Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts performed at the French Lick Resort over the weekend, and an emotional dream came true for this southern Indiana radio personality.

Gary LeVox, the frontman of the iconic band, Rascal Flatts has embarked on a solo career after 20 years with the band. LeVox recently released his first solo country single “Get Down Like That”, and plans to release more new music this year and continue to hit the road touring bringing his songs and legendary voice to all of his fans. On Saturday, October 28th, Gary performed at the French Lick Resort and it was an epic night!

Not only was Gary incredible on stage, but what happened days before the show led to a very emotional night for me and several others in French Lick.

So, here's the thing...

Rascal Flatts has played a very special role in my life. In high school, they were all that my friend Matt and I used to listen to. We knew every song by heart, even the harmonies. Matt always said that the dream is for us to one day sing on stage with Rascal Flatts at the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, Matt passed away in 2006, and his passing gave me all the motivation that I needed to live out the dreams we shared in the world of country music. Oh, and he's been there every step of the way in one way or another. Here we are singing on stage together in 2005, Matt front and center.

Travis Sams
Travis Sams
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When I first started with WKDQ, the first song that was ever scheduled for me to play was "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts. That song was Matt's favorite song before his passing. Even some of the lyrics are used in his headstone.

Fast forward a few months later, I took my first trip to the Grand Ole Opry with WKDQ. The legendary Charlie Daniels and Rascal Flatts were scheduled to play the show that night. As I was standing on the side of the stage watching and singing along to Charlie Daniels playing “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” The next thing I knew, I turned to my right and there was Rascal Flatts singing along too. In a way, I sang on stage with them at the Grand Ole Opry. Even got to meet them after their set. I even got to meet Gary LeVox after the set and we had a fun conversation about Ohio State Football.

Travis Sams
Travis Sams
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That brings me to the interview that I had with Gary LeVox last week ahead of the show. We talked about his new solo career, some memorable songs, what you can expect from his show this Saturday, and even an old roommate of his who you might know as Jamie Foxx. However, before that, I wanted to take the time to thank him for his music because it played such a big role in Matt's and my lives. I thanked him for the memories I had with my friend because of his music and to this day listening to his songs makes me feel closer to Matt. What he said to me next was something that I never would have imagined. A true dream come true. Take a listen to the interview for yourself.

Yes, he invited me to sing my best friend's favorite song, "My Wish" with him. What makes the strange connections even better is that the concert on Saturday was a day after what would have been Matt's 34th birthday. A birthday gift that I think he played a role in making happen. So, I rehearsed and rehearsed the song. While I was beyond nervous, I was ready to step on stage to make this dream come true for him and me. Thankfully, the performance was recorded so that I could share it with you.

Now, a couple of things before you watch the video. First things first, Gary caught me by surprise before we sang "My Wish" after I told him that the day before was Matt's birthday. What he did next, had me fighting back tears the whole time on stage. Let me tell you, I don't care how good of a singer you are, when you're emotional and crying while singing, you don't sound good. However, just by looking in the crowd, I wasn't the only one crying so that made me feel a little better. Just keep that in mind while watching the video.

Sooo yeah...that happened! I can't even begin to really put into words what that night meant to me. That was the best birthday gift I could have ever imagined giving Matt. While many might feel like it was just a song. That moment was so much more than that. A dream come true, and it honestly gave me a newfound peace with Matt's passing that I've needed for a very long time. As if, a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I'll never be able to thank Gary for what he did for me. They say to never meet your heroes, but whoever said that must not have met Gary LeVox. A true class act.

Rascal Flatts Through the Years [PICTURES]

Take a look back at Rascal Flatts' country music career, which spanned more than two decades.

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