Maroon 5: Everything you need to know about the band

They formed at high school

Maroon 5
Author: Laura Naylor and Natalie HigginsPublished 18th Mar 2024

Maroon 5 are one of the world's most well-known music acts. They released 'Songs About Jane', their first album as Maroon 5, back in 2002, and have continued to go from strength to strength.

Having formed under the name Kara's Flowers, lead singer Adam Levine and his bandmates have released seven studio albums, had nine tours and had a whopping 11 Top 10 songs in the UK. To celebrate Maroon 5's incredible career, we've gathered together everything you need to know about the band.

Who are Maroon 5?

Maroon 5 are an American pop rock band from Los Angeles, California. The band is made up of members Adam Levine on lead vocals and guitar, Jesse Carmichael on keyboards, rhythm guitar and backing vocals, James Valentine on lead guitar and backing vocals, Matt Flynn on drums, PJ Morton on keyboard and backing vocals and Sam Farrar on bass.

Mickey Madden, who announced he was leaving the band in 2020, played the bass guitar. In a statement to PEOPLE he said: "I have some things that I need to deal with and address right now and so I have decided to take a leave of absence from Maroon 5 for the foreseeable future."

He was replaced by Sam Farrar.

Why did Ryan Dusick leave Maroon 5?

From 1994 to 2005, Ryan Dusick was the drummer for Maroon 5. He had to leave due to injuries sustained in his arm while on tour, and was replaced by Matt Flynn. He remained an active helper with the band, being credited as musical director for their album 'It Won't Be Soon Before Long'.

When were Maroon 5 formed?

The band first started making music in 1994, whilst they were still in High School! The original members Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, Mickey Madden and Ryan Dusick even self-released an album called 'We Like Digging?'. We wish we were this cool at school.

What were Maroon 5 originally called?

When Maroon 5 formed in 1994, the group included Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, Ryan Dusick and Mickey Madden under the name Kara's Flowers. They were signed by record label Reprise Records and released an album called 'The Fourth World' in 1997. The album had little success and the band were released from the label.

However, they vowed to stay together, and brought in James Valentine to play lead guitar and started working on songs that strayed away from the sound of their previous songs. The band scored a new deal with Octone Records under the new name and sound, releasing 'Songs About Jane' in 2002.

The tracks were mostly inspired by one of Adam's failed relationships with 'Jane' from the album title 'Songs About Jane'. It's not known where the band Maroon 5 name came from, but Adam has always said in interviews that he will never reveal the truth as it's "too embarrassing". WE NEED TO KNOW!

Who is Jane from 'Songs About Jane'?

The infamous Jane that the album ‘Songs About Jane’ is based on, is frontman Adam Levine’s former girlfriend and high school sweetheart, Jane Herman, who he says he first spotted at a petrol station.

The pair dated for a few years between 1997 and 2001, before eventually splitting, but Adam states they are still friendly. Every song on the album features at least one reference to Adam and Jane’s relationship.

'Songs about Jane' 20th anniversary

In 2022, Maroon 5 celebrated 20 years of 'Songs About Jane', the album was the first to be released under the name Maroon 5 and included their massive hits 'This Love' and 'She Will Be Loved'.

A post from Universal Music congratulated the band on their milestone, revealing how successful the album has been saying: 'Celebrating 20 years of @Maroon5’s ‘Songs About Jane’! 🎶 In two decades, their debut studio album has sold more than 20 million copies and produced four iconic pop singles: "Harder To Breathe," "This Love," "Sunday Morning" & "She Will Be Loved" with a combined 62+ million singles sold 🙌'.

Where did the members of Maroon 5 meet?

The original members of Maroon 5 come from Los Angeles, California, except for James Valentine, who was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. Ryan Dusick (drummer) and Adam Levine (singer, guitar) had known each other since they were children, and met Mickey Madden and Jesse Carmichael at high school.

Maroon 5's studio albums and tours

The band's debut album, 'Songs About Jane', was a hit after its release in 2002, with five of its songs being released as singles. It then became the seventh best-selling album of 2002 and went Platinum in 2004.

The success of their first album earned them a Grammy award for Best New Artist in 2005, and the following year, the band won Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with with their upbeat track 'This Love'.

