Country music fans may wonder if there is any connection between two of the genre’s most celebrated artists: Chet Atkins and Thomas Rhett. Both have achieved remarkable success and influence in their respective eras, but are they related by blood or by marriage? The answer may surprise you.
Who is Chet Atkins?
Chet Atkins was an American musician, songwriter, and producer who helped create the Nashville sound, a style of country music that blended pop and rock elements. He was born in 1924 in Tennessee and learned to play guitar at a young age. He was inspired by Merle Travis, Django Reinhardt, Les Paul, and Jerry Reed, among others
He began his career as a session musician and later became a record executive for RCA Victor, where he produced records for artists such as Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Jim Reeves, Dolly Parton, and the Everly Brothers. He also had a successful solo career as a guitarist, releasing over 100 albums and winning 14 Grammy Awards. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Musicians Hall of Fame. He died in 2001 at the age of 77
Who is Thomas Rhett?
Thomas Rhett is an American singer-songwriter who is the son of another country star, Rhett Akins. He was born in 1990 in Georgia and grew up surrounded by music. He learned to play drums and guitar and started writing songs with his father. He also admired artists such as Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, and Chet Atkins
He signed a recording contract with Big Machine Records in 2011 and released his debut album, It Goes Like This, in 2013. Since then, he has released five more albums: Tangled Up (2015), Life Changes (2017), Center Point Road (2019), Country Again: Side A (2021), and Where We Started (2022). He has had 21 singles on the Billboard Hot Country and Country Airplay charts, with 17 reaching the number one spot. He has also received four Grammy nominations and nine Country Music Association awards
Are They Related?
Despite their similar last names and musical talents, Chet Atkins and Thomas Rhett are not related by blood or by marriage. They do not share any common ancestors or relatives that we know of. However, they do share a mutual admiration and respect for each other’s work.
Thomas Rhett has cited Chet Atkins as one of his influences and has covered some of his songs in his concerts. He has also collaborated with his son, Mark Knopfler, on a song called “When We Were Us” for his album Where We Started
Chet Atkins was also aware of Thomas Rhett’s music and praised him for his versatility and creativity. In an interview with Rolling Stone in 1999, he said: “I like Thomas Rhett a lot. He’s got a good voice and he can do anything. He can sing rock or country or pop or whatever he wants to do. He’s very talented.”
Conclusion
Chet Atkins and Thomas Rhett are two of the most successful and influential country artists of all time, but they are not related in any way. They are simply connected by their love for music and their admiration for each other’s craft. They are both examples of how country music can evolve and adapt to different styles and audiences while staying true to its roots.
