Thomas Rhett Says He Owes His Music Career to His 6th Grade Band Teacher
Country crooner and soon-to-be father of three Thomas Rhett says that he owes his successful record career not to his singer/songwriter dad, but to music education at school.
"The reason I formed a band in sixth grade was because of our band teacher," Rhett told Good Morning America. "Drums was my first instrument... I think I did one football game as a pit band drummer, and that really encouraged me to start this terrible band called the High-Heeled Flip Flops."
"If it weren't for that, I really don't know if I would have kept pursuing music the way that I did it," he revealed. "That really sparked my fire for being in front of people and writing songs."
That’s why being able to give back through this year’s CMA Fest means so much to the busy 29-year-old. Like the rest of the artists participating in the annual Nashville event, the proceeds from Rhett’s performance will be donated to The CMA Foundation’s music education programs.
"I think music education is one of the most important things in the world for a kid to be able to express themselves, whether it's songwriting or playing the saxophone or playing the guitar," Rhett told GMA. "So that's why this week is super important."
WATCH: Lauren Akins and Thomas Rhett's Daughters Are Twinning for Tennessee Football
ABC’s three-hour CMA Fest special premieres Sunday at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
