Diamond Rio: From Opryland Theme Park To Grand Ole Opry

Diamond Rio got a big surprise two weeks ago at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The gifted six-man group had just finished performing when Opry general manager Bob Whittaker came onstage and invited the band to become Opry members, considered the greatest honor in country music.

The selection is especially significant because it is rare for the Opry to select groups, rather than individuals, for membership. The last group so honored was The Whites in 1984.

Diamond Rio accepted, of course, and became the 71st member of the Opry.

Not a pretty-boy, mousse-and-smiles pop-country band, like some other gimmicky Nashville groups, but a talented assortment of musicians with roots in bluegrass, Diamond Rio is noted for its fine harmonies - anchored by the pure, high tones of lead singer Marty Roe - and its expert picking. Lead guitarist Jimmy Olander is one of the best in the business, and Gene Johnson is an especially impressive mandolinist, guitarist and fiddler.

The band had its origins at the Opryland theme park, where Roe, a Nashville native, got a job operating rides. In 1984, he joined the park's resident group, the Tennessee River Boys. Over the next two years, Olander and keyboardist Dan Truman also joined. The three quit the park in 1986, drummer Brian Prout came onboard, and they became Diamond Rio (an unintentional misspelling inspired by Diamond Reo trucks). Johnson and bassist Dana Williams soon filled out the lineup.

While opening for George Jones in Alabama in 1989, their music caught the ear of an Arista Records executive who asked for a tape. After listening to it, he signed the group. Its first single, the uptempo and romantic "Meet Me In the Middle," came out in 1991 and was an immediate No. 1 country hit. Over the next few years, Diamond Rio helped define Young Country, with songs like "Norma Jean Riley," "In a Week or Two," "Love a Little Stronger," Walkin' Away" and `"ow Your Love Makes Me Feel."

Clay Walker's other opening act, Daryle Singletary, is a relative newcomer, having released his first album just over two years ago. He sounds much like his hero (and early supporter) Randy Travis, with a pure country sound. His current hit is "The Note."