It’s been two decades since Rascal Flatts was propelled into the spotlight with their self-titled debut album. The country-pop trio comprised of Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney reached the pinnacle of success when they became one of the top-selling groups in modern country history. The Grand Ole Opry members have sold 20 million albums, scored 12 No.1 singles, and have received more accolades than any ensemble in the country format. 

Although the decorated group decided to part ways in 2020, Gary LeVox told CMT that he will always cherish the rewarding moments and will apply what he has learned throughout the years to his solo country career. 

“It’s been an amazing journey, and I can’t wrap my head around it. I’m just a small-town boy from Westerville, Ohio. Being the frontman of Rascal Flatts for 20 years, I think you learn a lot,” he explained. “I know what works on live shows – you got 90 minutes to take them on a wild ride. It’s so fun to look back.” 

LeVox continued that members of the country community played a vital role in their success and served as mentors in the very beginning. 

“Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, there were a lot of them,” recalled the hitmaker. “We were out with Toby for a long time. We learned how to put shows together. Toby told us,  ‘you see all those people out there? The only thing you need to do is try to steal every single one of them tonight.’ I even watched Garth Brooks and said, ‘I want to do what that dude’s doing.’” 

Since rubbing elbows with Nashville’s elite and perfecting his craft, LeVox witnessed the country landscape evolve. To contribute to the positive shift the genre is experiencing today, the “My Wish” singer has made it a priority to pay it forward and guide promising new acts in the ten-year town. 

“I think that everybody should get a shot. You look back at the people that gave us a break. All people need is a chance,” LeVox stressed. “There’s so much good young talent coming out right now, that you just want to get behind. You want everybody to succeed. It’s great for our genre. It’s great for country music,” he added. 

The platinum-selling artist recently dropped his country solo debut “Get Down Like That,”  a foot-stomping anthem penned by superstar Thomas Rhett, Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, and HARDY. The powerful introduction served as a launching pad for LeVox and placed his creative wheels in motion. LeVox said he’s itching to collaborate with breakout artists ERNEST, Marcus King, and ACM Songwriter of the Year HARDY in another compacity. 

“I would love to do something with ERNEST, Marcus King,  and HARDY,” he said enthusiastically. “I would love to collab with them, maybe an up-tempo party banger or love song. I’ve got five or six finished – I’m so excited about it. There are some ballads in there that are amazing and some other songs that Neil Thrasher, Wendell Mobley, and I wrote together. Those are the guys I created ‘Fast Cars And Freedom’ with. I got some great stuff in the can and ready to go.” 

LeVox will roll out each track as singles to keep up the momentum. However, he declared that an EP might arrive early next year. Although LeVox is a seasoned singer-songwriter, he’s viewing his solo career as a “new start.” 

“It’s a breath of fresh air under my wings,” he uttered. “I feel like a new artist again, It’s been great, and we’re having a blast. It’s almost a new start or journey.” 

LeVox’s signature country sound will continue to shine in his new material. However, the crooner is looking forward to opening his heart and showing fans who he is at his very core.

“I don’t think I could change my sound that much, but I could probably talk about things that I didn’t say when I was in Rascal Flatts. I think that’s the thing about my solo career – people will get to know me more in-depth – as a person, husband, father, hunter, and outdoorsman. Maybe all the philanthropy work I do and how much I love the military. It’s a new season.” 

LeVox has already had independent success, as he released his faith-centric EP “One on One” in 2021. The critically acclaimed Gospel collection includes “All I See” featuring cross-country newcomer BRELAND, “The Distance,” and  “While I Wait” with his daughter, Brittany LeVox. The five-song tracklist scored a nomination for a 2022 Dove Award. The star-studded ceremony will be held tonight, October 18, at the Allen Arena in Nashville.