Rascal Flatts is a popular country music vocal trio. Rascal Flatts began performing in 2000 and quickly became a best-selling recording group, gaining fame for the rich harmony of their singing. The popularity of Rascal Flatts extends beyond country music to mainstream American popular music. The group is also one of the most popular music acts on the concert circuit.
Rascal Flatts consists of Gary LeVox (real name Gary Wayne Vernon, Jr., 1970-…), his second cousin Jay DeMarcus (born Stanley Wayne DeMarcus, Jr., 1971-…), and Joe Don Rooney (1975-…). LeVox and DeMarcus were born in Columbus, Ohio, and Rooney was born in Baxter Springs, Kansas, and raised in Picher, Oklahoma. LeVox is the group’s lead singer. He and DeMarcus play keyboards and bass guitar. Rooney plays lead guitar and mandolin and often sings. All three had been professional musicians before forming Rascal Flatts. They write many of their songs.
In 1992, DeMarcus moved to Nashville, the center of the country music industry. He convinced LeVox to join him in 1997 to pursue their music careers. They met Rooney in Nashville. Their first CD, Rascal Flatts (2000), became a best seller. They recorded several number-one hits during the early 2000’s, including “These Days” (2002); “Mayberry” (2002); “Bless the Broken Road” and “Fast Cars and Freedom” (both 2004); “What Hurts the Most,” “My Wish,” and “Stand” (all 2006); and “Take Me There” (2007).
