Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

‘Christmas Will Be Different This Year’ Marks All the Changes in Gary LeVox’s Life in 2020

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

With subtle hints from Rascal Flatts’ lead singer Gary LeVox, many speculate that he will soon be releasing a solo country album, and one of the lead traces for this is his recent dropping of ‘Christmas Will Be Different This Year’ last Friday (November 13).

Keeping the Essence of Christmas

The holiday original was written by Gary LeVox with the help of Natalie Hemby and songwriter Stephan Moccio who also had a performance of the same track on piano. The balladic appeal resulted in a smooth and sentimental mood that really describes how the world feels this 2020 after going through a multi-layered rough season at the entry of the infamous COVID-19. Indeed, ‘Christmas Will Be Different This Year’ but LeVox prays for the essence to remain the same.

The fact is, even though Christmas is not here yet, we can’t help comparing it to last year when everything is quite all right. LeVox explains through his song that the way he celebrates Christmas will be the same; sending letters and giving presents, but not being able to meet share the dinner table and the fireplace with other people he loves makes him emotional. Helpless but with understanding, he accepts the situation with obvious sadness and will just ‘look for the magic in it anyway’.

Rascal Flatts Steps Down the Stage

Early this year, the Rascal Flatts announced how they plan to part ways right after celebrating their 20th year anniversary and this single is the first testament of it. Joe Don Rooney decided to focus on songwriting while Jay DeMarcus gave all his time towards his new record label, Red Street Records, and his family starring in a Netflix show. The trio, together with their fans, inevitably wished for a better ending than a low-key goodbye.

But since its still 2020, their group released their final EP ‘How They Remember You’ which marked as one of the greatest hits this year.

As for Gary LeVox, he forces himself to move on, too, and to keep making music. Career-wise, he explained how it’s the best for them individually. Sometimes, they get into each other’s nerves while producing music due to their differing opinions. Still, LeVox holds himself responsible and was also entrusted to continue singing for the band.

Latest Stories

Dan Tyminski of Union Station and Alison Krauss Perform “Man of Constant Sorrow”

Union Station and Alison Krauss Perform “Man of Constant Sorrow”

Grammy-winning artist Alison Krauss joined fellow Grammy winner Dan Tyminski and the rest of Union Station for a memorable performance of “Man of Constant Sorrow” from the soundtrack of the ...

Carly Pearce Kicks Out Heckler at WE Fest, Here’s Why

Carly Pearce Kicks Out Heckler at WE Fest, Here’s Why

On August 2, friday, Grammy-award-winning country singer Carly Pearce gave a heckler an earful at her WE Fest in Minnesota and kicked him out of the event.  An audience member ...

Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton make top duet hit "Please Don't Stop Loving Me”

Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton make top duet hit “Please Don’t Stop Loving Me”

Queen of Country Dolly Parton and her duet partner and mentor Porter Wagoner debuted their first No. 1 in the country charts with the single “Please Don’t Stop Loving Me.” ...

The History behind Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy”

The History behind Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy”

Glen Campbell became a household name by singing about the struggle of rising to fame.  Imagine yourself in 1975, listening to Glen Campbell’s evergreen hit “Rhinestone Cowboy” on the radio, ...

Johnny Cash Adds Personal Twist to Cover “Personal Jesus”

Johnny Cash Adds Personal Twist to Cover “Personal Jesus”

Johnny Cash released his rendition of the synth-pop, blues rock song “Personal Jesus” by the British electronica band Depeche Mode on November 5, 2002. The cover was featured on his ...

If You’re Feeling Down and Weary, Sing Along with Reba McEntire: “I Got the Lord on My Side”

If You’re Feeling Down and Weary, Sing Along with Reba McEntire: “I Got the Lord on My Side”

Reba McEntire has been an undeniable creative force and one of the most beloved household names in country music. And through the ups and downs of her life, it was ...

The Arizona Wildflowers Gave John Denver’s “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” a Bluegrass Spin

The Arizona Wildflowers Gave John Denver’s “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” a Bluegrass Spin

Family bands have always been part of the country genre—from the Jacksons and the Osmonds down to the Wilsons, Gibbs, and Nelsons—and one shaping up to be an addition to ...

Brooks & Dunn Features Luke Combs in the 2019 Rerecord of Their Number One Hit “Brand New Man”

Brooks & Dunn Features Luke Combs in the 2019 Rerecord of Their Number One Hit “Brand New Man”

In 2019, country music powerhouse duo Brooks & Dunn released a collaborative album aptly titled Reboot. This record revisited 12 of their previous singles and featured 12 up-and-coming country music ...

The Mavericks Frontman Raul Malo Shares Social Media Update Following Cancer Diagnosis

The Mavericks Frontman Raul Malo Shares Social Media Update Following Cancer Diagnosis

On June 27, 2024, American band The Mavericks frontman Raul Malo announced on Instagram that he was diagnosed with colon cancer.  In the post, Malo talked about how they had ...

Johnny Cash statue to represent Arkansas at US Capitol

Johnny Cash statue to represent Arkansas at US Capitol

Johnny Cash is set to become the first professional musician to receive a statue in the U.S. Capitol on September 24. In a congressional letter announced on Wednesday, July 31, ...