Podcast Summary: Takin' A Walk – Music History with Buzz Knight

Episode: Jay DeMarcus – Member Rascal Flatts, Musician, Songwriter, Label Founder
Release Date: January 4, 2026
Host: Buzz Knight
Guest: Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts, Red Street Records)

Overview

In this in-depth episode, Buzz Knight sits down with Jay DeMarcus, celebrated musician, songwriter, and producer (most famously with Rascal Flatts) to walk through his Ohio upbringing, early musical influences, career-defining moments, producing for other artists, the rise and hiatus of Rascal Flatts, and his current chapter as the founder of Red Street Records. Jay shares candid, funny, and inspiring stories about building a chart-topping band from scratch, the realities behind success, and paying it forward to the next generation of artists.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jay’s Columbus, Ohio Roots & Early Influences

• Ohio Childhood: Jay and Buzz reminisce about Columbus radio stations (QFM96, Sunny 95, 92 XFM), sports culture, and local haunts like the Varsity Club.
  • “I spent the 80s there and what I consider to be the greatest decade ever.” – Jay DeMarcus (01:55)
• First Bands: Early gigs were with Christian rock group Fair Warning, playing youth events and drawing inspiration from bands like Petra and White Hart.
• Early Production: Attending Fort Hayes Career Center honed his production skills and introduced him to like-minded, passionate musicians.
  • “I started to get my feet wet in learning the process of producing and putting parts together...” – Jay DeMarcus (05:00)

Stepping into Professional Production

• Producing for Jody Messina:
  • Developed a creative partnership with Dan Huff, emphasizing co-production and mutual learning.
  • “Being peers in co production was a really special experience.” – Jay DeMarcus (06:14)
• Working with Chicago:
  • Lifelong Chicago fan, his friendship and creative synergy with Jason Scheff led to producing Chicago 30 after the band heard the demos he and Scheff wrote together.
  • “For a kid that grew up idolizing that band then to be asked to produce a record was something I wouldn’t have dreamed in a million years.” – Jay DeMarcus (07:26)

The Rascal Flatts Journey

• Formation Story (12:47 – 20:02):
  • Jay recounts how cousin Gary LeVox approached him after winning karaoke contests, not realizing at first the raw vocal talent he possessed.
  • Jay and Gary began performing at writer nights and open mics around Nashville. Joe Don Rooney joined after serendipitously filling in for an absent guitarist at the Fiddle & Steel Guitar Bar.
  • The three found instant vocal chemistry during their first song together, cementing the Rascal Flatts lineup.
  • “When we hit that chorus, all three of us... we all knew instantly we had captured some lightning, a bottle, and some magic that you can’t manufacture.” – Jay DeMarcus (19:17)
• Chemistry & Commitment:
  • Rascal Flatts’ lasting run (16 No. 1s, multiple major awards, Opry induction, Hollywood star).
  • Jay reflects on the challenges of longevity, saying they did well at prioritizing the band but wished they’d managed burnout better.
  • “I think the only thing we didn’t do right was taking a breath... we never took a break.” – Jay DeMarcus (24:48)

Band Hiatus and the Impact of COVID

• “Covid was such an anomaly and that it just ruined a lot of things for a lot of people... I feel like we were robbed of being able to say goodbye to our fans.” – Jay DeMarcus (28:05)
• Tech issues and singer Joe Don’s departure played a role in their unexpected break, but Jay expresses hope for a reunion to honor their fans and legacy.

Personal & Musical Touchstones

• Songs That Shaped Jay:
  • "Daniel" by Elton John – connection to his father, early musical awakening. (29:42)
  • "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" by Chicago – a pivotal, life-changing listening experience.
  • "He Stopped Loving Her Today" by George Jones – deepened his appreciation for country songwriting and its emotional power.
• Famous Firsts:
  • Earliest music love: childhood, watching dad’s band (32:46)
  • First song on the radio: “Welcome to the Next Level” with East to West (33:24)
  • First No. 1: “These Days” with Rascal Flatts (34:04)
  • First album: Chicago 16 (35:03)
  • First concert: Dolly Parton at the Ohio State Fair (35:16)
  • “I remember looking at that stage going, I want to do that for the rest of my life.” – Jay DeMarcus (35:16)

Founding Red Street Records (2018–present)

• Motivation & Approach:
  • Jay wanted to support and mentor new artists, leveraging lessons from his own career.
  • Red Street began with Christian acts (Jason Crabb, Avalon), then expanded to country via signings like Chris Lane and Neon Union.
  • Jay’s artist-first, empathy-driven leadership is enhanced by industry veteran hires.
  • “I had things to offer them that conventional label heads don’t possess.” – Jay DeMarcus (36:27)
• Leadership Evolution:
  • Learned people skills, flexibility, and decisiveness from band/crew management days.
  • Draws on advice from mentors, notably Vince Gill:
    • “If you’re not gracious on the way up and gracious on the way down, it’s gonna reveal what your character is really, really, really fast.” – Vince Gill (relayed by Jay) (41:47)
  • Seeks to build a hits-driven, sustainable company focused on strong relationships and reputation.

Reflections on Personal Growth

• Acting:
  • Jay shares his interest in acting, originating from high school theater and Rascal Flatts’ cameos, encouraged by directors and friends.
  • “I really have a desire to do it more... But I would really love eventually to be able to do more.” – Jay DeMarcus (44:32)
• Continuous Learning:
  • Admits patience is a skill he continues to work on, influenced by his drive to shape outcomes and perfectionist streak.
  • “I really wish I could learn how to be patient. I am a person that wants things done yesterday.” – Jay DeMarcus (46:05)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I was just absolutely mesmerized by the gift this guy had... to be a part of that time where Gary LeVox was becoming Gary LeVox and finding himself.” – On discovering his cousin’s voice (13:29)
• “They realized very quickly that I had studied their music and I was a student of their music.” – On producing Chicago (11:24)
• “We felt very lucky to have one [number one] to be honest with you... it never gets old.” – On chart success (34:44)
• “Relationships in this business mean everything. I really do.” – On the music business ethos (43:19)
• “I've tried to be consistent and communicate the fact that I appreciate that they worked so hard for us or that they had our backs or that they were such a good friend to us.” (41:47)
• “I want us to have some hits. I want to have the kind of artists that we build long, sustainable careers.” – On vision for Red Street Records (43:31)

Key Timestamps for Major Topics

• Jay’s Ohio Roots & Early Bands: 01:55 – 05:56
• Production Career, Jody Messina/Chicago: 06:14 – 12:42
• Rascal Flatts Origin Story: 12:47 – 20:02
• Band Chemistry & Challenges: 24:29 – 27:58
• COVID & Hiatus / Future of the Band: 28:05 – 29:31
• Songs & Influences: 29:42 – 32:36
• Firsts (Music, No. 1, Concert): 32:46 – 35:16
• Red Street Records Foundation: 36:16 – 38:51
• Leadership & Reputation: 40:20 – 43:31
• Acting & Personal Development: 44:21 – 46:05

Conclusion

Jay DeMarcus’s journey is one of musical passion, humility, and reinvention—embracing his roots, cherishing relationships, paying forward his success, and striving to both create and nurture music that stands the test of time. This episode delivers a warm, insightful, and often humorous look at an American country music icon, his path from church bands to the Opry, and his ongoing commitment to making an impact on music’s next generation.