Joe Don Rooney, born September 13, 1975, is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist and high-octave harmony vocalist for the multi-platinum country music band Rascal Flatts. With a career spanning over two decades, Rooney helped define the modern country-pop sound of the 2000s, contributing his virtuosic guitar work and distinctive tenor harmonies to a string of chart-topping hits that made the trio one of the most successful acts in the genre's history.

Growing up in Oklahoma, Rooney developed an early passion for music, picking up the guitar as a teenager. His influences were notably eclectic, drawing inspiration from legendary guitarists such as Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck. This diverse musical foundation allowed him to blend traditional country picking with rock-infused energy, a skill that would later become a hallmark of Rascal Flatts' sound. Beyond the electric guitar, Rooney is also proficient on acoustic and bass guitars, as well as the mandolin and banjo, showcasing his versatility as a multi-instrumentalist.

Rooney's path to stardom began when he joined forces with bassist Jay DeMarcus and vocalist Gary LeVox, forming Rascal Flatts in 1999. The band quickly rose to prominence with their self-titled debut album, but it was their sophomore release, "Melt", that catapulted them into the mainstream. Over the following years, Rascal Flatts became a dominant force on the country charts, releasing a string of number-one singles that included "Bless the Broken Road", "What Hurts the Most", and "My Wish". Rooney's role as the high harmony singer and lead guitarist was integral to the band's signature sound, earning him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.

Throughout his tenure with Rascal Flatts, Rooney and his bandmates accumulated an impressive array of accolades, including multiple Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association awards. The band also earned a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Bless the Broken Road". Their commercial success was staggering, with album sales exceeding 20 million copies in the United States alone, cementing their status as one of the best-selling country groups of all time. The trio also made notable appearances on television and in film, including a cameo in Hannah Montana: The Movie and performances on shows like American Idol.

After Rascal Flatts announced their farewell tour in 2020, Rooney transitioned into a new chapter of his career. He has continued to pursue his passion for music, focusing on songwriting and personal projects while maintaining his status as a respected figure in the country music community. Though the band's touring days have ended, Rooney's legacy as a gifted guitarist and harmonious vocalist remains firmly intact, celebrated by fans and peers alike for his contributions to the genre.