11 country hits you might not know Rhett Akins has written

He's one of country's greatest songwriters

Rhett Akins with son Thomas Rhett at the BMI Country Awards
Author: Emma DicksonPublished 17th Jun 2021
Last updated 17th Jun 2021

You might remember Rhett Akins from his solo career in the 90s, with hits like 'That Ain’t My Truck' and 'Don’t Get Me Started.' But since the singer hung up his hat back in the early 2000s, he's spent the last two decades writing hits for his country star son Thomas Rhett.

He’s also the man behind some of the biggest songs for other artists in the world of country music, some of them may surprise you.

Akins' hard work over the last 20 years has seen his songs reach the No. 1 spot multiple times, alongside his songwriting team The Peach Pickers.

Composed of Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, and Ben Hayslip, The Peach Pickers are known worldwide as Nashville's most successful writing partnerships.

Check it out some of Akins biggest hits👇

Boys ‘Round Here - Blake Sheldon

This soared straight to No. 1 song for Blake Shelton on the country chart and a No. 12 song on the all-genre chart.

Dirt on My Boots - Jon Pardi

Of course, another No. 1 smash hit, Akins wrote the track alongside Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley.

Ready Set Roll - Chase Rice

Ready Set Roll originally appeared on an EP from Rice, but also featured later on his first major album, Ignite the Night.

Mind Reader - Dustin Lynch

A twist on pop-country, Mind Reader climbed to No.1 despite a mixed review from critics.

Parking Lot Party - Lee Brice

The ultimate party song, Rhett wrote it with this song alongside son Thomas Rhett, Luke Laird and Brice.

Hey Girl - Billy Currington

Currington loved this hit so much, he released it as the first single from his album, We Are Tonight.

Suntan City - Luke Bryan

Another Peach Pickers summer hit there!

When She Says Baby - Jason Aldean

This track topped both the US and Canadian country charts and still to this day is a firm fan favourite!

All Over Me - Josh Turner

Akins described this hit as 'one of those good time summer feeling songs.'

Take a Back Road - Rodney Atkins

Take a road back became Rodney Atkins fastest-rising and sixth number one hit in his career.

Put a Girl In It - Brooks & Dunn

This was one of the first hits to be penned by the trio Peach Pickers.

Read more:

Dolly Parton announces HUGE $500M Dollywood expansion

Miranda Lambert performs flirty duet on stage with husband

Morgan Wallen teases emotional new song co-written with Miranda Lambert

How to listen to Downtown Country:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for Country music, Downtown Country on online, on the Downtown Radio app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Downtown Country’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the best Irish and American country music, from Victoria Quinn in the morning, to Big T’s legendary evening Country show.