MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame is proud to announce that
Joe Don Rooney, celebrated musician and founding member of the award-winning country trio
Rascal Flatts, will be officially inducted on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Miami, Oklahoma as
part of their Heritage Days Route 66 Fest, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to
music and his deep Oklahoma roots. Heritage Fest is a free event July 25-26 in downtown
Miami, on historic Route 66.
Born and raised in Picher, Oklahoma, Rooney’s musical journey began in his local church,
performing alongside his parents and sister. Inspired by his family and fueled by the sounds of
rock and country, Rooney’s passion took shape when his father gifted him his first Fender
Telecaster at age 11. By 16, he was performing regularly with The Grand Lake Opry, honing his
stage presence and musicianship.
After attending Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, Rooney set his sights on Nashville.
There, a chance meeting with keyboardist Jay DeMarcus while touring with Chely Wright led to
the formation of Rascal Flatts, along with lead vocalist Gary LeVox. The trio quickly rose to
prominence, releasing their self-titled debut album in 2000 and launching a historic career that
would span more than two decades.
Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame executive director Tony Corbell says “the incredible talent of Joe
Don Rooney is unmistakable. He is truly one of the finest guitarists and singers working in
country music today.” With Rooney’s signature guitar work, harmonies, and vocals, Rascal
Flatts became one of the most successful groups in country music history. The band boasts 17
No. 1 hits, more than 23 million albums sold, 35 million digital downloads, and over 12 billion
career streams. They’ve sold more than 11 million concert tickets and earned over 40 major
awards, including honors from the GRAMMYs, ACMs, CMAs, and American Music Awards.
Rooney’s musical influence extends beyond Rascal Flatts. He has co-written songs for artists
such as Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Lee Brice, and The Vamps, and has also appeared in
film and television, including Hannah Montana: The Movie, Christmas in the Heartland, and
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
Deeply committed to giving back, Rooney and his bandmates have been passionate supporters of
philanthropic causes throughout their careers. From their long-standing partnership with Monroe
Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to work with Make-A-Wish and The Jason
Foundation, Rooney’s dedication to charitable work remains a cornerstone of his legacy.
Now, 25 years after Rascal Flatts’ debut, Rooney is celebrating the group’s enduring impact with
the release of Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets, marking a powerful return and reaffirming his
place as one of country music’s most influential artists.
The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame also worked with the Ottawa County Musicians Tribute
Committee on a couple of occasions. We posthumously inducted Steve and Cassie Gaines on
Sept. 8, 2018 in Miami, OK at the Coleman Theatre. They were born in Miami and were both
members of the southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and tragically died in the plane crash that
killed several members of the band. David Osborne was also inducted by the Oklahoma Music
Hall of Fame at the Coleman Theatre August 1, 2020.
About the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame
Established in 1999 by the Oklahoma Legislature, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame has
inducted over 144 members and continues to celebrate Oklahoma’s rich and diverse musical
heritage and is dedicated to honoring the state’s musical pioneers and providing a space for
music lovers to experience the sounds that shaped the industry. The Hall of Fame features a
museum with important pieces in their collection from many of the most celebrated artists in
music history.
For more information please contact:
Tony L Corbell
Executive Director
OKmusic@omhof.com
www.okmusichall.com
918-685-1701