Having signed to Arista Records in 1988, Diamond Rio didn’t make their debut until 1991 due to members of the band’s health, but it was worth it when they released the single “Meet in the Middle”, which peaked at the top spot of the Billboard Hot Country charts. The band’s origins were in 1984, when the band met at a theme park in Nashville, Tennessee, they worked on their sound for the next five years before being signed in May 1989. The band’s eponymous debut album adorned the chart in the form of the top ten hits, “Mirror Mirror”, “Mama Don’t Forget to Pray for Me”, “Norma Jean Riley” and “Nowhere Bound”. With no surprise whatsoever, the album was certified platinum selling more than a million copies in the States. The band’s sophomore album, “Close to the Edge” which earned a gold certification, only had two singles reach the top ten.
Their fourth album, entitled “IV” was released on February 27th 1996. It made it to number 14 in the Country albums chart. The following year, they released a “Greatest Hits” album, which featured new songs. The single “How Your Love Makes Me Feel” went on to be a single, and became the band’s second single. It was when the band released their fifth full-length studio album, “Unbelievable” which was released in 1998, that the band finally made it into the Billboard Hot 100 which earned the band their first appearance on the mainstream chart. At the end of the year, the band was finally a part of the Grand Ole Opry. They were the first band inducted in fourteen years. Their seventh studio album “Completely” was released on July 23rd 2002 and produced consecutive number one singles “Beautiful Mess” and “I Believe”. Yet another greatest hits album followed on May 9th 2006, and then another on February 23rd 2008. “The Reason” was the band’s eighth studio album by Diamond Rio, released on September 22nd 2009.
Diamond Rio is a really awesome American Country and Christian band. They were very laid back and a bit casual, in the best way. They dressed in a very "country" sort of way, with flannel shirts and light-wash jeans. The stage was set up in a fairly standard way. Nothing to distract from their great music.
They performed some of their biggest hits and a very nice array of songs, including "Close to the Edge", "Love a Little Stronger", "One More Day", and "The Reason" among others. Much of their music was not only lovely to listen to, but also very inspirational as well, with hopeful messages in several of the songs.
Diamond Rio's show is one that I could recommend to many people. It's a great show to take your family to. Even if you aren't religious, I still think that people could enjoy their music and have a wonderful time at their show. The atmosphere is awesome and you can meet some great people among Diamond Rio's fans. Overall a great show, awesome atmosphere and music. Recommended to anyone pretty much. Buy your tickets soon and take in one of their summer shows. Just give Diamond Rio a try sometime.