About the Artist

Who Sounds Like Who
MercyMe  Matthew West  Chris Tomlin 

Who Is He
Thomas Rhett Atkins Jr. was born in Georgia and raised in Nashville, the son of award-winning country singer and songwriter Rhett Atkins. He grew up with his father in the music field and began touring with his father in his youth. After playing in a cover band, he got a recording offer from the same agent who signed his father. Thomas' style is a blend of a number of genres due to an eclectic taste and background in music. His first single "Something to do with my hands" debut in 2011. His first album "It Goes Like This", ended up as number six on Billboard's top 200. Three songs off that album ended up on the top airplay charts. His second album, "Tangled Up" was released in 2015 with the song "Die a Happy Man", a song that not only made the number one country song, but was also featured on the Tonight's Show with Jimmy Fallon. At one time, Billboard's top ten country songs included five songs that either he or his father wrote.

What Are His Messages
Rhett's music is well composed and reveals a full blend of musical style and ability. It fits the mold of county music—relationships, girls, partying, love, loss, and fun cover the majority of his themes. Songs like “Vacation” focus on fun. “Beer with Jesus” seeks to address the question of "What would you ask or say to Jesus over a beer?" "Die a Happy Man" is a song he wrote about his relationship with his wife.

What Does a Youthworker Need2Know
Rhett's music can be fun, upbeat and danceable, covering a great deal of concepts. Many of these songs may not be suited for youth groups, but the expression of them will more than likely match where your students are or the environments they are in. The song "Crash and Burn" may seem flippant and insensitive, while "When I Was Your Man" may express regret, personal responsibility, and growth. A strong love ballad, "Die a Happy Man" was inspired by and written for his wife. The thought provoking, "Beer with Jesus", will be controversial in any circles. (Know where your church leaders and parents stand on this.) This song drafts a strong image of having a down to earth conversation with Jesus about life and death. Most of his songs can provide great discussion on topics like relationships, live, life, humanity, loss, death, self worth, grief, evangelism, and even fun.