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The Bands

Kings of Leon: Biography, Albums, Essential Songs and Legacy

todayNovember 12, 2026

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Kings of Leon went from shaggy Southern garage rockers to one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Formed in Nashville in 1999 by brothers Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill and their cousin Matthew, they hit their peak with Only by the Night, “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody”. They are an alternative rock band, with Southern rock and garage rock influences.

Kings of Leon at a glance

Formed1999, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
MembersCaleb Followill (vocals, guitar), Nathan Followill (drums), Jared Followill (bass), Matthew Followill (guitar)
GenresAlternative rock, Southern rock, garage rock revival
LabelsRCA, Capitol
GrammysFour, including Record of the Year for “Use Somebody” (2010)

Formation

The three Followill brothers, sons of a traveling preacher, formed the band in Nashville with their cousin Matthew. They signed to RCA and released their debut, Youth and Young Manhood, in 2003.

The sound

Early Kings of Leon records are raw, bluesy garage rock with Caleb Followill’s raspy, slurred vocals. From Because of the Times onward they built a bigger, arena-sized sound with soaring guitars.

Only by the Night

Their 2008 album made them global stars. “Sex on Fire” won the Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and “Use Somebody” won three Grammys in 2010, including Record of the Year.

Legacy

Kings of Leon are one of the most successful rock bands of the 2000s and 2010s, and Walls (2016) gave them a No. 1 album in the U.S. Their ninth album, Can We Please Have Fun, came out in May 2024.

The albums

Youth and Young Manhood (2003) and Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004)

Raw early records, with “Molly’s Chambers” and “The Bucket”.

Because of the Times (2007)

A bigger, moodier album, with “On Call”.

Only by the Night (2008)

Their biggest album, with “Sex on Fire”, “Use Somebody” and “Closer”.

Come Around Sundown (2010) and Mechanical Bull (2013)

With “Radioactive” and “Supersoaker”.

Walls (2016) to Can We Please Have Fun (2024)

Later albums, including When You See Yourself (2021), with “Waste a Moment”.

Ten songs to start with

  1. Sex on Fire
  2. Use Somebody
  3. Molly’s Chambers
  4. The Bucket
  5. On Call
  6. Closer
  7. Radioactive
  8. Supersoaker
  9. Waste a Moment
  10. Pyro

Songs we play on The Alternative One

These Kings of Leon songs are on our charts and lists:

If you like Kings of Leon, try

The Black Keys, The Strokes, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Cage the Elephant and Foo Fighters.

Frequently asked questions

What genre is Kings of Leon?

Kings of Leon are an alternative rock band, with Southern rock and garage rock influences.

Where are Kings of Leon from?

Nashville, Tennessee. The band formed there in 1999.

What is Kings of Leon’s most famous song?

“Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody,” both from Only by the Night (2008).

How many Grammys have Kings of Leon won?

Four, including Record of the Year for “Use Somebody” in 2010.

Yes. Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill are brothers, and Matthew Followill is their cousin.

Hear it on The Alternative One

Kings of Leon bring the arena-sized side of modern rock to our playlist. Catch it on The Modern Rock Radio Show, check the radio show schedule, or press play on the live stream. Want a specific song? Send a request or dedication.

About this article: Written and fact-checked by The Alternative One editorial team. Official artist website: www.kingsofleon.com. Last reviewed November 4, 2026. Read our editorial standards or tell us about a correction.

Written by: Alternative One

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