Six-time Vocal Group of the Year, Diamond Rio won their first Grammy their first Christian album, The Reason on Word Records which also garnered the band their first Dove award. 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 the early 90’s 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 thirteen 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,” “Love a Little Stronger,” and “One More Day.” The band are long-time supporters and National Spokespersons for Big Brothers Big Sisters and have raised over 1.5 million dollars for the charity to date through annual events including golf tournaments and Team Rio, a marathon and half marathon group.
No entertainer can move and excite an audience like Tony Orlando. One of America’s most endearing and enduring stars, Tony and America recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of his recording of Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree.Tony brings to the stage a warmth and exhilarating energy that electrifies an audience. From million selling records (five number one hits), a popular television variety series, movies and Broadway (Barnum and Smokey Joe’s Cafe) Tony Orlando has conquered every facet of show business.
Like a painter, Tony is an artist who steps onto a stage as if it were a blank canvas. Each show he weaves colorful emotions set to music touching the deepest part of a person’s heart. He is a popular headliner in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Reno, Biloxi and Laughlin. And, he maintains a touring schedule with appearances performing arts centers around the country.
Orlando remains one of America’s best loved personalities. He has been a recipient of three American Music Awards and a People’s Choice Award. For outstanding achievements to the entertainment industry, Tony was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1990.
Tony has played to packed arenas and for five Presidents. His universal appeal has bridged many a generation gap. Tony was one of the first entertainers to be featured as a subject of VH1’s Behind the Music in 1998. The episode continues to be aired and received one of the network’s highest ratings for the series.
