LA-based neo-soul rock outfit: Adam Levine - Vocals; Matt Flynn - Drums; Jesse Carmichael - Keyboards; James Valentine - Guitar; Mickey Madden - Bass.
Three (Levine, Carmichael, and Madden) of the five members were previously known as Kara's Flowers. High school rock band with a record deal. Their first album The Fourth World didn't do well, and the recording contract was terminated. Levine and Carmichael left LA for the State University of New York, where gospel, soul and funk influences from the halls of residence gave them a new perspective and inspiration. Back in LA, the three got back together, added James Valentine, and Maroon 5 was born.
Signed to Octone Records, and started recording October 2001 with Producer, Matt Wallace.
By end of 2004, over 500 live shows, a consistent headline act in its own right, Maroon 5's debut album, Songs About Jane, sold more than 3,000,000 records. Appearances on the Tonight Show, The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Last Call with Carson Daly, and the Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn. The single, This Love was #1 on the top 40, VH1 and MTV simultaneously, and was also the first song ever to be certified as a platinum download.