Maroon 5

In 1994, Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, Mickey Madden, and Ryan Dusick came together while attending Brentwood School in Los Angeles to form a band called Kara's Flowers. This grunge band, named after a girl they all had a crush on, started when the members were around 15 to 16 years old. They performed locally and independently released an album called '...We Like Digging?' in late 1994. This formative period set the foundation for what would eventually become Maroon 5.

Kara's Flowers signed with Reprise Records and released an album titled 'The Fourth World' in 1997. Unfortunately, the album did not gain much commercial success and received a lukewarm response. Following this, the band was dropped by their record label, leading the members to take a break to focus on their college education. This pause was a significant moment as it allowed the members to mature and later evolve their musical style into what would be Maroon 5.

In 2001, the original members of Kara's Flowers regrouped with a new direction and added guitarist James Valentine to their lineup. They rebranded themselves as Maroon 5 and shifted their sound from grunge to pop rock. This change helped them secure a contract with Octone Records, which partnered with J Records. This marked the official beginning of Maroon 5, setting the stage for their breakthrough in the music industry.

Maroon 5 released their debut album 'Songs About Jane' in 2002. The album featured hit singles such as 'Harder to Breathe', 'This Love', and 'She Will Be Loved'. These tracks gained significant radio play and popularity, propelling the album to peak at number six on the Billboard 200 chart. The album went on to become quadruple platinum by 2005, establishing Maroon 5 as a rising force in pop rock music.

In 2005, Maroon 5 was recognized for their breakthrough success by winning the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. This prestigious accolade signified their acceptance and acclaim within the music industry. It marked a major milestone in their careers, reflecting both critical recognition and commercial popularity. This year also solidified their presence as a leading band in the growing pop rock genre.

In 2006, original drummer Ryan Dusick left Maroon 5 due to serious wrist and shoulder injuries that made it difficult for him to continue performing. He was replaced by Matt Flynn, who became the band's new drummer. This change was important as it allowed the band to maintain their momentum and continue touring and recording without interruption, ensuring the stability of their lineup.

Maroon 5 released their second studio album, 'It Won't Be Soon Before Long' in 2007. This album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, marking the band's first album to reach the top position. The lead single, 'Makes Me Wonder', became their first number-one song on the Billboard Hot 100. The album and its successful single helped solidify Maroon 5's place at the forefront of mainstream pop rock music.

In 2010, Maroon 5 released their third album, 'Hands All Over', which received favorable reviews. The album initially did not produce major hits until 2011 when it was re-released featuring the single 'Moves Like Jagger' with Christina Aguilera. This song became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the band's most successful tracks. This collaboration expanded their audience and showcased their ability to blend pop with dance and rock elements.

In 2012, Jesse Carmichael took a break from the band and was temporarily replaced by keyboardist PJ Morton. During this period, Maroon 5 recorded and released their fourth album 'Overexposed'. The lead single 'One More Night' achieved significant success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for nine consecutive weeks. This album cycle showed the band's adaptability to changing lineups and musical trends while continuing to produce chart-topping hits.

Jesse Carmichael returned to Maroon 5 in 2014 along with PJ Morton, expanding the band's lineup. That same year, they released their fifth album titled 'V' (pronounced five) through Interscope Records and Adam Levine's own label 222 Records. The album reached number one on the Billboard 200 and contained several popular singles, marking a continued period of commercial success and creative productivity for the band.

Maroon 5 expanded their group further in 2016 by officially adding longtime collaborator Sam Farrar. This increased their lineup to seven members. In 2017, they released their sixth studio album 'Red Pill Blues'. The album included successful singles like 'Sugar' and 'Girls Like You', which achieved high positions on the Billboard Hot 100, with 'Girls Like You' reaching number one. This era demonstrated the band's sustained popularity and presence in the contemporary music scene.

In 2020, bassist Mickey Madden announced his departure from Maroon 5 following his arrest on domestic violence charges. His exit marked a significant lineup change for the band. Sam Farrar, who had been a longtime collaborator and recently added member, transitioned into the role of bassist. This change reflected the band's ability to manage personnel shifts while maintaining their functionality and output.

Maroon 5 released their seventh studio album titled 'Jordi' on June 11, 2021. The album continued the band's trend of producing commercially successful music, featuring collaborations and reflecting their evolution in sound. 'Jordi' was named in honor of a close friend of the band and represented their continued relevance and adaptability in the music industry two decades after their initial formation as Kara's Flowers.

On August 15, 2025, Maroon 5 released their eighth studio album, 'Love Is Like'. This album represented the latest chapter in the band's long and successful career, showcasing their ability to evolve with contemporary music trends while maintaining their distinct style. It highlighted their continued commitment to producing new music and engaging with their global fanbase into the mid-2020s.