Diamond Rio

Diamond Rio is a Grammy Award-winning country and Christian music band formed in 1982 as an attraction for Nashville’s Opryland USA theme park. Originally known as the Grizzly River Boys and later the Tennessee River Boys, the group solidified its lineup with Marty Roe (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Johnson (mandolin, guitar, fiddle, tenor vocals), Jimmy Olander (lead guitar, banjo), Brian Prout (drums), Dan Truman (keyboards), and Dana Williams (bass guitar, baritone vocals).

After adopting the name Diamond Rio, the band signed with Arista Nashville and made history when its debut single, “Meet in the Middle,” became the first debut single by a band to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Diamond Rio charted 32 additional singles, including four more No. 1 hits: “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” “One More Day,” “Beautiful Mess,” and “I Believe.”

Diamond Rio is recognized for intricate vocal harmonies, musicianship, and a commitment to recording with its own members rather than session musicians. The band’s sound blends mainstream country, bluegrass, and rock, with later work incorporating Christian country and country-pop influences. Diamond Rio remains active in the country and Christian music scenes, performing at major festivals and venues nationwide.