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Rascal Flatts

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Rascal Flatts
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1999 in Nashville, Tennessee, United States
FounderGary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, Joe Don Rooney
Defunct2021 (reunited in 2024)
FateDisbanded in 2021; reunited in 2024
Headquarters
Nashville
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Gary LeVox (lead vocals), Jay DeMarcus (bass guitar, backing vocals), Joe Don Rooney (lead guitar, backing vocals)
ProductsStudio albums, singles, tours
Number of employees
3 (members)

Rascal Flatts is a renowned American country music ensemble that originated in 1999 in Nashville, Tennessee. The group consists of three members: Gary LeVox (lead vocalist), Jay DeMarcus (bass guitar and backing vocals), and Joe Don Rooney (lead guitar and backing vocals).

From 2000 through 2009, Rascal Flatts launched six studio albums, each achieving at least platinum certification. Their initial release, Rascal Flatts (2000), was succeeded by Melt (2002), which featured their inaugural chart-topping single, "These Days". Following albums—Feels Like Today (2004), Me and My Gang (2006), Still Feels Good (2007), and Unstoppable (2009)—each debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. During their second decade, they released five additional studio projects: Nothing Like This (2010), Changed (2012), Rewind (2014), the holiday-themed The Greatest Gift of All (2016), and Back to Us (2017). Although they declared their disbandment in 2020, their farewell tour was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the group officially dissolving in 2021. In 2024, Rascal Flatts reunited, embarking on a twenty-fifth anniversary tour and unveiling their eleventh studio album, the collaborative work Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets, in June 2025.

The band has secured sixteen number-one positions across the Billboard Hot Country Songs, Country Airplay, and Canada Country charts. Their most enduring chart-topper was a rendition of Marcus Hummon's "Bless the Broken Road," which earned the Best Country Song accolade at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards. Their interpretation of Tom Cochrane's "Life Is a Highway," created for the Disney/Pixar movie Cars (2006), also achieved notable commercial triumph. Rascal Flatts received the CMA Vocal Group of the Year honor consecutively from 2003 to 2008, were designated Top Vocal Group by the Academy of Country Music from 2003 through 2009, and claimed the American Music Award for Artist of the Year in 2006. Their induction into the Grand Ole Opry occurred in 2011, followed by a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012. In 2025, Billboard positioned Rascal Flatts at number 48 on its ranking of the Top 100 Artists of the 21st Century.

Origin

Raised in Columbus, Ohio, second cousins Gary LeVox and Jay DeMarcus, hailing from a musically inclined family, initiated their careers there.[1] DeMarcus relocated to Nashville in 1992 and secured a recording contract with the Christian ensemble East to West. In 1997, he invited LeVox to Nashville to contribute harmonies on Michael English's album Gospel, which DeMarcus produced. Together they engineered this album and served as English's backing band.[2]

At that time, DeMarcus was leading Chely Wright's band where he encountered guitarist Joe Don Rooney. When their regular guitarist was unavailable for a performance at Nashville's Fiddle & Steel Guitar Bar,[1] DeMarcus invited Rooney to substitute. Drummer and bandleader Jim Riley rounded out this formation. The trio quickly connected while performing a cover of the 1989 hit "The Church on Cumberland Road" by Shenandoah.

Singer Mila Mason introduced them to producers Mark Bright and Marty Williams,[3] who forwarded a three-track demo to Lyric Street Records A&R Doug Howard. Impressed by their vocal blend and harmonies, Howard signed them in September 1999 following an acoustic session that confirmed their distinctive sound.[4]

2000–2005: Rascal Flatts, Melt, and Feels Like Today

Rascal Flatts launched their career in February 2000 with the single "Prayin' for Daylight", which climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard country charts and was included in the demo that secured their recording contract. Their debut album, titled Rascal Flatts and released in June 2000 under Lyric Street Records, yielded four Top 10 country hits, notably "I'm Movin' On", which earned the Academy of Country Music's Song of the Year award in 2002. Critics praised the album for its blend of contemporary country and pop.

