Michael Ray celebrated his second #1 on Tuesday June 14, 2017 at The Sutler surrounded by family, friends, promotion teams, and label reps. The “Think A Little Less” writers Thomas Rhett, Barry Dean, and Jimmy Robbins were also present. The guys face timed Jon Nite, who was away on family vacation at the beach.
Ray’s success with the song follows his first #1, “Kiss You In the Morning” and with over 32 million on demand streams, “Think a Little Less” is currently one of the top 10 most downloaded songs of 2017. Ray took to the microphone to praise the writers and publishers by saying celebrations like this are “one of the many things that makes Nashville and country music stand out.” He also thanked Thomas Rhett for already having his entire album cut by the time Ray heard this song, so there was no chance of Rhett keeping it for himself.
.@Michaelraymusic is all about praising the #songwriters and publishing teams for #ThinkALittleLess! pic.twitter.com/4iWRzdH4nN
— The Country Note (@thecountrynote) June 13, 2017
Rhett is no stranger to #1 parties, having scored seven #1’s an artist himself and many more cuts as a writer. His roster includes songs like “Crash and Burn” and “Die a Happy Man” featured on his Tangled Up (2015) album and hits like “Parking Lot Party” (Lee Brice) and “Round Here” (Florida Georgia Line). Rhett thanked Ray for opening himself up to the song and thanked his wife, Lauren, who couldn’t make the party. He joked that because of her pregnancy, it takes 45 minutes just to leave the house. “I’d like to thank the Lord for letting us write songs,” he told the crowd. “I can’t even call it a job some days. We have so much fun.”
Rhett then called fellow co-writer Barry Dean a “genius”, complimenting on his ability to turn beautiful words and rhymes into beautiful songs. Dean has three #1’s under his belt, writing “Pontoon” and “Day Drinking” for Little Big Town. He earned a Grammy nomination in 2016 for Tim McGraw’s “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools.” Dean told the packed house that “Think a Little Less” was written four years ago on a bus of all places, before Michael Ray’s career even took off, proving all things happen the way they’re supposed too. Producer and writer Jimmy Robbins was pleased to have a hand in the success of the single. Robbins has his own impressive list of cuts as a writer and producer. He moved to Nashville in 2012 and to date, has seven #1’s including “Sure Be Cool if You Did” for Blake Shelton and “Beachin” for Jake Owen. As a producer, he is responsible for Raelynn’s critically acclaimed album as well as Trent Harmon’s debut album. And Jon Nite, who couldn’t be on hand for the celebration, was praised for his work as a well respected songwriter in town with hits like “We Were Us” (Keith Urban), “Whatever She’s Got (David Nail), and his latest #1, “If I Told You” for Darius Rucker, which he also lends his background vocals on.
Michael Ray’s team teased about new music in the works and the excitement of the next record, although no specifics or release dates were given. Congrats to Michael Ray and everyone involved with “Think A Little Less”.