Country music continues to shape the lives of today’s artists, with Thomas Rhett leading the charge and rising star Tucker Wetmore not far behind. Their journeys embody the pursuit of passion and the transformational power of music.
Born Thomas Rhett Akins Jr., Thomas Rhett was destined for greatness, being the son of acclaimed country singer Rhett Akins. Growing up, he was consistently surrounded by music legends, which laid the groundwork for his remarkable career. From Tim McGraw to Brooks & Dunn, he didn’t just listen to the greats; he learned from them. Thomas's musical path began early. He picked up drums as a kid and started performing alongside his father by junior high.
At age 20, Rhett made the bold choice to drop out of college and chase his dreams full-time. His first significant breakthrough came from signing with Big Machine Label Group, where he began to write songs. One of his initial song-writing successes was co-creating Jason Aldean’s hit "I Ain’t Ready to Quit" for Aldean’s 2010 album, which asserted his presence as both artist and songwriter.
The floodgates of success opened for Rhett when he released singles like "Something to Do with My Hands" and "Beer with Jesus" back in 2012. Both songs charted nicely, cementing his debut on the Hot Country Songs chart. "It Goes Like This," his third single, achieved No. 2, thereby amplifying his status within the industry. His debut album, It Goes Like This (2014), boasted chart-toppers like "Get Me Some of That" and "Make Me Wanna," making him not just Rhett Akins’ son, but a household name on his own.
Today, Thomas Rhett enjoys substantial financial success, boasting net worth estimates around $5 million. His wealth accumulates from various music avenues, including his work as both singer and songwriter. According to reports, his annual earnings hover around $600,000, attributed to album sales, songwriting royalties, and extensive touring schedules.
Indeed, touring has proven to be one of Rhett’s primary sources of income. Forbes estimates his earnings at around $250,000 per night during performance tours back in 2018. Although this figure may vary with time, he’s likely raking in even more per concert now. After all, Thomas has released 28 singles and six studio albums, which showcase his prolific output and dedication to the craft. His transparent relationship with his father, Rhett Akins, has played vastly positive roles throughout his career. Akins nurtured his son’s songwriting abilities and encouraged him to strike out on his own, helping him achieve commercial success.
On the other hand, country music also has fresh faces gracing the charts. Tucker Wetmore, known as the dynamic newcomer, is not one to be overshadowed. He’s currently sitting on the verge of achieving his first No. 1 hit with “Wind Up Missin’ You.” Prior to his musical career, Wetmore was actively involved in sports, playing football and baseball—mobilizing talent through athletics.
After moving to college to play football, Wetmore faced setbacks due to injuries, signaling the abrupt end of his athletic aspirations. Feeling lost and uncertain about his future, he turned to music for solace, encouraged by his mother to once again pick up his guitar. “Just go sit in front of your piano or pick up your guitar. That was your therapy back in the day,” Wetmore recalls her words. This sparked the creative flame he needed, leading to his songwriting debut back in 2019. By 2020, Tucker took the plunge and relocated to Nashville, pursuing his newfound career.
Wetmore’s rise is marked by determination and resilience, embodying the struggles faced by many aspiring musicians. Having recently reached No. 2 on the charts, he is set to tour with none other than Thomas Rhett on his Better in Boots tour, kicking off on June 5, 2024, at Rogers, Arkansas. Tickets have already generated excitement, and Wetmore is ready to bring his unique style to audiences.
Both Thomas Rhett and Tucker Wetmore shine as examples of the ever-evolving world of country music, highlighting varying paths of tradition and new beginnings. Rhett's established stature and Wetmore's burgeoning career create vibrant synergies within the industry as they share the stage this summer.
With their captivating stories and musical talents, both artists are sure to leave their mark, continuing to inspire countless fans and upcoming talents alike.