Towards the end of 2000, the group contributed the track "Walk The Llama Llama" to the soundtrack of Disney's The Emperor's New Groove and later recorded "The Glory of Life" for the 2002 Paramount motion picture We Were Soldiers. Their sophomore album, Melt, released in October 2002 and co-produced by the band members themselves, featured their inaugural No. 1 country single, "These Days". It also included Top 10 hits such as "Love You Out Loud" and "I Melt". The fourth single, "Mayberry", also reached the top position. Notably, the music video for "I Melt" sparked controversy due to partial nudity and was subsequently banned from airing on Great American Country.

The band's third studio effort, Feels Like Today, arrived in September 2004 and achieved No. 1 status on both the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts. The album's lead single was its title track, followed by "Bless the Broken Road", which became their third chart-topping country hit and maintained that spot for five weeks. The third single, "Fast Cars and Freedom", also secured a No. 1 position. Furthermore, a hidden track named "Skin" gained radio play, was officially released as "Skin (Sarabeth)", added to subsequent editions of the album, and peaked at No. 2 on country charts.

2005–2007: Me and My Gang and Still Feels Good

In January 2006, Rascal Flatts unveiled their thirteenth charting single, "What Hurts the Most", serving as the lead release from their fourth studio album, Me and My Gang, which came out in April 2006. Working alongside producer Dann Huff, they crafted an album with a stronger band-centric sound. Their rendition of "What Hurts the Most" achieved crossover acclaim, topping both country and adult contemporary charts while reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for an impressive 51 weeks. The second single, the album’s title track, peaked at number six on country charts; following singles "My Wish" and "Stand" each attained No. 1 status.

During summer 2006, Rascal Flatts secured another Hot 100 top ten hit with their cover of Tom Cochrane's "Life Is a Highway", recorded for Disney/Pixar’s film Cars. Although it was not officially promoted to country radio stations, it still received notable airplay and reached the top twenty on Hot Country Songs charts. Me and My Gang debuted with sales of 722,000 units—the largest US debut in 2006—and dominated the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for fifteen weeks. By year-end, it ranked as the second best-selling album of 2006 with approximately 3.5 million copies sold. This accomplishment made Rascal Flatts the highest-selling artist across all genres that year—a milestone not achieved by a country group in fifteen years. In 2007, they recorded a cover of The Beatles' "Revolution" for inclusion in the movie Evan Almighty.

Later that same year, Rascal Flatts released "Take Me There", co-written by Kenny Chesney, which became a number-one hit on country charts and served as the lead single from their album Still Feels Good. The next single, "Winner at a Losing Game", marked their first self-penned release; both it and "Every Day" reached No. 2 on country charts in 2008. The fourth single, "Bob That Head", was their first to miss entering the Top 10, while the fifth single "Here", released in August 2008, became their ninth chart-topping hit on January 3, 2009.

2008–2010: Greatest Hits Volume 1 and Unstoppable

On October 28, 2008, Rascal Flatts unveiled their inaugural compilation album, Greatest Hits Volume 1, which comprises 13 of their most successful tracks, such as "Prayin' for Daylight" and their rendition of "Life Is a Highway". The limited edition came with a bonus disc featuring three holiday songs: "White Christmas", "Jingle Bell Rock", and "I'll Be Home for Christmas". A subsequent edition released in October 2009 included an additional disc containing live versions of "Take Me There", "Summer Nights", "Me & My Gang", and "Winner at a Losing Game".

In January 2009, the band launched "Here Comes Goodbye" as the lead single from their album Unstoppable, which was released on April 7. This song, co-written by American Idol finalist Chris Sligh, marked their tenth chart-topping hit. Following this, the second single "Summer Nights", co-authored by Gary LeVox, entered the charts at No. 57 and climbed to No. 2 on the country listings. The third release, "Why", peaked at No. 18, representing their lowest chart position to that point. The album’s title track was issued as the fourth single in January 2010 and reached #7 by June. Additionally, in April 2009, Rascal Flatts contributed re-recorded versions of "Bless the Broken Road" and "Backwards" for the Hannah Montana: The Movie soundtrack and made an appearance in the film itself.

