Ben Rector and Thomas Rhett joined forces a brand-new single, “What Makes A Man,” a tune that was released on Friday (Aug. 5). The tune, which finds Rector reflecting on his upbringing with his dad before he wonders what his kids will remember him for, serves as a tribute to his father and fatherhood.
Throughout the tune’s lyrics, Rector and Rhett question the characteristics and values of what makes a man.
“Is it power? Is it fame? Is it money? Is it just a game? Is it always wanting more? Or is it in finding peace in what you had all along? Is it the things you’ve done, the places that you’ve been? Chasing down some dream you’ve been imagining? Or is it making peace with who you are and where you stand?” the pair ask within the lyrics. “I’m trying to find, What makes a man / I’ve been trying to find / What makes a man.”
Rector said that both he and Rhett resonated with the tune as they are “both living it.”
“Striving to be great artists and also present fathers and husbands, it can be a tricky balance,” Rector explained. “My hope is that my kids see me pursuing something I love and want to do well, but always know that they’re more important to me than bigger shows or selling more records, and that doing the work of defining success and going forward accordingly makes me a better father to them.”
After writing “What Makes A Man,” Ben Rector says he knew Thomas Rhett would be the perfect duet partner for the track.
“I had so much fun having collaborators on a few of the songs on the record that I immediately thought of Thomas Rhett when this song was finished,” Rector explained. “A big part of this album for me was wanting to do things that were exciting and enjoyable, and having him on the song felt like both.”
Rhett, a longtime fan of the 35-year-old Oklahoma native, admitted that he was ecstatic when Rector reached out and “jumped at the opportunity” to work with him.
“I’ve always been a fan of Ben’s, so when he reached out wanting to collaborate, I jumped at the opportunity to work with him,” Rhett admitted, before praising the singer/songwriter’s talents. “He’s an incredible artist, writer, and performer and this song hit me as something that I could immediately connect to,” Rhett added.
“What Makes A Man” featuring Rhett is set to appear on the deluxe edition of Rector’s project, The Joy Of Music, which will be released later this year.
The Joy Of Music, which was released earlier this year in March, featured a star-studded list of collaborations, including Snoop Dogg, Dave Koz, Kenny G and more.
Ben Rector Will Soon Make His Grand Ole Opry Debut
The new song comes just days before Rector is scheduled to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Tuesday, August 9.
“I couldn’t be more excited to perform at the Opry,” Rector gushed, before adding, “We listen to the live broadcasts on 650 AM all the time. I have such respect for that stage and am deeply, deeply honored to get to perform there.”
Rector admitted that he is shocked to have received an invitation to play the sacred institution and dubbed the opportunity a “huge honor.”
Sans Rhett, Rector will deliver the live debut of the self-penned track during his Opry debut.
Additionally, Rector recently wrapped up his 21-date tour, dubbed The Joy Of Music: A Live Music Event Tour, with a massive sold-out show in Music City at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater.
