The story behind Florida Georgia Line

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Florida Georgia Line became one of the most popular country music groups with their mix of country, rock, hip-hop and pop.

The duo consists of Brian Kelley of Ormond Beach, Florida and Tyler Hubbard of Monroe, Georgia. That's how they formed the band name.

According to Allmusic.com, Kelley and Tyler wrote songs together in between their classes when they were both students at Belmont University in Nashville and eventually started to perform at clubs, which helped them develop their fan base.

Florida Georgia Line signed a deal with Big Loud Mountain in December 2010 after releasing "Anything Like Me" and later tracked "It'z Just What We Do."

"Cruise" was released in 2012 and within just months, the single debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

Kelley and Hubbard have earned major awards, including three consecutive Vocal Duo of the Year titles from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.

They've sold almost 26 million tracks and more than 3.5 million albums around the world.

Florida Georgia Line recently released "Dig Your Roots," the band's third album.

In a quote from the band's website, Kelley said they have both entered a new stage of life and career.

"A lot of things have changed," Kelley said. "We've grown up, we've learned a lot. I think that translates into this music, into this album, and into this lifestyle - it's all one."

Florida Georgia Line will be touring with the Backstreet Boys, Nelly and Chris Lane for the Smooth Stadium Tour. They don't have a stop in Houston, but the band will be performing tonight at RodeoHouston.

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