Diamond Rio has been transforming great songs into standards since the 1991 release of their self-titled debut album. The band evolved from a gig at Nashville's Opryland USA amusement park. The band, called The Tennessee River Boys, eventually evolved into Diamond Rio and signed a contract with the country division of Arista Records. This six-man band has won numerous awards and honors and has a large country music fan base. The groups is composed of Marty Roe with lead vocals, Jimmy Olander on guitar, mandolinist and vocalist Gene Johnson, drummer Brian Prout, bassist and vocalist Dana Williams, and Dan Truman on keyboard. Their self-titled debut sold platinum and the Nashville based band soon rose to the top of the country music scene.
Their second album, Close to the Edge, followed in 1992 to keep their hungry fans satiated. Two years later Love a Little Strong was released. Throughout its career Diamond Rio has eared five Grammy nominations, three Country Music Association Awards as Vocal Group of the Year and two Academy of Country Music trophies as Top Vocal Group. They also made the record books when their debut single, 'Meet in the Middle', was the first debut single to reach number one in every trade magazine chart. Their recording success was mimicked on the road when their 1995 tour was certified as one of the highest grossing tours in country music history.
Early on Diamond Rio became involved in several charities. The band members used their success and fame to support the American Lung Association, the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America Organization as well as local charities in Tennessee. The band donated free tickets and backstage passes to every member of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization in every city in which they toured. Many young people became hooked on Diamond Rio's unique brand of country when they performed their own rendition of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Diamond Rio concerts provide an outlet for kids and parents to enjoy music together.
As the band's fan base grew so did their critical acclaim. In April of 1998 the boys of Diamond Rio were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. It became the first band in 14 years to join the famous institution. To promote a new album and their newfound fame, the band traveled to Germany and Japan. Another record was broken in 1997 when the band's single, 'How Your Love Makes Me Feel', was the first song to hold the number one slot on Billboard's country airplay chart for three consecutive weeks. Music videos garnered attention for the group as well. 'Bubba Hyde' was nominated for the ACM's Country Video of the Year award. Other hits include 'Meet in the Middle', 'In a Week or Two', 'Oh Me, Oh My, Sweet Baby', and 'Mama Don't Forget to Pray for Me'. Thousands still flock to the ticket lines to vie for a seat to hear the legendary country sextet.
