COLUMBUS, Ohio – Columbus will never replace Nashville as the center of the country music universe, but one lawmaker thinks a popular band’s roots are deep enough to be designated Ohio’s “Official Country Music Group.”
State Sen. Jim Hughes (R–Columbus) on Wednesday spoke in front of a Statehouse panel on behalf of a bill he has introduced that would designate Rascal Flatts as the “Official Country Music Group of the State.”
Hughes offered sponsor testimony before the Senate Standing Committee on Government Oversight and Reform on his legislation, which he says is “designed to honor the Ohio roots” of the award-winning band.
Lead vocalist Gary LeVox and keyboard/bass guitar player Jay MeMarcus are cousins from Columbus and formed the trio in Nashville with guitarist Joe Don Rooney.
Rascal Flatts has been named the Academy of Country Music’s Top Vocal Group and the Country Music Association’s Vocal Group of the Year awards six times apiece.
During Hughes’ testimony, the committee heard directly from the band who recorded a video message in support of Senate Bill 233.
The bill will remain in the Senate committee for further consideration, Hughes said.