Is Rascal Flatts Still Together? Where are They Now?
by Aishwarya R | Updated May 03, 2023
Who is Rascal Flatts?
Rascal Flatts is a country music band that originated in the United States in 1999. The group is made up of Gary LeVox (lead vocals), Jay DeMarcus (bass guitar, background vocals), and Joe Don Rooney (lead guitar, background vocals). DeMarcus is LeVox's second cousin, as well as the brother-in-law of country music singer James Otto. Prior to joining Rascal Flatts, DeMarcus was a member of the contemporary Christian music duo East to West.
Between 2000 and 2010, the band recorded under Disney Music Group's former Lyric Street Records division. During this time, they released six studio albums, all of which were certified platinum or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Their debut album, "Rascal Flatts," was released in 2000, and their second album, "Melt" (2002), produced their first number-one single, "These Days." Their following albums, "Feels Like Today" (2004), "Me and My Gang" (2006), "Still Feels Good" (2007), and "Unstoppable" (2009), all topped the US Billboard 200 chart upon their release. After Lyric Street Records closed in 2010, Rascal Flatts moved to Big Machine Records and released five more studio albums: "Nothing Like This" (2010), "Changed" (2012), "Rewind" (2014), "The Greatest Gift of All" (2016), and their final studio album, "Back to Us" (2017).
Over the course of their career, Rascal Flatts released more than forty singles, sixteen of which reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs, Country Airplay, and/or Canada Country charts. Their longest-lasting number-one single, a cover of Marcus Hummon's "Bless the Broken Road," spent five weeks in that position in 2005. "What Hurts the Most" was also a significant hit for the band, reaching number one on both the Hot Country Songs and Adult Contemporary charts in 2006-2007, and peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. The band also had commercial success with a cover of Tom Cochrane's "Life Is a Highway," which they recorded for the soundtrack of the Pixar animated film "Cars" (2006). Rascal Flatts' music is characterized by country pop influences and their distinctive vocal harmonies. In addition to their own music, DeMarcus has produced albums for Chicago, Jennette McCurdy, and Brooks & Dunn member Kix Brooks.
Is Rascal Flatts Still Together?
Rascal Flatts, the popular country music trio known for hits like "What Hurts the Most" and "My Wish," shocked fans in 2020 when they announced their breakup. Lead vocalist Gary LeVox recently opened up in an interview with People Magazine, saying that he was "never okay" with the way the band ended. Gary revealed that the band started to fall apart when one member quit, and he was unhappy about it. He also cited the pandemic as a factor that prevented the band from doing a farewell tour, which he says would have given them closure.
Rascal Flatts had highly successful in their music career as touring artists, grossing millions of dollars and selling millions of concert tickets. Their shows were known for their special effects, including videos, pyrotechnics, and laser lights. Between 2004 and 2012, they sold over 7 million tickets, making them one of the top-selling music acts during that time. In 2016, they celebrated selling 10 million tickets, and as of 2020, they had sold over 11 million concert tickets. They also performed internationally, headlining CMC Rocks The Hunter 2013 in Australia. The band has supported several charities, including Little Kids Rock and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Despite the split, the three members of Rascal Flatts appeared together at the ACM Honors in August 2021. Since then, they have pursued solo careers. Joe Don Rooney, the band's guitarist, had a difficult year, not only leaving Rascal Flatts but also being arrested for a DUI after crashing his car into a tree in Nashville. Gary said he hasn't spoken to Joe Don since the accident but wishes him well and hopes he gets the help he needs.
Gary has been pursuing a solo career with a focus on Christian rock music. Jay DeMarcus, the band's bassist, recently released a song called "Music Man" in honor of his late father. Despite the breakup and the challenges they faced, it's clear that the members of Rascal Flatts still have respect and love for each other.
Rascal Flatts Where are They Now?
After Rascal Flatts split from the band they started to focus on their own solo career.
Joe Don Rooney
Joe Don Rooney is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known as a former member of the country music band Rascal Flatts. He was born on September 13, 1975, in Baxter Springs, Kansas, and grew up in Picher, Oklahoma.
Rooney began playing guitar at a young age and later moved to Nashville to pursue his music career. He joined Rascal Flatts in 1999 as the lead guitarist, backing vocalist, and occasional songwriter.
During his time with Rascal Flatts, Rooney helped the band achieve great success, recording numerous hit songs and earning multiple awards, including several Grammy nominations.
Since the band's split in 2020, Rooney has continued to pursue music as a solo artist, releasing his first single, "Like a Woman," in 2021. He has also been in the news for his personal life, as he was arrested for DUI following a car accident in Nashville in September 2021.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Rooney remains a talented musician and a beloved figure in the country music community. Fans of Rascal Flatts continue to support him as he embarks on his next chapter in music.