Their second studio album was released in May 2007, entitled 'It Won't Be Soon Before Long', reaching Number 1 on the US Billboard 200 chart. After the album's success, the band embarked on a world tour, playing all the biggest songs from the album.

Not long after, the band recorded and released their third studio album in 2010, 'Hands All Over'. The album didn't debut as well as previous albums, but after the success of its singles it shot up the album charts to Number 7 in the US, selling 500,000 copies.

Maroon 5 on their 'Overexposed' tour

'Overexposed', the band's fourth studio album strayed away from their original pop funk sounds, to try and appeal to a wider audience. Taking on a pop vibe was a success, debuting at Number 2 in the charts, with sales of 220,000 in its first week. The album marked Maroon 5's best sales week since their debut album back in 2004.

In the United States, their fifth album 'V' debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard 200, with the first week's sales reaching 164,000 copies and earning them their second US Number 1 album. It was their first since 'It Won't Be Soon Before Long' released in 2007.

How many studio albums have Maroon 5 released?

When it comes to studio albums, the band have produced an impressive seven. Albums 'Songs About Jane' and 'It Won't Be Soon Before Long' topped the album charts, and 'Hands All Over', 'Overexposed' and 'V' all made it to the Top 10. Their sixth album, 'Red Pill Blues', was released in 2017, and the title was inspired by the Matrix film franchise.

Then, in 2021 the band released 'Jordi', which was their seventh album. It included their 2019 hit 'Memories' and was named after Jordan Feldstein, their late manager. The song 'Memories' was also dedicated to Jordan.

Adam Levine on The Voice US

Adam Levine has been in huge demand, and in 2011 he was booked on NBC's version of The Voice, coaching Season 1 winner Javier Colon to victory during the inaugural season. Since then, he's won a further three Seasons.

However, Adam's involvement in the show wasn't without controversy, such as when he instructed viewers to not vote for his own act, DeAndre Nico. He asked the audience to vote for Reagan Strange, as she was too sick to perform her 'Instant Save' song. Adam's plan worked, and his own artist DeAndre was eliminated from the competition.

DeAndre said online that he felt he'd been 'sold out' by Adam, and he received backlash on social media for throwing his own artist under the bus, with fans calling for him to be axed from the show.

Adam left his role on the panel after series 16 in May 2019.

Maroon 5 songs

After the release of 'This Love' from their debut album, Maroon 5 won the MTV Video Music award for Best New Artist, soon followed by 'She Will Be Loved,' sweeping up the charts and placing it at Number 5.

The music video for 'She Will Be Loved' featured Kelly Preston, the late wife of John Travolta, who died after a two-year battle with breast cancer. Adam Levine paid tribute to the actress on Instagram saying, 'My first pretend kiss...We will miss you Kelly. You’ll always hold a special place in my heart.'

Maroon 5 - 'Makes Me Wonder'

Once their second album, 'It Won't Be Soon Before Long' had been released, the first single, 'Makes Me Wonder', became the band's first Number 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. The song impressively snagged the GRAMMY Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

Maroon 5 - 'Misery'

The melody for the song 'Misery' is infectious with Adam Levine employing his signature falsetto in all the right places. It was the lead single from their third studio album 'Hands All Over', and it shot to the top of Billboard’s U.S. Adult Top 40 chart and received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

Maroon 5 - 'Daylight'

'Daylight' was the third single from 'Overexposed' and is arguably one of the band’s most romantic, slow-danceable and singable tracks. Like several previous hits, the soft ballad hit Number 1 on the mainstream and adult Top 40 charts.

Maroon 5 - 'Maps'

'Maps' was released as the fifth album's first single, with the teaser of the song being uploaded on the band's Facebook page. The hysteria for the song meant it peaked at Number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100, giving the band their ninth Top 10 hit in the country. It also reached the Top 10 in an additional 14 countries, including a peak of Number 2 on the UK chart.

Maroon 5 - 'Sugar'

'Sugar' was then released as the album's third single and was the most successful single from the album, reaching the Top 10 in 24 countries, including Number 6 in Australia, Number 7 in the UK, and Number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Maroon 5 - 'Memories'

Maroon 5 released 'Memories' after teasing fans with snaps of their own memories on Instagram. The song reached Number 5 in the UK and is certified 2x Platinum.

