Joe Don Rooney's first band formed in 1992 under the name Unclethumbtack. In addition to Rooney playing lead guitar and singing backup harmony, this band included Gregory Fitzgibbon (Singer-Songwriter and Bass guitarist), Erin Fitzgibbon (Singer-Songwriter and Acoustic guitarist), Colin Frayser (Drums), and Jason Winnie (Rhythm Guitar). Joe Don frequently jammed with family member Musicians Justin Speer, Tracy Conder, and Jeramy Essary (to whom he later dedicated "I'm Moving On").