Gary LeVox
Gary LeVox is an American singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the now-defunct country music group Rascal Flatts. Born on July 10, 1970, in Columbus, Ohio, Gary grew up in a musical family and started singing at a young age. Alongside bandmates Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney, Gary helped establish Rascal Flatts as one of the most successful country acts of the 2000s and 2010s.
Gary's distinct and powerful voice became a signature of Rascal Flatts' music, and he was often praised for his emotive delivery of the band's ballads. Over the course of Rascal Flatts' career, Gary co-wrote many of the group's biggest hits, including "Bless the Broken Road" and "What Hurts the Most." In addition to his work with Rascal Flatts, Gary has also collaborated with other artists, such as Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Toby Keith.
Since the band's breakup in 2020, Gary has continued to pursue a solo career, releasing his first single, "The Distance," in July 2021. He has also been vocal about his Christian faith and has released several gospel and Christian rock songs, including "Washed by the Water" and "No Matter What." Gary remains a beloved figure in the country music world, known for his powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and genuine personality.
Jay DeMarcus
Jay DeMarcus is a multi-talented musician and record producer who is best known as a founding member of the popular country music group Rascal Flatts. In addition to playing bass guitar and providing background vocals for the band, DeMarcus also co-wrote many of their songs and produced several of their albums.
Born in Ohio in 1971, DeMarcus began playing piano and singing in church as a child, and later learned to play guitar and bass. He moved to Nashville in the early 1990s to pursue a career in music and soon found work as a session musician and producer.
In 1999, DeMarcus teamed up with his cousin Gary LeVox and guitarist Joe Don Rooney to form Rascal Flatts. The group quickly gained a following with their catchy, upbeat songs and tight harmonies, and went on to become one of the most successful country music acts of the 2000s.
In addition to his work with Rascal Flatts, DeMarcus has produced albums for a wide range of artists, including Chicago, James Otto, and Jo Dee Messina. He has also made numerous television appearances, both as a performer and as a judge on shows like Nashville Star and the Miss America Pageant.
Since the band's breakup, DeMarcus has continued to work as a producer and has released several solo projects, including a memoir called "Shotgun Angels: My Story of Broken Roads and Unshakeable Hope." He also recently released a new single called "Music Man," which pays tribute to his late father, who was also a musician.
History of Rascal Flatts
Rascal Flatts was formed at the Fiddle and Steel Guitar Bar in Nashville, Tennessee by second cousins Gary LeVox and Jay DeMarcus, both from a musical family. DeMarcus had already earned a record deal as part of a Christian group called East to West when he convinced LeVox to come to Nashville to provide harmonies on Michael English's album Gospel, which DeMarcus was producing.
They became English's backup band and also worked in a nightclub in Printer's Alley, where they met guitarist Joe Don Rooney, a member of Chely Wright's band, who joined them one night when their part-time guitarist was unavailable. Drummer and bandleader Jim Riley completed the group, and they formed a bond instantly after covering the hit Shenandoah single "The Church on Cumberland Road." Singer Mila Mason recommended the group to record producers Mark Bright and Marty Williams, who played Lyric Street Records A&R Doug Howard a three-song demo. Howard was blown away and signed the band to Lyric Street in late 1999 after hearing their unique and compelling harmonies and lead singer's voice.
Rascal Flatts has been actively involved in supporting music education in disadvantaged public schools across the United States. They teamed up with Little Kids Rock to film a public service announcement promoting music education and encouraging people to give the gift of music to children.
In addition, the band has also supported various charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They helped raise one million dollars for the Central Ohio foundation at Ohio State University's second annual "Big Wish Gala". Furthermore, their hit song "My Wish" is the soundtrack for ESPN's series that follows the Make-a-Wish Foundation as they make dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Rascal Flatts has also made significant contributions to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, which is one of the top pediatric facilities in the country. The band has donated $4 million and countless hours of their time, resulting in the Rascal Flatts Pediatric Surgery Center being named after them in recognition of their involvement.
Is Rascal Flatts Still Together - FAQs
Rascal Flatts was formed in 1999 in Nashville, Tennessee.
The members of Rascal Flatts are Gary LeVox (lead vocals), Jay DeMarcus (bass guitar, keyboards, vocals), and Joe Don Rooney (lead guitar, vocals).
Some of Rascal Flatts' biggest hits include "Bless the Broken Road," "What Hurts the Most," "My Wish," and "Life is a Highway."
Yes, Rascal Flatts has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards.
No, Rascal Flatts announced their breakup in 2020 after a 20-year career. However, all three members have pursued solo music careers since the split.