A special edition of Unstoppable was made available exclusively through JCPenney, which included the bonus track "American Living." JCPenney also sponsored Rascal Flatts' Unstoppable American Living Tour. On July 16, 2009, they achieved a milestone as the first country band to perform at Chicago's Wrigley Field, sharing the stage with artists Vince Gill and Darius Rucker before an audience nearing full capacity.

2010–2011: Nothing Like This and The Best of Rascal Flatts Live

Following the closure of Lyric Street Records in April 2010, Rascal Flatts signed with Big Machine Records in July of that year. Their debut single under this label, "Why Wait", served as the lead track for their album Nothing Like This, which was released on November 16, 2010. By December, "Why Wait" had secured their eleventh number one spot on U.S. country charts.

In March 2011, Rascal Flatts appeared on a remix of Justin Bieber's "That Should Be Me". The album's second single, "I Won't Let Go", reached number two early that year. This was succeeded by "Easy", a collaboration with British pop vocalist Natasha Bedingfield, which climbed to number three on country charts. On November 8, 2011, Hollywood Records released The Best of Rascal Flatts Live.

2012–2013: Changed

The group's eighth studio project, Changed, was released on April 3, 2012, with production credits shared between Dann Huff and Rascal Flatts themselves. The album’s lead single, "Banjo", became their twelfth number one hit on country charts. Following singles "Come Wake Me Up" and the title track reached #4 and #20 respectively on the Country Airplay chart.

On September 17, 2012, Rascal Flatts were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making them the second country act with ties to Oklahoma to receive this recognition that month after Vince Gill.

November 19 saw the release of the DVD All Access & Uncovered: The Making of Changed and Beyond, providing fans with behind-the-scenes insights into the album’s production. This DVD premiered nationwide in theaters alongside a fan event held at New York City's AMC Theater in Times Square. The very next day, they performed "Changed" on NBC's The Voice alongside contestants Cody Belew and Cassadee Pope.

In December 2012, Rascal Flatts co-hosted the third annual CMT Artists of the Year event alongside actress Hayden Panettiere, honoring leading country musicians. They also hosted The 14th Annual A Home for the Holidays with Rascal Flatts, which attracted an audience of approximately 4.91 million viewers. On February 2, 2013, Rascal Flatts teamed up with Journey to headline the Super Bowl XLVII edition of CMT Crossroads held in New Orleans—marking their second joint appearance following a performance at the June 2012 CMT Music Awards. At the 2013 CMC Music Awards, they earned nominations for International Artist of the Year as well as International Music Video of the Year for both "Banjo" and "Come Wake Me Up".

2013–2016: Rewind and The Greatest Gift of All

On April 8, 2013, Jay DeMarcus revealed that Rascal Flatts was in the process of creating a new album. The album's lead single, titled "Rewind", was launched in January 2014, preceding the album Rewind, which was officially released on May 13, 2014. During the Academy of Country Music Awards on April 6, 2014, the group admitted to lip-syncing "Rewind" due to LeVox experiencing vocal issues. The track "Rewind" achieved a position within the Top 5 on the Country Airplay chart that year. Additional singles from the album included "Payback", which peaked at number 21, "Riot", reaching number 20, and "I Like the Sound of That", released on September 14, 2015. This last single, co-written by Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay and Meghan Trainor, climbed to number one on Country Airplay in April 2016.

In 2016, Rascal Flatts contributed to the collaborative project "Forever Country", a medley commemorating five decades of the CMA Awards, featuring 30 artists. Later that October, they launched a holiday-themed record titled The Greatest Gift of All.

2017–2020: Back to Us, breakup announcement and second greatest hits compilation

Early in 2017, Rascal Flatts introduced "Yours If You Want It" to country radio as the lead single from their tenth studio album, Back to Us, which was released on May 19. This single reached the pinnacle of the Country Airplay charts in August 2017, marking their fourteenth chart-topping hit. On September 28, 2018, they unveiled a new single called "Back to Life" and embarked on their Summer Playlist tour throughout 2019.

