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About Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon is a southern rock band which was formed in Nashville Tennessee in the year 2000. The band consists of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Caleb Followwill, guitarist Mathew Followwill, drummer Nathan Followwill and bassist Jared Followwill. Caleb, Nathan and Jared are brothers and Mathew is their cousin. The Kings of Leon took their name from their father whose name is Leon and who was a Pentecostal preacher. The band is known for their distinct sound and electrifying live shows.
In 2003 the Kings of Leon released their first album which was an EP called “The Holy Roller Novacaine”. This EP signified their sound of raw gritty vocals and unpolished guitars accompanied by a solid and infectious rhythm section. The Novacaine EP also gave the band great exposure.
The Kings of Leon were first more popular in Europe than they were in the United States. Their first full length CD released in 2003 entitled Youth and Young Manhood was highly acclaimed and was well-received in the United Kingdom. It reached the top five in the UK Albums chart.
Their other two albums “Aha Shake Heartbreak” released in 2005 and “Because of the Times” released in 2007were also very successful in the UK. The Kings of Leon had nine top 40 singles from their first three albums in the UK and in 2009 they won two Brit awards for Best International Band and Best International Album. Also songs from their previous albums were featured on the soundtracks of the hit movies Disturbia and Cloverfield.
In 2008 with the release of the album “Only By Night” Kings of Leon caught on in the United States with the rock hits “Sex on Fire”, “Use Somebody” and “Notion” which all peaked at number one on the Modern Rock charts. It reached number five on the Billboard charts. “Only By Night” is the band’s first CD to go platinum in the United States.
The success in the US continued for the band in 2008 they received their first Grammy nominations for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group, Best Rock Song and Best Rock Album. The Kings of Leon took home a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group for the smash hit “Sex on Fire”.
The Kings of Leon are currently working on their fifth CD which is to be released in 2010. Their sound is ever evolving and no doubt their fifth CD will take the band in a new direction.