That’s his truck parked behind the Opry.
Rhett Akins, the ’90s country hitmaker and the songwriting powerhouse behind an incredible 36 #1 singles, has officially been invited to become the next member of the Grand Ole Opry.
The invitation came last night at the Opry, when Akins was surprised by his friend Jon Pardi with the big news:
“Rhett has always been somebody that has always been a mentor and taught a lot to me how to write songs, how to be a co-writer. He has over 30 No. 1’s. …
You’ve always been family to me, but I’m here to invite you to be part of a different family. Rhett Akins, I am here to invite you to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
Rhett was visibly emotional at the invitation as he was joined onstage by his family – including his son, fellow country star Thomas Rhett – as he reflected on the honor:
“All I do everyday is write words and I can’t think of any words right now other than, ‘Thank you Lord Jesus.’”
I’ve been listening to the Grand Ole Opry since I was a kid with my grandparents and watching it when it used to be on TNN, and playing here as much as I – anytime they ask me, if I was in Alaska and they ask me to play, I’d fly home immediately.
I love country music with all my heart. I have since I was a kid. All I ever wanted to do was meet Hank Jr.. Meet George Strait. I never dreamed I’d be in this circle right here with Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff, Garth and Alan… and Jon Pardi. One of my best buddies in the music business. … This is just unbelievable.”
Of course they’re more than friends: Akins wrote Pardi’s second #1 hit, “Dirt On My Boots,” along with a ton of other hits like “Boys ‘Round Here” by Blake Shelton, “Bait A Hook” by Justin Moore, “When She Says Baby” by Jason Aldean, “Take A Back Road” by Rodney Atkins, “To Be Loved By You” by Parker McCollum, and many, many more.
But he also has plenty of hits of his own as an artist, from “I Brake For Brunettes” and the incredibly underrated “Don’t Get Me Started” to, of course, his biggest hit “That Ain’t My Truck” which is still a staple of country playlists today.
Speaking on the decision to invite Rhett to become a member of the country music institution, Opry executive producer Dan Rogers praised his respect for the history of country music:
“We’re going to be so pleased to welcome a fellow like Rhett who has made such an impact both as a recording artist and an often-recorded songwriter into the Opry family. Rhett lauds the Opry’s traditions and is excited to help build its future as the show enters its second century. This is going to be a great marriage.”
The official date for Rhett’s induction hasn’t been announced yet, but there’s no doubt it’s going to be a special day for the deserving hitmaker.
