Kings of Leon originally embraced country music. While there, they met songwriter Angelo Petraglia, who helped the siblings hone their songwriting skills and introduced them to the musical influences of Thin Lizzy, the Rolling Stones and the Clash in particular. Their youngest brother, Jared, who had briefly attended public school, was more influenced by the music of the Pixies and the Velvet Underground. When he and their cousin Matthew also moved to Nashville in 1999, Kings of Leon was formed. They named the band after their grandfather Leon, who died in January 2014. By 2002, Nathan and Caleb had received interest from a
Mark Followill Fox named him part of their team covering that year's CONCACAF Gold Cup. He has also called UEFA Europa League, Bundesliga, MLS, FIFA U-17 World Cup, and FIFA U-20 World Cup action for Fox. Followill was also an announcer for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Followill also announces play-by-play action for college football telecasts for Fox Sports. Earlier in his career, he was the play-by-play announcer for the SMU football team. Followill is a native of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. He graduated from Northwest High School in Justin, Texas, and attended the University of North Texas. Mark Followill Mark Followill