make headlines, most notably by signing a major publishing deal with Jonas Group Publishing (JGP), which also acquired a significant portion of his extensive catalog, signaling a new chapter for his songwriting empire. This move underscores the enduring value and impact of his work, which spans decades and encompasses over 31 No. 1 singles.

The veteran hitmaker's recent accolades, including the emotional presentation of the 2025 NMPA Non-Performing Songwriter Icon Award by his son, superstar Thomas Rhett, confirm his status as a Nashville titan. While many fans know him as the father of a country star, his own story is one of a rare artist who successfully transitioned from a performing artist with his own hits to a behind-the-scenes master craftsman, co-writing chart-toppers for nearly every major artist in the genre.

The Life and Times of a Country Music Architect: Rhett Akins Biography

Rhett Akins, born in 1969, is an American country music singer and songwriter who first made his mark as a recording artist in the mid-1990s. His early career was defined by his own radio hits, but his true calling emerged when he shifted his focus to crafting songs for others, a move that would redefine his career trajectory and the sound of country radio for the next two decades.

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• Full Name: Rhett Akins
• Born: 1969, United States
• Career Start: Moved to Nashville in 1992, received a record deal in 1993.
• Debut Album: A Thousand Memories (1995)
• Signature Solo Hit: "That Ain't My Truck" (1995) and the No. 1 single "Don't Get Me Started" (1996).
• Songwriting Trio: Co-founder of The Peach Pickers with Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip.
• Notable Awards (Selection):
  • Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee (2021)
  • 2025 NMPA Non-Performing Songwriter Icon Award
  • Two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year
  • Eight-time CMA Triple Play Award Winner (for writing three No. 1 songs in a 12-month period)
  • ACM Songwriter of the Decade (2010s)
• Family Connection: Father of country music superstar Thomas Rhett.

The Peach Pickers: The Most Successful Songwriting Team in Nashville History

The engine behind a significant portion of Akins' success is his partnership with fellow Georgia natives Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip. Together, they form the legendary songwriting trio known as The Peach Pickers. Formed in the late 2000s, this dynamic collaboration is credited with shaping the sound of 'Bro-Country' and the era of high-energy, feel-good country anthems.

Their collective accomplishments are staggering, with the trio being responsible for a massive number of chart-topping hits. Some sources have even dubbed them the most successful songwriting team in Nashville's history, highlighting their undeniable impact on the genre. The synergy between Akins, Davidson, and Hayslip allows them to consistently churn out radio gold, proving that collaboration is key to maintaining a dominant presence in the competitive world of country music publishing.

Akins' Prolific Catalog: Over 31 No. 1 Singles and Counting

Rhett Akins' true genius lies in his ability to write songs that resonate with a mass audience, resulting in an incredible count of over 31 No. 1 singles for a variety of artists. His songs are not just hits; they are foundational tracks that have defined the careers of some of country music's biggest stars. This impressive catalog is the reason his recent deal with Jonas Group Publishing was so significant—it represents a goldmine of proven, chart-topping intellectual property.

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The sheer volume and quality of his work have earned him multiple BMI Songwriter of the Year awards and the prestigious CMA Triple Play Award multiple times. His knack for crafting relatable, catchy lyrics and memorable melodies makes him a go-to collaborator for artists looking for their next smash hit. Below is a list of some of the most notable No. 1 hits and key tracks written or co-written by Rhett Akins, often alongside The Peach Pickers:

• "Honey Bee" (Blake Shelton) - A massive hit that became the highest-selling digital debut by a country male solo artist at the time.
• "Boys 'Round Here" (Blake Shelton) - A signature Peach Pickers track.
• "I Don't Want This Night To End" (Luke Bryan) - A huge party-anthem co-write.
• "Dirt On My Boots" (Jon Pardi) - A modern country classic.
• "Small Town Boy" (Dustin Lynch) - Another chart-topping success.
• "Take a Back Road" (Rodney Atkins) - A memorable hit from 2011.
• "All About Tonight" (Blake Shelton) - A major early Peach Pickers success.
• "All Over Me" (Josh Turner) - A romantic hit co-written for Turner.
• "It Goes Like This" (Thomas Rhett) - A No. 1 hit for his son, cementing the family legacy.
• "Get Me Some of That" (Thomas Rhett) - Another collaboration with his son.
• "Look What God Gave Her" (Thomas Rhett) - A more recent hit demonstrating continued success.
• "Put A Girl In It" (Brooks & Dunn) - A track written before the full formation of The Peach Pickers.

The Legacy Continues: New Deals and Icon Status in 2025

Even with a career that has already earned him a spot in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Rhett Akins shows no signs of slowing down. His recent partnership with Jonas Group Publishing is a testament to the fact that his music remains a highly sought-after commodity in the industry. This deal ensures that his vast collection of country music hits will continue to generate revenue and influence new generations of artists.

Furthermore, Akins' presence is still highly visible in the country music community. In early 2025, he is scheduled to join the star-studded lineup for Bob Kingsley's Acoustic Alley at the Country Radio Seminar (CRS). This appearance, coupled with his emotional acceptance of the 2025 NMPA Icon Award, highlights a career that has come full circle—from a young artist with his own No. 1 single to a revered elder statesman whose work provides the soundtrack for countless country music fans. His enduring success as a songwriter, especially in his role as a "non-performing" icon, solidifies his place not just as Thomas Rhett's father, but as a genuine country music legend in his own right.

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