Reality television shows like American Idol are everywhere
these days, and Kelly Clarkson is just one of several
former unknowns who has used the format to gain fame.
But, back when country music band Sawyer Brown was getting
their start, that wasn’t the case. At the time,
few artists spring boarded to fame after appearing in
a talent competition, but Sawyer Brown was one of the
few that managed that feat. The group won Star Search
and a contract with Liberty/Capitol records in 1984.
Sawyer Brown’s self-titled debut came out in
1985, and the group’s first single, “Leona,”
made it all the way into the Top 20. The follow-up song,
“Step That Step,” went to number one, and
the album was at number two. The group’s next
album, “Shakin’,” was a hit as well,
and though the band didn’t do well on the charts
for the next couple of years, Sawyer Brown rebounded
in 1987 with the number-two “This Missin’
You Heart of Mine.” The band struggled again until
1991, when a cover of the George Jones song “The
Race is On” made it to the Top Five. Following
the release of “Buick” that year, the group
jumped to Curb Records and continued the relentless
touring they’d been doing.
The band’s “The Dirt Road” album
spawned a couple of big hits, and the 1992 follow-up,
“Café on the Corner,” drew accolades
from fans and critics alike. The group seemed to have
found its stride, and Sawyer Brown concert tickets were
sought-after items. The upswing continued with 1993’s
“Outskirts of Town,” and a greatest hits
effort included two fresh tracks that reached the Top
Five.
“This Thing Called Wantin’ and Havin’
It All” came out in 1995 and was followed in 1997
by a live album, “Six Days on the Road,”
and a gospel record, “Hallelujah He Is Born.”
“Drive Me Wild” was released in 1999, and
in 2002, Sawyer Brown cut their last record for Curb,
“Can You Hear Me Now.” After its release,
the group signed a new deal with Lyric Street Records.
“Mission Temple Fireworks Stand” was released
on this label in 2005.
In 1996, Sawyer Brown was named the Academy of Country
Music’s Top Vocal Group, and the band is still
winning fans today.
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