Thomas Rhett Commemorates Seven No. 1 Songs, Adding To 20 Total

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Leslie Roberts (BMI), Josh Miller (BMI), Will Bundy (ASCAP), Riley Green (BMI), Rhett Akins (BMI), Josh Thompson (BMI), Matt Dragstrem (ASCAP), Jon Pardi (BMI) and Mike Sistad (ASCAP);(L-R, front row): Julian Bunetta (BMI), Parker Welling (BMI), Thomas Rhett (BMI), Dann Huff (ASCAP) and Ashley Gorley (ASCAP) Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

In how many music towns would a format-leading superstar take time to speak about each of his co-writers on his last seven chart-toppers? Well that’s exactly what happened in Nashville on Tuesday (June 6) when BMI and ASCAP staged a rooftop party celebrating seven of Thomas Rhett‘s 20 career No. 1 hits.

BMI’s Leslie Roberts kicked everything off by welcoming the industry crowd. She quickly turned it over to Studio Bank’s Ron Cox, who made a special donation presentation on behalf of Rhett and the songwriters to Love One International.

“We’re celebrating 14 songwriters today and over 25 publishers,” Roberts shared. She turned everything over to Rhett, who became the emcee. He recognized each songwriter as he went through all seven of the celebrated songs, including “Remember You Young,” “Beer Can’t Fix” feat. Jon Pardi, “Be A Light” feat. Reba, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin and Keith Urban, “What’s Your Country Song,” “Country Again,” “Slow Down Summer” and “Half of Me” feat. Riley Green.

“It’s been four years since we had a No. 1 party. It’s important to me to acknowledge all these songwriters for the incredible impact they’ve had on my career,” Rhett said.

He started the presentations by recognizing Julian Bunetta (“Beer Can’t Fix”). “I met you seven years ago and from that day, you have taught me to calm down,” Rhett said as Bunetta made his way to the stage. “You’ve made a huge impact on my career and it’s been an honor to write with you and get to know you.”

Rhett and Bunetta’s co-writers on “Beer Can’t Fix,” Zach Skelton and Ryan Tedder, weren’t in attendance but were applauded.

Rhett also recognized Pardi, who was a featured vocalist on the song. Pardi was in attendance and said, “Awesome song. Awesome people. Awesome artist. This was a really cool moment, even though it was three years ago. It’s better now, right?”

Pictured (L-R, back row): MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Josh Miller, Will Bundy, Riley Green, Rhett Akins, Josh Thompson, Matt Dragstrem and Jon Pardi; (L-R, front row): Julian Bunetta, Parker Welling, Thomas Rhett, Dann Huff, Ashley Gorley and MusicRow’s LB Cantrell. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

Next, Rhett recognized the writers on “Be A Light,” starting with Josh Miller. “He’s one of the kindest human beings in the world. I really wish he would make his own record.” Of “Be A Light” co-writer Matt Dragstrem, Rhett said, “You’re an incredible dude. Such a joy to be around and an incredible talent.”

Will Bundy (“Half of Me”) was the next songwriter to be praised. “You’re an amazing talent. This was your first country No. 1,” Rhett said.

Josh Thompson (“Be A Light” and “Half of Me”) was next. “Josh is the silent killer in the room,” Rhett stated. “You’re one of the most talented people I’ve ever been around.”

“You’re so fun to write with,” Thompson said to Rhett. “Thank you for being you.”

Rhett then recognized Green, who sang on “Half Of Me.” Green shared, “I appreciate you for letting me ride your coattails to No. 1. This was an awesome opportunity for me and a great song.”

Parker Welling (“What’s Your Country Song”) was the next songwriter up. “From the moment I met Parker, I knew she was going to make a gigantic impact on this town,” Rhett said. “I want to thank you for making me a better human being and challenging me as a writer.”

Welling thanked Home Team, Rhett’s publishing joint venture with Warner Chappell that signed her in 2020.

“This next guy is pretty new to town, you may not know him. His name is Ashley Gorley,” Rhett joked about the NSAI Songwriter of the Decade and ACM Songwriter of the Year. “Through the years, Ashley has been a go-to co-writer for me.”

Gorley (“Remember You Young,” “What’s Your Country Song,” “Country Again” and “Slow Down Summer”) made sure to thank all of the publishers and those who help make songs go to the top of the charts.

Finally, Rhett spoke about his dad, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Rhett Akins. “You have been the source of every bit of inspiration I could have ever had,” he said. “You supported me [in every interest and passion I have had] and I think that’s why I have the mentality to go and get it today.”

Akins spoke about getting to write songs with his son, and thanked the crowd of supporters who have helped Rhett along the way.

“This is a miracle. This does not happen to most artists. It doesn’t happen to most dads—to get to sit up here to watch your son receive seven No. 1s,” Akins said. “God is the only way that this happened. I pray we get to do it a lot more.”

Zach Crowell (“Country Again”), Sean Douglas (“Slow Down Summer”) and Jesse Frasure (“Remember You Young,” “What’s Your Country Song” and “Slow Down Summer”) weren’t in attendance, but Rhett recognized them as well.

In addition to recognizing his co-writers, Rhett managed to get humble producer Dann Huff out to a No. 1 party. “You have really helped me find my sound. You’ve let me be me and you’ve allowed me to explore,” Rhett said. “You’ve been an incredible staple in my career.”

Huff, who produced all seven No. 1 hits, shared, “The feeling is mutual. I learn as much from you.”

Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Allison Jones and George Briner gave a special presentation to commemorate Rhett’s 20 career hits. They each told the story of how they encountered Rhett.

Borchetta thanked the writers, his team at Big Machine and Rhett.

“Allison, myself and everyone who touches these records, we live for the moment when Thomas says, ‘I’m ready to play you new songs,'” Borchetta said. “It’s the thing that keeps me going and it’s the thing that drives our beautiful town.”

LB Cantrell
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