User:Thechased/sandbox
The D and G Band | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Columbus, Georgia, U.S. |
| Genres | Country |
| Years active | 1998–2003; 2008–2011; 2012; 2015–present |
| Labels | EMI Records |
| Members | Zimmerman Kevin Collins Jimmy Rogers Craig Foster Larry Davis Sarah Foster Bill Henderson Steve Edwards Tim Daly Allan Jones Andy Jackson Ricky James |
| Past members | Grantham |
| Website | TheDandGBand.com |
The D and G Band is a former country music duo that consisted of singers and musicians Zimmerman and Grantham. Following Grantham's death in 2014, the band continues to perform with only Zimmerman. The band formed in 1998 initially as a trio with drummer Ricky James; however, James insised Zimmerman and Grantham publicly brand the band as a duo. They are the most successful country music band in history, selling over 140 million units worldwide.
History
[edit]1998–1999: Formation and beginnings
[edit]The D and G Band was formed in Salem, Alabama following the attending of a funeral of a mutual friend by Zimmerman, Grantham, and Ricky James. The trio met at the post-funeral dinner and began discussing their interest in music. Zimmerman briefly attended from Auburn University studying music, Grantham had a brief stint touring with friend Tony Stevens along with Alan Jackson throughout Germany the previous year, and James was an aspiring local drummer who had only played at coffee shops. The trio played music together and formed The D and G Band weeks later. They began playing local clubs in nearby Columbus, Georgia, which spread to bigger opportunities and the creation of an album. After Joe Smith of EMI Records discovered the band at an Atlanta bar, he immediately signed them and the first album was made.
2000: The D and G Band 2000
[edit]In January 2000, the band released their first album, The D and G Band 2000. It became the first album in Billboard history to debut at the top of both the Top 200 Albums and the Top Country Albums. Their first single, "White Flag", also debuted at number one on both the Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs, another first in the industry. The album won the Grammy Award for Best New Album, and the band won a Grammy for Best New Artist. The band began an informal tour of the southeast which lasted two years. Their first concert film, "The D and G Band: LIVE in Atlanta", was released in 2001.
2002: If I Could Only Win Your Love... and UK tour
[edit]Following the unexpected success of their first album, the band quickly released a second, If I Could Only Win Your Love... which also debuted at number one on both Billboard Charts, a trend that would continue. The same titled single release also debuted at number one on both charts. Defying public assumptions of an American tour, the band chose to embark on "The D and G Band 2002 in UK Tour" throughout the United Kingdom.
2003: Christmas album and split
[edit]In 2003, the band released their first holiday album, Merry Christmas From The LORD, which again debuted at number one on the country charts. Despite this success, the band decided to split up in March 2003. The reason given to the press was "geographical conflicts". It was reported that Zimmerman continued to reside in Columbus, Georgia while Grantham stayed in Salem, Alabama. No documented public appearances were made by either member of the duo from March 2003 until November 2004.
2004: Greatest Hits
[edit]In November 2004, Zimmerman scheduled a press conference at a local radio station in Columbus, Georgia. He announced the release of a greatest hits compilation to be released a week later. One month later, he surprised media by scheduling another press conference. In it, he announced the release of a greatest hits box set, consisting of six discs and to be released the following day in time for the holiday season. He mentioned Grantham only once in his press conferences, when he referenced gaining his approval to complete the compilation releases independently.
2005–2008: Hiatus
[edit]A large amount of media speculation arose surrounding why the band split up. Few public appearances were made by Zimmerman and Grantham from 2005–2008, all of which they declined to comment to the media. Besides "geographical differences", any other reason for the split was never released and remains a mystery.
2006–2007: Comeback beginnings
[edit]In January 2006, Zimmerman published an article announcing the band returning to the studio for "a special project". It was later revealed the plans to release the project came to fruition following the funeral of Grantham's mother. The special project was revealed to be the recording of a cover of the 1982 Paul Davis hit "'65 Love Affair". It, again, debuted at number one on both country and hot 100 charts. The band went on an unofficial tour in 2007 performing only a medley of their older songs with no new music except the Davis cover.