On January 7, 2020, during an appearance on CBS This Morning, Rascal Flatts announced their farewell "Life Is a Highway Tour," celebrating two decades as a band alongside plans for new material. Gary LeVox confirmed progress on an upcoming album via Instagram in February. On May 1, they honored the late Kenny Rogers with a rendition of "Through the Years." However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, their farewell tour was postponed indefinitely as of May 19. The group released the single "How They Remember You" on June 19 and followed up with an EP bearing the same title on July 31. On September 18, they announced a second compilation album titled Twenty Years of Rascal Flatts: The Greatest Hits, which came out on October 2.

In November 2020, Rascal Flatts withdrew from performing at the 54th Annual CMA Awards after an unnamed member tested positive for COVID-19.

2021–2024: Official disbandment and individual pursuits

By August 2020, DeMarcus expressed doubts about how and when Rascal Flatts' farewell tour would proceed. LeVox initiated his solo career with the holiday single "Christmas Will Be Different This Year" in November 2020; DeMarcus followed with his tribute "Music Man" in January 2021. In March 2021, LeVox released a Christian-themed track titled "The Distance" as part of his EP One On One. He also confirmed in a Billboard interview that there would be no Rascal Flatts touring activity during 2021. DeMarcus later indicated that due to pandemic-related changes, the band might continue performing sporadically—around ten to fifteen shows annually—instead of retiring completely.

Midway through 2021, both DeMarcus and Rooney described Rascal Flatts as being on hiatus rather than officially disbanded, emphasizing intentions to return without specifying a timeline. They received the Cliffie Stone Icon Award at the Academy of Country Music Honors in 2021; however, LeVox was not present for the ceremony. By October that year, LeVox disclosed that following Rooney’s departure after a DUI arrest and subsequent breakdown in communication among members, Rascal Flatts had formally disbanded and their farewell tour was canceled.

In 2020, DeMarcus established Generation Radio alongside prominent musicians associated with Chicago and Journey; their debut album released in August 2022 features a reimagined Rascal Flatts track with DeMarcus as lead vocalist. Meanwhile, LeVox released his solo single "Get Down Like That" in August 2022 and followed it with a live EP titled LeVox Live in June 2024.

Reflecting on the group's dissolution in June 2023, DeMarcus stated that although a reunion remains possible, differing priorities and lack of communication present obstacles. He highlighted exhaustion from relentless touring as a key factor and suggested an earlier break might have been beneficial. On June 13, 2024, DeMarcus and Rooney reunited on stage for their first joint performance since March 2020 during a show with Chicago cover band Maggie Speaks.

2024–present: Reunion and Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets

On October 1, 2024, Rascal Flatts revealed their reunion to mark their twenty-fifth anniversary with a 21-date "Life Is A Highway Tour" scheduled to commence in February 2025. Their first joint performance in almost five years took place at the Commander in Chief Ball on January 20, 2025. Shortly thereafter, they announced upcoming new music. On January 31, they debuted the single "I Dare You" in collaboration with the Jonas Brothers. The album Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets, which dropped on June 6, 2025, features this single alongside nine reworked hits that include guest appearances from artists like Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton, Backstreet Boys, Jason Aldean, Carly Pearce, among others.

Artistry

Rascal Flatts' musical style is characterized by country pop elements and distinctive vocal harmonies. Although primarily recognized as vocalists, DeMarcus and Rooney contribute bass and lead guitar respectively on the majority of their studio recordings. Unlike peers such as Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney, who initially embraced neotraditional country, Rascal Flatts opted for a crossover-friendly country pop approach from the outset. This led to their being described as a country "boy band," drawing comparisons to pop groups like NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys. DeMarcus has reflected on the industry's initial doubts regarding their ability to succeed as successors to earlier country legends.

