Florida Georgia Line: DYK?
Florida Georgia Line: Fun Facts & Little-Known Stories About the Country Duo
Florida Georgia Line (FGL), comprised of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, took the country music world by storm with their unique blend of country, rock, and pop. Their debut single "Cruise" became the best-selling digital country song of all time, and they’ve continued to innovate and dominate the charts with hits like "H.O.L.Y.," "Simple," and "Meant to Be." While the duo is well-known for their infectious tunes and genre-bending sound, there are plenty of interesting, lesser-known stories behind their success. Here are some fun facts and surprising tales about Florida Georgia Line.
1. Their First Meeting Was a Stroke of Fate
Florida Georgia Line might never have existed if it weren’t for a chance meeting between Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. The two met in 2008 at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. While they were both pursuing music, they didn’t immediately team up. It wasn’t until they both realized they shared a similar vision for blending musical genres that they decided to collaborate.
Fun Fact: Brian Kelley was initially more focused on baseball than music. He played baseball at Florida State before transferring to Belmont University to pursue his musical aspirations. Tyler Hubbard, on the other hand, was already writing songs and playing shows in his local Georgia scene.
2. "Cruise" Was Written in a Single Day
"Cruise," the song that catapulted Florida Georgia Line to fame, was written in just one day. Co-written by the duo along with Joey Moi, Chase Rice, and Jesse Rice, the song came together quickly during a casual writing session. What started as an unassuming songwriting session turned into a massive hit that would break records and change the duo’s lives forever.
Fun Fact: "Cruise" was the first country song to ever receive the Diamond certification by the RIAA, signifying over 10 million units sold. The song also spent a record-breaking 24 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
3. They Created the "Bro-Country" Movement (Unintentionally)
Florida Georgia Line is often credited with kick-starting the "bro-country" movement, a subgenre that blends country music with hip-hop, rock, and pop influences. With songs focusing on good times, parties, and girls, the duo became known for their energetic, feel-good anthems that attracted a younger audience.
Fun Fact: While Florida Georgia Line is often associated with "bro-country," they didn’t set out to create a subgenre. Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley have said in interviews that they were just making music that felt authentic to them—mixing their love of rock, country, and hip-hop influences—without worrying about fitting into a particular box.
4. They've Collaborated With Artists Outside of Country Music
Florida Georgia Line is known for pushing boundaries, and one way they’ve done this is through their unexpected collaborations with artists from other genres. In 2017, they collaborated with pop singer Bebe Rexha on the crossover hit "Meant to Be," which became a massive success, spending 50 weeks at number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. They’ve also worked with artists like The Chainsmokers, Nelly, and even rock band Backstreet Boys.
Fun Fact: Their collaboration with Nelly on a remix of "Cruise" helped introduce them to mainstream audiences beyond the country music scene. The song became a summer anthem and helped solidify their reputation as boundary-pushers in the music industry.
5. They Have Their Own Line of Whiskey
Not content with dominating the music world, Florida Georgia Line has ventured into the spirits industry with their own line of whiskey called Old Camp Whiskey. Known for its sweet peach and pecan flavor, the whiskey is a tribute to their Southern roots and their love of a good time. The duo was heavily involved in the creation process, ensuring that the whiskey matched their personal taste and reflected their fun-loving personalities.
Fun Fact: In interviews, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley have said that they wanted their whiskey to be something you could enjoy around a campfire with friends—just like their music. They’ve even taken Old Camp Whiskey on tour with them to share with fans.
6. Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard Are Also Entrepreneurs
In addition to their whiskey brand, Florida Georgia Line has expanded into other business ventures. Brian Kelley launched a clothing line called "Tribe Kelley" with his wife Brittney, which focuses on earthy, bohemian fashion. Tyler Hubbard, on the other hand, has been involved in songwriting for other artists and is exploring opportunities in producing.
Fun Fact: Tribe Kelley, founded in 2015, has grown into a successful fashion brand, with clothing inspired by the couple's bohemian lifestyle. Brian Kelley has often spoken about how much he enjoys balancing music with his entrepreneurial ventures.
7. They Almost Called It Quits After Their First EP
Believe it or not, Florida Georgia Line almost didn’t make it past their first EP. After releasing their debut EP Anything Like Me in 2010, the duo struggled to gain traction in the early days of their career. They were on the verge of calling it quits when they decided to give it one last shot by recording what would become "Cruise." The rest, as they say, is history.
Fun Fact: "Cruise" was independently released before the duo signed a record deal. After the song started gaining momentum, Republic Nashville quickly signed Florida Georgia Line, helping to turn the track into a nationwide hit.
8. Their Iconic Tour Bus Has a Recording Studio
The road has become a second home for Florida Georgia Line, and they’ve made sure their tour bus is just as productive as it is comfortable. Their tour bus is equipped with a full recording studio, allowing the duo to write and record music while traveling between cities.
Fun Fact: Many of Florida Georgia Line's hits were written on the road, including "This Is How We Roll" and "H.O.L.Y." The portable studio gives them the flexibility to create music whenever inspiration strikes.
Florida Georgia Line’s Unstoppable Rise
From humble beginnings in Nashville to chart-topping superstardom, Florida Georgia Line’s journey is one of persistence, creativity, and a willingness to push the boundaries of country music. With their fearless approach to genre-blending, business ventures, and a string of record-breaking hits, the duo has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
As they continue to evolve and explore new opportunities, one thing is clear: Florida Georgia Line isn’t just a country band—they’re a cultural force.
One of Florida Georgia Line's most iconic lines comes from their song "H.O.L.Y.":
"You're the healing hands where it used to hurt, you're my saving grace, you're my kind of church."
This line captures the romantic and spiritual connection that the song is known for, blending heartfelt emotion with their signature style. It stands out as one of the band's most memorable lyrics, showcasing their ability to mix modern country with pop influences while conveying deep emotion.