Drivin N Cryin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article does not cite any references or sources. (February 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
| Drivin' N' Cryin' | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Background information | |
| Origin | Atlanta, GA, USA |
| Genre(s) | Hard rock Southern rock Jam |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Label(s) | Island Records Geffen Records |
| Members | |
| Kevn Kinney Tim Nielsen Jeff Sullivan Mac Carter |
|
| Former members | |
| Joey Huffman Paul Lenz Buren Fowler Dave Johnson David Franklin |
|
Drivin' n' Cryin' is a American Hard rock/Southern rock band originally formed in the state of Georgia.
Contents |
[edit] History
Formed in 1985 in the midst of the swirling local Atlanta Music scene. Kevn Kinney found Tim Nielson, who was in a popular mod punk bank with drummer Paul Lenz at the time. Kinney had just moved to Georgia from Milwaukee and was working in a sewage treatment plant by day while playing folk gigs by night. The three musicians began playing together and found an instant chemistry that led them to the success they enjoy today. The band’s name, Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ was chosen from one of Kevn’s many songs that reflected the two directions of their music.
Various musicians accompanied the threesome in the early years. They signed with indie label 688 Records in 1986 after becoming one of Atlanta’s top club draws. Their first album was an instant hit, reflective of Kevn’s working class background and the band’s drive to make honest music that mattered. Their first album’s success landed them countless tour dates and later a contract with Island Records. In 1987, Paul left the band and was replaced by Jeff Sullivan, who was recruited just in time to accompany them for their first major label release. That same year the band held its first “Benefit For The Hopeful,” a concert to raise money for Atlanta homeless organizations, held annually on December 8 th, the anniversary of John Lennon’s death. Other native Georgian group, R.E.M’s touring rhythm guitarist Buren Fowler joined the trio at this time as well. He was officially asked to join the band in 1988, after repeated on-stage appearances with the group.
1989 marked the release of some of the bands most memorable songs, like “Honeysuckle Blue.” A few years later in 1991 “Fly Me Courageous” topped charts and was one of the ten most played albums at AOR radio in 1991!! The next few years were marked with more popular hits and touring with bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Soul Asylum. In 1993, the band released their second album with producer Geoff Workman. Smoke debuted at number 92 on the Billboard’s Top 200 album chart. This album was an all out rocker, marked with guitar assaults.
In 1994, the band decided to get away from the heavy guitar sounds that made Smoke so distinctive from their other work and brought in keyboardist Joey Huffman to replace Buren Fowler. That same year the band left Island Records and found a new home at Geffen Records. Their next album Wrapped in the Sky featured their newly added keyboard sounds and a return to their original sound. Following its release, the band returned to the road touring the United States and entertaining their many fans.
1997 brought along a self titled album, followed by The Essential Live Drivin’ n’ Cryin album just 2 years later. In 2000, they released Ultimate Collection which assembled many of their most popular hits. They can still be found touring a variety of venues across the country, giving back to the fans that got them where they are today
[edit] John David Nielsen, 1966-2006
On May 5, 2006, the following was printed on Drivin N Cryin's official website:
John David Nielsen 1966-2006
It is with deepest regret that we inform friends and fans that we have lost a member of our drivin n cryin family. John Nielsen died of natural causes in his sleep on May 1, 2006. John is Tim's first cousin and has been a source of positive energy fueling our touring efforts as the bands live sound engineer as well as studio producer for the last nine years. John had just finished recording Kevn Kinney's (S.T.A.R.)brand-new album at John's own Hickory Flat studio.
[edit] Discography
- Scarred But Smarter 1986
- Whisper Tames The Lion 1988
- Mystery Road 1989
- Fly Me Courageous 1990
- Live on Fire (EP) 1991
- Smoke 1993
- Wrapped In Sky 1995
- Drivin N Cryin 1997
- Essential Live 1999
- Ultimate Collection 2000
- Detroit City Rock (EP) 2003
[edit] Singles
| Year | Title | Chart positions | Album |
| US Modern Rock | |||
| 1989 | "Honeysuckle Blue" | - | Mystery Road |
| 1991 | "Fly Me Courageous" | #15 | Fly Me Courageous |
