Thomas Rhett Launched New Record Label
The country star partnered with Blue Highway Records to establish the new imprint, Fifty-One/Forty-Nine Records.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Country
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Country music artist Thomas Rhett has officially launched a new record label, Fifty-One/Forty-Nine Records, in partnership with Blue Highway Records. The new label will serve as the home for Rhett's future music releases.
Why it matters
The venture provides the artist with ownership over his own body of work. This move marks a significant shift in creative and business autonomy for the performer as he manages his ongoing career.
Rhett holds an extensive catalog of accolades, including eight ACM Awards, two CMA Awards, and five Grammy nominations. He has also achieved 25 No. 1 singles and accumulated more than 16 billion total career streams.
The players
Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett is a highly decorated country music singer-songwriter known for numerous chart-topping hits and major industry awards.
Blue Highway Records
Blue Highway Records is an independent music label that has partnered with Thomas Rhett to launch his new record company.
The details
The newly formed label, Fifty-One/Forty-Nine Records, represents a strategic partnership between Rhett and Blue Highway Records. This structure allows the country musician to maintain control over his musical output.
Timeline
Thomas Rhett is expected to continue his Soundtrack to Life Tour through the end of October 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The launch of Fifty-One/Forty-Nine Records reflects the growing trend of veteran country artists pursuing independence from traditional major label structures. This move signals a broader shift in Nashville, where established stars are increasingly leveraging their success to gain ownership over their artistic catalogs.
Fans can expect all of Rhett's future music releases to arrive through the new Fifty-One/Forty-Nine Records imprint. This transition does not impact the availability of his existing catalog on major streaming platforms.
The takeaway
This partnership highlights the trend of performers evolving from recording artists into music label executives. By securing rights to his future work, Rhett ensures he retains significant influence over his professional trajectory.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Country music scene.
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