Now take a look at Maroon 5's most popular songs from 'Moves Like Jagger' to 'Sugar'.

Who have Maroon 5 collaborated with?

Maroon 5 have an impressive back catalogue of tracks with some of the world's biggest artists. They recorded a version of 'If I Never See Your Face Again' with Rihanna, stormed the charts with 'Moves Like Jagger', which featured Christina Aguilera, and Gwen Stefani joined them for the track 'My Heart Is Open' on their album 'V'.

Wiz Khalifa rapped on 'Payphone', with Kendrick Lamar featuring on 'Don't Wanna Know', whilst LunchMoney Lewis, SZA, Future, Julia Michaels and A$AP Rocky all featured on tracks on the album 'Red Pill Blues'. Country band Lady Antebellum also teamed up with Maroon 5 for 'Out Of Goodbyes'.

Why are Maroon 5 banned from China?

In 2015, Jesse Carmichael wished the Dalai Lama a Happy 80th Birthday in a tweet, that was later removed. This led to Maroon 5's tour date in Shanghai being cancelled - however, there's no evidence to suggest that they're banned from entering the country!

Did Maroon 5 write a song in 24 hours?

Yes, Maroon 5 did write a song in 24 hours! Working with Coca Cola on a charity campaign called the 24 Hour Project, the band wrote and recorded 'Is Anybody Out There' within 24 hours. These guys have some serious talent.

Are Maroon 5 on tour in the UK?

Not at the moment. Maroon 5 headed on a tour across Europe in 2023, which concluded with a show at The O2 in London on Monday 3rd July 2023.

Take a look at Maroon 5's Adam Levine through the years:

Early career

In 1994, Adam formed the band Kara's Flowers, along with Jesse Carmichael, Mickey Madden and Ryan Dusick – friends that Adam met at school. The group played their first gig at a West Hollywood nightclub in 1995. Whilst performing in Malibu, they were discovered by a producer, going on to release an album called 'The Fourth World' in August 1997. The group later disbanded.


After reuniting with his Kara's Flowers bandmates Jesse Carmichael, Mickey Madden and Ryan Dusick, they added a fifth member – James Valentine – and formed Maroon 5. The band released their debut studio album 'Songs About Jane', which was written about Adam's ex-girlfriend and featured huge hits including 'This Love' and 'She Will Be Loved'.

2003: Maroon 5 support John Mayer

A very young Adam Levine and James Valentine pictured performing on stage at the tour opener of the 'John Mayer/Counting Crows U.S. Summer Tour 2003' in Englewood, Colorado. Maroon 5 also opened for John Mayer on his 'Heavier Things Tour', performing at shows between December 2003 and March 2004.

2004: 'Songs About Jane' success

In June 2002, Maroon 5 released their debut studio album 'Songs About Jane', which was written about Adam's ex-girlfriend and featured huge hits including 'This Love' and 'She Will Be Loved'. 'Songs About Jane' topped the US charts in March 2004, going on to later reach Number 1 on the UK charts, too.

2005: Grammy win

In 2005, Maroon 5 won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Then at the 2006 Grammys, the band won the award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for 'This Love'.

2007: Maroon 5 release 'It Won't Be Soon Before Long'

Maroon 5 released their second album, 'It Won't Be Soon Before Long' in May 2007. The album featured singles including 'Wake Up Call', 'Won't Go Home Without You' and 'Makes Me Wonder', which won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The album topped the UK chart and is certified Platinum. In support of the album, the band went on the 'It Won't Be Soon Before Long' world tour.

2010: Maroon 5's third studio album

Maroon 5's third studio album 'Hands All Over' was released in September 2010, which included the singles 'Misery', 'Give a Little More' and 'Never Gonna Leave This Bed'. The album reached Number 6 on the UK Chart and is certified Platinum.

2011 - 'Moves Like Jagger' and 'Stereo Hearts'

In June 2011, Maroon 5 teamed up with Christina Aguilera to release the smash hit single 'Moves Like Jagger'. The track reached Number 2 on the UK Charts and is certified 4x Platinum.


