Rascal Flatts is undoubtedly one of the most successful country bands of all time. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, the trio has managed to sell over 23 million albums in the United States alone and has scored numerous hits along the way. Being such an iconic band, there have been many questions raised regarding their songwriting abilities. One of the constant questions that fans ask is did Rascal Flatts write any of their own songs? This blog post aims to answer that question and shed light on the band’s songwriting process.
The Early Days
Rascal Flatts was formed in 1999 in Columbus, Ohio, by vocalist Gary LeVox, bassist Jay DeMarcus, and guitarist Joe Don Rooney. Prior to forming the band, DeMarcus and LeVox worked together in Christian music bands, and Rooney played guitar for Chely Wright. When the trio came together, they began touring heavily and quickly gained a following due to their impressive harmonies and catchy songs.
The band’s self-titled debut album, released in 2000, was almost entirely composed of songs written by outside songwriters. The only track that was written by the band was “This Everyday Love,” which DeMarcus and LeVox co-wrote with bandmate Eric Champion.
Writing on the Rise
Despite not writing much on their debut album, Rascal Flatts began to write more as their career progressed. On their second album, “Melt,” the band co-wrote three songs and also began collaborating with some heavy-hitters in the songwriting world. The album’s lead single, “These Days,” was co-written by LeVox, Rooney, and DeMarcus alongside then up-and-comer songwriter Steve Robson, and would eventually become one of the band’s biggest hits.
The band’s following album, “Feels Like Today,” saw the band writing even more. DeMarcus and LeVox co-wrote six of the album’s tracks, including the hit single “Fast Cars and Freedom.” The band also collaborated with pop songwriters and producers such as Max Martin and Dr. Luke on some of the album’s tracks.
The Band’s Songwriting Process
While it’s clear that Rascal Flatts writes many of their own songs, the band’s songwriting process is not well-documented. However, in interviews, the band has mentioned that they often start with a concept or title and then work together to find the perfect music to accompany it.
LeVox has mentioned in interviews that he enjoys writing songs that have a personal connection. “I like to lean on things that have happened in my life, things that I can draw from that are genuine and true,” LeVox said.
DeMarcus, on the other hand, has mentioned that he likes to write with a specific goal in mind. “Sometimes we have to write for a particular reason, like for a movie or a TV show,” DeMarcus said. “Those are the times when we really have to buckle down and focus.”
The Band’s Hit Songs
As previously mentioned, Rascal Flatts has scored numerous hits over the years. Many of these hits were co-written by the band. Some of their most successful songs include:
– “Bless the Broken Road” – Written by Jeff Hannah and Marcus Hummon
– “What Hurts the Most” – Written by Steve Robson and Jeffrey Steele
– “My Wish” – Written by Steve Robson and Jeffrey Steele
– “Here Comes Goodbye” – Written by Clint Lagerberg and Chris Sligh
All of these songs were massive hits for the band and remain fan favorites to this day.
Conclusion
So, did Rascal Flatts write any of their own songs? The answer is a resounding yes. While the band did rely heavily on outside songwriters during their early days, they began writing more and more as their career progressed. Today, the band is known for co-writing many of their own hits and have cultivated an impressive songwriting catalog over the years. Their unique sound and infectious melodies have made them one of the most beloved bands in country music, and their songwriting abilities are a big part of what makes them so special.
FAQ
Why doesn’t Rascal Flatts sing anymore?
Rascal Flatts was a well-known American country band, which was formed in Columbus, Ohio in 1999. The band was comprised of three members, Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney. Rascal Flatts was one of the most popular country bands of the 2000s, and their music was known for its pop-country style. The band released 12 studio albums, and their hits, including “What Hurts the Most,” “Bless the Broken Road,” and “Life is a Highway,” topped the country music charts.
Rascal Flatts had a long and successful career, and their fans were disappointed to hear that the band would no longer be performing together after their Farewell: Life is a Highway Tour, which took place in 2020. But a recent interview with vocalist Gary LeVox revealed that the farewell was rather chaotic. He told People Magazine that he was never okay with how their band ended and hinted that the band started to fracture after one member decided to quit.
LeVox explained that he and his bandmates were working on a new album in 2019 when one member of the group informed them that he wanted to leave the band. This unexpected departure left LeVox and DeMarcus, the group’s other two members, feeling blindsided and hurt. They tried to convince their bandmate to stay, but he ultimately made the decision to leave.