The group acknowledges a diverse range of influences including Alabama, the Eagles, Shenandoah, George Jones, Keith Whitley, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Merle Haggard, and Johnny Cash. LeVox pointed out the impact of Alabama’s harmonies and Shenandoah’s Marty Raybon on their sound. Rooney highlighted guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Vince Gill as key inspirations. DeMarcus expressed admiration for singer-songwriters like Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash along with ’80s rock and R&B genres.

Musicians influenced by Rascal Flatts include Hunter Hayes and Dan + Shay.

Philanthropy

Rascal Flatts has actively promoted music education in underprivileged American public schools by participating in a public service announcement alongside Little Kids Rock. The group has also supported organizations such as the Make A Wish Foundation, contributing to fundraising efforts that generated $1 million for Ohio State University's "Big Wish Gala". Their track "My Wish" has been utilized by ESPN as the musical backdrop for stories related to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The band has donated upwards of $4 million, as well as considerable volunteer hours, to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, where the Rascal Flatts Pediatric Surgery Center bears their name in recognition. Furthermore, they have raised several million dollars for the Vanderbilt hospital and have been active members of the celebrity cabinet board for the American Red Cross.

Reception

During their early years, Rascal Flatts garnered an uncommon following among younger listeners aged 18 to 25 within the country music scene. A survey conducted in September 2007 with over 2,000 children identified them as the sixth most favored artist among those aged 10 to 12.

Touring

Rascal Flatts established themselves as a highly lucrative touring act. According to Nielsen, they were the top-selling artist in 2006, moving nearly 5 million physical albums alongside 4 million digital track downloads. Their inaugural headlining tour launched in Fall 2002; by 2005, they ranked within Billboard Boxscore’s top 25 tours, generating $26.3 million from sales of 777,384 tickets. Their 2006 tour amassed $46.2 million in revenue, drawing over one million attendees across 79 performances. In 2007, they held the position of third highest-grossing country tour in the United States, earning $34 million from 588,009 tickets sold. Rascal Flatts' live shows are distinguished by elaborate special effects incorporating video displays, pyrotechnics, and laser lighting.

In 2013, the band made their Australian debut as headliners for CMC Rocks The Hunter, a festival spanning three days. From 2004 through 2012, they sold more than seven million tickets, placing them among the era’s top-selling music acts. That same year, their "Thaw Out" and "Changed" tours combined for over 60 concerts with attendance surpassing one million fans. On April 9, 2013, they announced a co-headlining performance with Journey at Hersheypark Stadium, featuring opening acts The Band Perry and Cassadee Pope. By 2016, Rascal Flatts celebrated having sold ten million tickets; by 2020, total ticket sales for their concerts exceeded eleven million.

Band members

Official members

  • Jay DeMarcus — bass guitar and backing vocals (1999–2021, resumed 2024–present)
  • Gary LeVox — lead vocalist (1999–2021, resumed 2024–present)
  • Joe Don Rooney — lead guitarist and backing vocals (1999–2021, resumed 2024–present)

Touring and session musicians

  • Jim Riley — drums and percussion (session and touring: 1999–2020, resumed 2024–present)
  • Nick Champeau — guitars and banjo (touring: starting 2025)
  • Devin Malone — guitars, mandolin, steel guitar, cello (touring: starting 2025)
  • Wil Houchens — keyboards (touring: starting 2025)

Former touring and session musicians

  • Mike Hicks — keyboards (touring: 2017–2020)

Studio albums

Tours

Headlining
  • 2002–03: CMT Most Wanted Live/I Melt Tour
  • 2004–05: Here's to You Tour
  • 2006–07: Me & My Gang Tour
  • 2007–08: Still Feels Good Tour
  • 2008–09: Bob That Head Tour
  • 2009–10: American Living Unstoppable Tour
  • 2010–11: Nothing Like This Tour
  • 2011: Flatts Fest Tour
  • 2012: Thaw Out 2012 Tour
  • 2012–13: Changed Tour
  • 2013: Live & Loud Tour
  • 2014: Rewind Tour
  • 2015: Riot Tour
  • 2016: Rhythm and Roots Tour
  • 2018: Back To Us Tour
  • 2019: Summer Playlist Tour
  • 2025: Life Is a Highway Tour
Supporting
  • 2000–01: Burn Tour
  • 2002: Alan Jackson's Drive Tour
  • 2003: Neon Circus & Wild West Show
  • 2004: Guitars, Tiki Bars & Whole Lotta Love Tour

