Rascal Flatts at the 2010 Country Radio Seminar on February 24 in Nashville, Tenn. Photo by Wendy Newcomer.

Traditionally, one might give a gift of aluminum and tin to celebrate a 10th wedding anniversary. But to celebrate the decade-long union between the multi-platinum Rascal Flatts and country radio, only a custom Rascal Flatts 10-year commemorative Les Paul guitar would do. Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney gathered in the Grand Ballroom of Nashville’s Renaissance Hotel during the Country Radio Seminar on Wednesday, Feb. 26, to relive the band’s favorite memories with country radio and thank them for their support.

“We have so many friends we’ve made over the last 10 years,” said Jay from the stage, “and it’s so humbling to be here 10 years later. We never dreamed we’d be able to experience some of the things we’ve experienced – and it’s all because of you guys. When we first came to your radio stations, we were so green and we had no idea what lay ahead. Ten years later, all we have to say is, ‘Thank you’ – sincerely, from the bottom of our hearts.”

The band followed up their heartfelt speeches with a humorous walk down memory lane, including a slide show of their early gigs. Both band and audience got a kick out of seeing photos of Rascal Flatts playing a mattress store opening and a joint called Bub’s Burgers.

After the group played their debut single, “Prayin’ For Daylight,” they said they wanted to play the first song they ever officially performed under the name Rascal Flatts — the Shenandoah 1989 No. 1, “Church On Cumberland Road.” Just before the song began, Shenandoah’s lead singer, Marty Raybon, walked onstage.

Rascal Flatts' Gary LeVox (l) and Marty Raybon at the 2010 Country Radio Seminar on February 24 in Nashville, Tenn. Photo by Wendy Newcomer.

“What?! Oh my lord!” exclaimed a surprised Gary, who’s often cited Marty as one of his all-time favorite singers. As they tried to figure out a key that both of them could sing it in, Gary said, “Well it’s your song. We’ll do it in whatever key you want it!”

“F is a good key,” said Marty, and the two singers brought the house down with their rendition.

While the audience of radio and music industry folks sipped their drinks, the band reminisced about how they used to play two blocks away in Printer’s Alley, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., singing every song they knew, including another Shenandoah hit, the 1990 Top 5 “Ghost In This House,” (which was later covered by Alison Krauss). Marty and the Flatts once again blended their voices on the beautiful ballad. (Side note: Marty has a new single out called “Daddy Phone.” Click here to watch the video for it.)

As the evening wrapped, Rascal Flatts honored several country radio stations and programmers who were there from the beginning. Celebrated for most radio airplay overall were WQIK/Jacksonville, WTQR/Greensboro, and KUBL/Salt Lake City. WCOL/Columbus, KNIX/Phoenix and WKHX/Atlanta were honored for the most spins for the band’s first single, “Prayin’ For Daylight” while KBEQ/Kansas City received the designation of being the first radio station in the country to play their debut single. All honorees received a custom Rascal Flatts 10-year commemorative Les Paul guitar.

Click here to watch the video for Rascal Flatts’ “Olympic” version of their hit, “Unstoppable.”

ShareThis