The departure of one member had a profound effect on the band’s dynamic. Despite their efforts to continue making music together, the trio found it difficult to move forward without their missing member. LeVox revealed that he and DeMarcus even hired a new guitarist to replace their departed bandmate, but it didn’t feel right. The band’s chemistry had been disrupted, and it was difficult to recreate the same magic that had made Rascal Flatts so successful.
LeVox emphasized that he holds no ill will towards his former bandmate and wishes him all the best. However, the unexpected departure caused a rift in the band that ultimately led to their decision to go their separate ways.
Rascal Flatts no longer performs together because the band was unable to recover after one member decided to leave. The departure caused a fracture in the band’s dynamic, and despite their best efforts to continue making music together, they were unable to recreate the magic that had made them so successful. Gary LeVox expressed that he was never okay with how the band ended, but he has accepted that it was time to move on and is excited to pursue new opportunities.
What is Rascal Flatts real name?
Rascal Flatts is a well-known American country music band that was formed in 1999 in Nashville, Tennessee. The band consists of three members, Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney. The name Rascal Flatts is an amalgamation of two things: the word “rascal,” which was LeVox’s nickname in high school, and “flatts,” which was inspired by a road sign for a town in Arizona.
So to answer the question of what the real names of the members of Rascal Flatts are, let’s start with the lead vocalist: Gary LeVox. His full name is Gary Wayne Vernon, Jr., but he decided to go by Gary LeVox for his stage name. Jay DeMarcus, the bass guitarist and one of the background vocalists, was born as Stanley Wayne DeMarcus, Jr. Finally, the lead guitarist and additional background vocalist, Joe Don Rooney, was born as Joseph Donald Rooney.
Together, the trio of Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney have become one of the most successful country music bands of all time. They have released numerous hit songs throughout their career, including “Bless the Broken Road,” “What Hurts the Most,” and “Life is a Highway.” Their music has won them many awards and recognitions over the years, including multiple Grammy nominations and awards, as well as ACM and CMA awards.
How much are Rascal Flatts worth?
Rascal Flatts is a well-known and highly successful American country music group composed of three members, Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney. They first burst onto the music scene in the late 1990s with their debut single “Prayin’ for Daylight,” which quickly became a hit. Their unique combination of contemporary country music with pop and rock elements has earned them a loyal fan base, numerous awards, and a significant amount of wealth.
As of 2021, Rascal Flatts’ net worth is estimated to be around $150 million. The group has earned this wealth through their undeniable success, which includes 12 No. 1 hits on the Hot Country Charts and millions of records sold worldwide. They have also won numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Country Music Association Awards.
One of the primary sources of Rascal Flatts’ wealth is their highly successful touring career. They have consistently been one of the top-performing country music acts, selling out shows around the world. In addition, the group has established themselves as one of the most successful recording acts in history. They have released 12 studio albums, all of which have achieved gold or platinum status.
Apart from music, Rascal Flatts has also made money through various television appearances and brand endorsements. They have appeared on several shows, including American Idol, The Voice, and Dancing with the Stars. The group has also endorsed several brands and companies over the years, including Chevrolet, JCPenney, and Hershey’s.
Rascal Flatts is one of the most successful country music groups of all time, with an estimated net worth of $150 million. Through their music, touring, television appearances, and brand endorsements, they have earned a significant amount of wealth. They will undoubtedly continue to be a major force in the country music industry for years to come.
Is Rascal Flatts Mormon?
Rascal Flatts is a popular American country music band that has been active in the music industry since the late 1990s. The band comprises of three members, Jay DeMarcus, Joe Don Rooney, and Gary LeVox. Over the years, the band has released several hit albums and singles that have contributed to their success as a country music group.
There have been rumors and debates among fans and music enthusiasts about Rascal Flatts’ religious affiliations with some speculating that they may be Mormons. However, this remains a topic of much speculation, and there is no official confirmation that the group follows the Mormon religion.
In a 2008 interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Joe Don Rooney made it clear that the band members are Christians and have deep faith in God and country. He notes that they are not on a crusade but are merely Christian men with families who believe in the power of faith.
It is worth noting that religious affiliation has never been a central theme in Rascal Flatts’ music. Their songs revolve around love, heartbreak, family, and life experiences rather than religious beliefs. Despite this, Rascal Flatts has included a number of faith-based songs on their albums, including “I’m Movin’ On” and “Bless the Broken Road,” which have Christian undertones.
Whether or not Rascal Flatts is Mormon remains a debated topic, with no clear evidence confirming or denying this claim. However, what is evident is that the group is made up of Christian men with deep faith and strong family values. Their music reflects these values but is not centered around religious ideals.
