Rhett Akins

For Rhett Akins, it was simple, one day he decided he'd rather be on the radio than singing along with it. Three years later and three album deal offers later, Akins, is fulfilling his dream.

Growing up in Valdosta, Georgia, music had always been #1 in his life, even though he had spent most of his time as a football quarterback. When he realized he was never going to play pro ball, he went to work for his father's oil and gas distributorship. One night, Akins ran into a buddy in a bar. They both happened to have their guitars in their trucks and began jamming in the parking lot. Within thirty mintues, the club emptied, and it wasn't before long the duo was playing local gigs.

Family members finally encourageed Akins to take this talent seriously, so Akins moved to Nashville. With only three songs, Akins was signed to a publishing company and was soon fielding several record company offers. Akins has all the energy and drive of a fresh, new artist, but the key to his appeal is simple, basic honesty and reality-the same qualities that have been at the heart of country music forever. He sings withan emotional edge that says he knows first-hand what he's singing about. He co-wrote all of the songs except for one,and they reflect real life. Producer, Mark Wright, gave Akins the opportunity to define his own artistry.

Truthful, heartfelt performances, coupled with consistency and variety in material creates longevity got a new artist. With a collection of songs, written with some of Nashville's finest, A Thousand Memories, Somebody New, What Livin's All About, and Friday Night In Dixie are sure to establish this new artistic voice and set the stage for a long string of future endeavors.