Chart Rewind: In 1996, Rhett Akins ‘Started’ a Long Run of Hot Country Songs No. 1s

Including “Started,” Akins has written eight Hot Country Songs No. 1s. He’s penned 25 Country Airplay leaders, tied for the second-most with Shane McAnally (after Ashley Gorley’s 43). He’s authored six Country Airplay No. 1s recorded by son Thomas Rhett, who boasts 16 chart-toppers as an artist, and 12 as a writer.

Named songwriter of the decade by the Academy of Country Music in 2019, Akins, 51, will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame this year.