
NASHVILLE, TN – (February 14, 2011) – After two decades of making music and 14 Grammy nominations, Word Records’ Multi-Platinum selling act Diamond Rio found the “reason” to celebrate last night when they scored their first Grammy award. The critically acclaimed country music band won the Grammy for the Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album for their first-ever full-length Christian Music release entitled The Reason, featuring the hit single “God Is There.” And making the win even more meaningful is that this album is one of the most personal projects the band has released during their 20-year career span and includes mostly songs co-written by band members Jimmy Olander and Marty Roe. Diamond Rio was previously awarded the Dove Award for Country Album Of The Year and nominated for two more categories, including Song Of The Year for “God Is There” in 2010.
“Grammy Award Winner...wow!” exclaims guitarist Jimmy Olander. “I'm stunned! After 20 plus years of making records and then, ‘here's your first Grammy’ well that is an incredible honor. To celebrate I'm providing juice for both of my sons Valentine’s Day Parties at elementary school. Where I was once only Max and Tank Olander’s Dad...I am now Grammy Award Winning Max and Tank Olander’s Dad!”
Lead singer Marty Roe shares, “Wow, this is something I never thought we'd accomplish. We have been doing this a long time and to get this particular notice, I don't even know what to say...”
Formed in 1984, Diamond Rio features lead singer Marty Roe, guitarist Jimmy Olander, drummer Brian Prout, keyboardist Dan Truman, bassist/harmony Dana Williams and Gene Johnson on mandolin/harmony. The band signed with Arista in 1988 and embarked on one of the most successful careers in country music. The band has sold over 10 million albums earning three platinum and five gold records and won the Country Music Association’s Vocal Group of the Year award four times as well as netting two Academy of Country Music Awards in the top Vocal Group of the Year category and fourteen GRAMMY® nominations. When they debuted in 1991 with the hit “Meet in the Middle,” Diamond Rio became the first group in the history of country music to have a debut single reach No. 1. They continued to place 32 more singles on the Billboard chart, including “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” “Norma Jean Riley,” “Beautiful Mess” and “Love a Little Stronger.” Their last recording, A Diamond Rio Christmas: The Star Still Shines, was released in 2007 and marked their debut with Word Records.
For further information on Diamond Rio, please visit www.diamondrio.com.
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