Rascal Flatts Has Receiveda Star on the World Famoushollywood Walk of Fameon Monday,September 17, 2012; And
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Form 99 CITY OF LOS ANGELES RESOLUTION RASCAL FLA TTS WHEREAS, Rascal Flatts has received a star on the World Famous Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, September 17, 2012; and WHEREAS, Even in a career as filled with music and milestones as that of Rascal Flatts, there are times when capturing the moment isn't difficult. Sometimes, it only takes a word. The release of Changed, the trio's eighth studio album, is a great case in point; and WHEREAS, what the trio has been through amounts to an almost complete metamorphosis of the business aspects of their career. Jay, who handles bass and vocals, along with guitarist/vocalist Joe Don Rooney and lead vocalist extraordinaire Gary LeVox, have established themselves at Big Machine Records following the 2010 demise of their longtime label, and have joined forces with Spalding Entertainment after parting with their longtime management team. The fact that their first CD for Big Machine, Nothing Like This, hit #1 on the charts and produced three singles of the caliber of "Why Wait," "I Won't Let Go" and "Easy," would seem to indicate they've handled the process smoothly, but they are quick to point out that any transition this big holds its challenges; and WHEREAS, There are many things that haven't changed: the soaring harmonies, the superb musicianship, the ability to write and select songs that speak to our hearts, the knack for knockout performances, and above all, the desire to push themselves to bring more to the table with each record; and WHEREAS, their hunger for excellence has borne fruit in every aspect of their phenomenal career. They have now sold more than 21 million albums and 25 million digital downloads. They have seen 13 singles hit the top of the charts, spending more than eight months collectively at #1. They have won more than 40 major awards, including seven ACM trophies for "Vocal Group of the Year" and six trophies for CMA "Vocal Group of the Year." Recently they added a Grand Ole Opry membership, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the prestigious Country Radio Seminar 2012 Artist Humanitarian Award to their list of accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Nowhere is that more evident than in the album title track, a compelling and dramatic picture of redemption written by Gary with Neil Thrasher and Wendell Mobley, with whom he also wrote "Fast Cars and Freedom" and "I Melt." Its one Gary views as a gift. "I think I just kind of held the pen and God wrote that one," he says, "but it sums up everything in our lives in the past ten years. It's one of those universal lyrics that everybody has lived some part of'; and WHEREAS, each of the three had a hand in writing for the project. Besides "Changed," Gary contributed "Great Big Love." Jay penned "Let It Hurt," a powerful look at facing loss, and Joe Don wrote "Sunrise," an offer to cure heartache "one sunrise at a time." They quickly earned a record deal and talent, drive, and great song selection did the rest. Their list of hits constitutes one of the great bodies of work in modem country music, with "These Days," "Bless the Broken Road," "What Hurts The Most," "My Wish," "Take Me There" and "Here Comes Goodbye" as just the tip of an ever-expanding iceberg. Their performances are state of-the art, house-rocking extravaganzas, sold-out excursions into musical excitement that have included as opening acts some of this generation's great artists, including Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton and Jason Aldean; and WHEREAS, "I truly feel like every time the three of us lock into a chorus," says Gary, "God's hand is in it. I feel blessed to share the stage with Jay and Joe Don. "There's never been a method to our madness," adds Joe Don. "We just cut the best songs we can, and through the years we get better at what we do"; and WHEREAS, committed to giving back, they are known for their charitable work, which includes raising three million dollars for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. It's something close to all of their hearts. "To give back when you're in a position to give seems like a natural thing to do," says Jay. "It's our responsibility as three guys who've been very blessed"; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that by the adoption of this resolution the Los Angeles City Council hereby congratulates RASCAL FLATTS on this well deserved honor of receiving their star on the World Famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. June 25, 2012 JUL 2·5 201Z MAYOR ru LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCil Recyclable and made from •ecycied waste. \6"¢/ .