We first met Thomas Rhett back in 2011.

We were instantly impressed with his charisma and sense of humor. He’s a likable guy that reels you in upon introduction. You would be hard-pressed to find something negative about Thomas, he’s that kind.

Our first meeting took place in the basement of a house in Nashville that served as the office for the record label that signed Thomas, and oddly enough, also signed superstar Taylor Swift. (Yeah, no big deal.) The walls were lined with framed autographed photos of well-known performers who have made a living in Music City, so believe me when I say a bit of nostalgia hung in the air.

We were there to attend what is known in the industry as an ‘artist showcase,’ featuring up & comers who are trying to gain some traction by debuting new music. Thomas Rhett certainly resembled his Dad, country singer/songwriter Rhett Akins, with dark eyes and even darker hair, along with a killer grin that we later learned often got him out of trouble as a young student.

Thomas played us a few songs, sharing stories in between as if we had known each other for years, and we all agreed upon leaving that Thomas Rhett has the potential to be a country music superstar.

Talk about an understatement.

Thomas Rhett has since had several hits on the song charts, has mastered performing live with his ability to engage his audience, represents what fans call ‘couple goals’ by always showing his childhood friend-now-wife, Lauren, the utmost respect, and demonstrating his absolute love for being a father by proudly sharing the addition of daughters Willa Gray & Ada with the world. He says fatherhood comes naturally for him thanks to how he was raised.

Thomas Rhett’s appearance has certainly evolved over the years, shaggy hair, shorter hair, clean-shaven, full beard, he’s worn it all, yet he’s clung to his roots and remains the same guy we met on Music Row years ago. We also believe Thomas is just getting started when it comes to his career. He has that perfect combination of talent, drive, kindness, charm & wholesome values that leave fans in awe & ready for more: More music, more grins, more dance moves, (though Thomas says he’s done with the choreographed dancing in his videos), more family pics on Instagram, more storytelling in his song writing, more EVERYTHING.

Not bad for a guy who told us in a Nashville basement that he knew while sitting in a college lecture hall that he wasn’t meant to be there. So, he turned to his guitar. With a sold-out show tomorrow night at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center featuring his Dad Rhett as an opening act, along with Dustin Lynch & Russell Dickerson, it looks like Thomas made the right decision.

~Jim, Deb & Kevin