Awards

2000

  • ACM Top New Vocal Duo or Group

2002

  • CMA Horizon Award recipient
  • ACM Song of the Year for "I'm Movin' On"
  • ACM Top Vocal Group winner

2003

  • CMT Flameworthy Video Music Award for Group/Duo of the Year with "These Days"
  • CMA Vocal Group of the Year honoree
  • ACM Top Vocal Group awardee

2004

  • CMT Flameworthy Music Video Award for Group/Duo of the Year for "I Melt"
  • CMA Vocal Group titleholder
  • ACM Top Vocal Group recipient

2005

  • CMT Music Award for Group/Duo of the Year with "Feels Like Today"
  • CMA Vocal Group of the Year winner
  • ACM Top Vocal Group recipient
  • Radio Music Awards Song of the Year/Country Radio for "Bless The Broken Road"
  • Billboard Roadworks '05 Touring Awards Breakthrough Act
  • Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for "Bless the Broken Road"

2006

  • CMT Music Award for Group/Duo of the Year with "Skin (Sarabeth)"
  • CMA Vocal Group of the Year recipient
  • AMA Artist of the Year and Favorite Country Band, Duo or Group winner
  • CMT Loaded Awards for Number One Digitally Active Group/Duo and Number One Streamed Music Video ("What Hurts the Most")
  • Nominated for Grammy Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal ("What Hurts The Most")

2007

  • CMT Music Awards Group Video of the Year for "What Hurts the Most"
  • ACM Top Vocal Group winner
  • CMA Vocal Group of the Year honoree
  • AMA Favorite Country Band, Duo or Group awardee
  • BMI Song of The Year for "What Hurts The Most"

2008

  • People's Choice Awards Favorite Country Song for "Stand"
  • CMT Music Award for Group Video of the Year with "Take Me There"
  • ACM Top Vocal Group and Humanitarian Award recipient
  • CMA Vocal Group of the Year winner
  • AMA Favorite Country Band, Duo or Group honoree
  • Nominated for Grammy Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal ("Every Day")

2009

  • People's Choice Awards Favorite Group recipient
  • CMT Music Award for Group Video of the Year ("Every Day")
  • AMA Favorite Country Band, Duo or Group winner
  • Nominated for Grammy Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal ("Here Comes Goodbye")

2010

2011

  • Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award recipient
  • CMT Music Award Collaborative Video of the Year for "That Should Be Me"
  • Inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry

2012

2013

  • Recipient of ACM Jim Reeves International Award

2021

  • CMA CRS Artist Career Achievement Award honoree
  • ACM Cliffie Stone Icon Award recipient

2025

  • Billboard's Top 100 Artists of the 21st Century ranked #48

Film and television appearances

The band makes a cameo as themselves in Hannah Montana: The Movie, delivering performances of "Backwards" during Miley's grandmother's birthday celebration and "Bless the Broken Road" on the front porch. Additionally, they supported Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution in Huntington, West Virginia.

Their presence was also featured on CSI (season 10, episode 14), where they performed live in concert. In the episode titled "Unshockable," DeMarcus experiences electrocution caused by their bass technician. LeVox expressed his appreciation for collaborating with the show's cast, describing it as a privilege to be part of the episode. Early in 2011, Rascal Flatts appeared on Inside West Coast Customs, showcasing a personalized Chevrolet Camaro designed around their song "Red Camaro."

On April 5, 2012, Rascal Flatts headlined the television special Changed: One Night Exclusive Theater Event, a nationwide one-night-only concert film that included live performances, interactive Q&A segments, and previews of songs from their forthcoming studio album.

External links

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