Kings Of Leon

Kings of Leon (formed 2000)

Kings of Leon are an American rock band, consisting of three brothers (Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill) and their cousin (Matthew Followill).

Kings of Leon: Formation

The band got their name from the three brother's father and grandfather, both of whom were named Leon.

The Followill brothers spent most of their youth travelling around the Southern states of the USA with their parents, as their father was a United Pentecostal Church preacher. When they were not enrolled in local schools where their father was preaching, they were schooled at home.

In 1998, the brothers moved to Nashville and in 2000 they formed a band with their cousin, Matthew. Originally, Nathan and Caleb sang country songs but soon progressed to rock 'n' roll.

Kings of Leon: Development

Kings of Leon were eventually signed to RCA Records who hooked them up with Angelo Petraglia, who was known for working with Trisha Yearwood and Martina McBride. Petraglia introduced them to more rock 'n' roll, including The Rolling Stones and early, raw tracks. The band has admitted that their childhood upbringing had sheltered them from a lot of popular music.

Kings Of Leon: Releases

'Holy Roller Novocaine' EP (2003) - all the songs on this debut EP were co-written by Petraglia.

Youth and Young Manhood (2003) - around the time of the debut album's release, Kings Of Leon were invited to tour with major players such as U2 and The Strokes, which helped propel them to success. The album spawned several notable singles such as 'Molly's Chambers' and 'Red Morning Light'. 'Holy Roller Novocaine' was featured in the movie Talladega Nights: the Ballad of Ricky Bobby.

Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004) - 'The Bucket' was a Top 20 hit in the UK and other singles released from the album were 'King of The Rodeo' and 'Four Kicks'. The song 'Taper Jean Girl' was used in the film Disturbia. Several well-known musicians, including Noel Gallagher, Bryan Adams, Bob Dylan and Eddie Vedder were vocal in their appreciation of Kings of Leon.

Because of the Times (2007) - Adding Radiohead's Ed O'Brien to the list of famous fans, Kings of Leon's third album went straight to number one in the UK on its release and the single 'On Call' was also a huge hit for the band. The songs 'Charmer' and 'Fans' were also released as singles.

The follow-up to Because of the Times was co-produced by Angelo Petraglia and Jacquire King and was recorded at Nashville's Blackbird Studios in the first half of 2008.