Adam appeared on the Gym Class Heroes hit 'Stereo Hearts', which was released in June 2011. The single reached Number 3 on the UK Charts and is certified Platinum.

2011 - 2019: The Voice

Adam joined the The Voice as a judge in 2011 and appeared on the show until 2019. In total three of Adam's contestants won the show – Javier Colon in series one, Tessanne Chin in series five and Jordan Smith in series nine.

2012: American Horror Story: Asylum

Adam starred in American Horror Story: Asylum in 2012, where he played the character of Leo Morrison, a newly-married photographer who was on honeymoon with his wife Teresa, played by Jenna Dewan.

2012: Maroon 5 release their fourth studio album

Following the success of 'Moves Like Jagger', Maroon 5 released their fourth studio album 'Overexposed' in June 2012. The album featured singles including 'One More Night', 'Daylight' and 'Payphone'. The album reached Number 2 on the UK Chart and is certified Platinum. In support of the album, Maroon 5 embarked on 'The Overexposed Tour', visiting countries in Asia, Europe, Oceania, North America and South America.

2013: Begin Again

Adam starred alongside Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo in the film Begin Again, where he played the character of Dave Kohl. Adam also performed several of the tracks on the film's soundtrack, including 'Lost Stars', which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 2014 Oscars.

2014: Adam and Behati Prinsloo get married

Adam began dating model Behati Prinsloo in 2012, with the pair going on to marry in Mexico in July 2014. In September 2016, the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Dusty Rose, with their second daughter Gio born in February 2018. Adam and Behati then welcomed a son in January 2023, but they have not revealed what his name is.

2014: Maroon 5 release their fifth studio album

Maroon 5's fifth studio album 'V' was released in August 2014, featuring singles including 'Animals', 'Maps' and 'Sugar'. The album reached Number 4 on the UK Charts and is certified Platinum. The band went on the 'Maroon V Tour' in support of the album, performing a total of 137 concerts.

2017: Adam receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

On Friday 10th February 2017 the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honoured Adam Levine with the 2,601st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Adam attended the the ceremony where the star was unveiled by Hollywood Chamber President/CEO Leron Gubler, along with Blake Shelton and Sammy Hagar.

2017: Maroon 5 release their sixth studio album

In November 2017, Maroon 5 released their sixth studio album, 'Red Pill Blues', which featured singles including 'Don't Wanna Know', 'Girls Like You' and 'What Lovers Do' featuring SZA. The album reached Number 12 on the UK Charts and is certified Gold. The band went on the 'Red Pill Blues Tour' in support of the album, visiting countries in North America, Australia, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

2019: Super Bowl Half-Time show

Maroon 5 headlined the Superbowl Half-time show in Atlanta, Georgia in February 2019. The band were joined by the rappers Big Boi and Travis Scott. During their performance, Maroon 5 performed an array of hits including 'This Love', 'Girls Like You', 'She Will Be Loved' and 'Moves Like Jagger'.

2019: Maroon 5 release 'Memories'

Maroon 5 released the single 'Memories' in September 2019. The track was an important song for the band, as it was based on the loss of the band's manager Jordan Feldstein, who died in December 2017. The song reached Number 5 on the UK Charts and is certified 2x Platinum.

2021: Maroon 5 release their seventh album

In June 2021, Maroon 5 released their seventh studio album, 'Jordi'. The album is another tribute to Jordan Feldstein, as "Jordi" was his nickname.. The album features singles including 'Memories', 'Nobody's Love' and 'Beautiful Mistakes' featuring Megan Thee Stallion and is certified Gold in the UK.

2022: World Tour

Maroon 5 embarked on 'The World Tour 2022', which started in Mexico City in March and concluded in California in December. The band then headed on a UK and Europe tour in 2023, which included performances in London and Birmingham.

2023: Maroon 5's Las Vegas residency

Maroon 5 began their Las Vegas residency called 'Maroon 5: The Las Vegas Residency' in March 2023, performing at Dolby Live at the Park MGM. The residency is taking place until October 2024.

You can hear songs by Maroon 5 on MFR.

Now read:

Maroon 5's most popular songs from 'Moves Like Jagger' to 'Memories'

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