Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon manifests its southern roots with a layer of blues on top of a garage-rock sound. The band is comprised of three brothers and a cousin who hail from Oklahoma (though they formed their foursome in Nashville). The collective group name pays homage to their grandfather, Leon.

Kings of Leon first made a splash in 2003 with the release of the Holy Roller Novocaine EP, which was praised by Rolling Stone magazine. Infused with garage punk rock, it represented the musicians' youth. Five months later, the band released its debut album, Youth and Young Manhood (2003), which received much fanfare in the United Kingdom. 

After the band’s debut album came Aha Shake Heartbreak (2005). The release heightened the group's international fame, especially with hits like "The Bucket," "Four Kicks," and "King of the Rodeo." Kings of Leon's next album, Because of the Times (2007), once again saw international success that was concentrated in the UK. 

Only by the Night (2008) became Kings of Leon's most successful album to date. It debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart, and reached No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Charts, reaching platinum status. It includes the smash singles "Use Somebody," "Sex on Fire," and "Notion."  It also was the best-selling album in Australia in 2008.

At the 2009 Brit Awards, Kings of Leon won Best International Band and Best International Album. In 2010, the group won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and Best Rock Song ("Use Somebody"). 

Kings of Leon's last album, Come Around Sundown (2010), includes the single "Radioactive," and peaked at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Charts.