Thomas Rhett Commemorates Double No. 1s with ‘Unforgettable’ and ‘Craving You’
Also taking home plaques and applause were songwriters Dave Barnes, Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, Julian Bunetta and Jesse Frasure.
It was double the fun for Thomas Rhett on Thursday (2/15) as he celebrated among friends, family and music industry folks for his two No. 1 songs, “Unforgettable” and “Craving You.”
Combining both accomplishments into one big shindig, Rhett was on top of the world alongside songwriters Julian Bunetta, Jesse Frasure, Dave Barnes, Shane McAnally and Ashley Gorley. Never knowing he would finally reach his dream of notching one hit, let along several, Rhett reflects with gratitude toward his career and the collaborators that pushed him to that position.
“It’s been incredible. I mean, obviously back when I had my first hit going to your first No. 1 party was something that you never forget in your whole life and I can’t believe fast-forward five years and we’re here sitting with a guy that I didn’t know until two years ago and [Dave Barnes], whose music I listened to his music when I was in college and somehow came together and they wrote a great song, ‘Craving You,’ became the first single off this Life Changes project. I just can’t believe we’re here today celebrating two No. 1s. I kind of don’t feel like I’m in that position, but it is very surreal to be here celebrating two,” Rhett told Sounds Like Nashville and other media at the party.
The writers all also acknowledged Rhett’s innovative approach to country music and ability to take the genre outside the lines of traditional country. Blending in elements from pop, rock and other sounds, they embrace the openness that Rhett creates in his repertoire and admire his adaptability to their own unique lyrical creations.
NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 15: Julian Bunetta, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Thomas Rhett, Shane McAnally, Dave Barnes and Dann Huff attend the BMI Thomas Rhett # 1 Party on February 15, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI)
“With TR, it’s like, ‘Oh, we can literally try to write anything today,’ because he does such eclectic…his records are so cool and different. I think those days are especially fun because you don’t feel like you’re sort of hemmed in on what you’re trying to do. When Julian and I were like, ‘Let’s do something fun and up-tempo,’ he’s like ‘Oh yeah, yeah. That would work,’” Barnes explained.
Honored with several plaques and charitable donations to local organizations, Rhett and his crew stood proudly as they commended their efforts on both tracks. With a gleam in his eye, it looked as though Rhett is hoping for another one under his belt sometime soon with “Marry Me” climbing the charts more and more every day.