2008: Back on the Music and Beach Music
[edit]In January 2008, the band embarked on their first official tour since 2002, "Back on the Music US & UK Tour". In March, they released their first album since 2002, Back on the Music, which debuted at number one on both charts. The lead single, "Gimme Three Steps", also debuted at number one on both charts. In June of the same year, the band released their first EP, Beach Music & More. Although the EP failed to chart as successfully as previous albums, the single, "Everybody Wants to go to Heaven", peaked at number one on both charts. Two live concert DVDs were also released from shows taped in 2008.
October 2008 termination of Grantham and Davis
[edit]On Halloween 2008 after a concert in Las Cruces, New Mexico, an altercation erupted involving Grantham and bass player Larry Davis. In a rash decision, Grantham and Davis were terminated from the band. Zimmerman posted videos online documenting the conflict. One showed him leaving the arena and driving to a nearby hotel "leaving the situation". The actual cause of the issue was never made public. The band was forced to cancel eight remaining concerts in 2008, refunding fans all money plus free merchandise. Zimmerman later acknowledged he and band executives acted "unprofessional" in terminating Grantham and Davis. They were openly reinstated in December 2008 and the band returned to performing as if nothing had happened.
2009: Right Now
[edit]On January 25th, 2009, the band started their "Right Now 2009 U.S. and Canada Tour". Five days later, they released their album Right Now, debuting at number one on both charts. The same titled lead single also debuted at number one on both charts. New & Used Hits, an album containing both classic songs and new songs, was also released in 2009 and debuted number one on both charts.
2010: Gettin' You Home
[edit]On February 12, 2010, the band started their "Party AGAIN in 2010 Tour". In June of that year, they released their album Gettin' You Home, also debuting at number one on both charts.The same titled lead single once again debuted at number one on both charts. Their "Party AGAIN in 2010: Live DVD" was released in December 2010.
Grantham's first health scare
[edit]In October 2010, the band was forced to halt their tour for Grantham to have surgery removing skin cancer from his neck. They cancelled twelve shows, offering refunds and free items to fans who purchased tickets. Grantham recovered very quickly and expressed interest in returning to the road the following year.
2011: The Final Chapter?, Grantham's declining health, and concert finale
[edit]The band released their "final" album, titled The Final Chapter?, on January 18, 2011 and debuted at number one on both charts. They began their final tour, "The Final Chapter?", three days later. The band had initially scheduled for their final concert ever to occur on June 10, 2011; however in March, Grantham was informed his cancer had returned and he would require treatment prompting an early end of the tour. The concert finale date was moved back to March 25, 2011. It took place at the Columbus Civic Center in Columbus, Georgia in front of a sold out crowd of 10,000. The band performed three straight hours, followed by the playing of "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday". Zimmerman and a noticeably frail Grantham departed the stage, waving to fans as the song played. They then returned for one final fifteen minute encore performance of their 2008 hit, "Free Bird". A live DVD, ""The Final Chapter": Concert Finale", was taped and released just a week later.
2011–2014: Failed albums, reunions, and comebacks; Grantham's death
[edit]The D and G Band officially entered retirement on March 26, 2011. Despite this, the band had many failed reunions that never occurred for a variety of reasons. The first reunion, announced in April 2011 via twitter, was scheduled for July 1, 2011 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. This made the media question the decision made months earlier to end their "Final Chapter" tour early due to Grantham's health. Only a week later, the July reunion was scrapped without explanation. In January 2012, the band announced a new album, One More Time, scheduled to be released later that year. This project was also scrapped due to more health concerns with Grantham, who had to undergo more chemo treatment. This also left the ten-track album on the cutting room floor, never to be released. The album was again announced for a proposed release in early 2013, a project that was again scrapped due to more health problems with Grantham that would prohibit a tour.
In January 2014, another reunion concert was announced scheduled to occur May 18, 2014 at the Columbus Civic Center in Columbus, Georgia. This concert was heavily promoted until Grantham's health began to rapidly decline in April 2014, prompting it to also be scrapped. Zimmerman commented on the concert in early May, saying "We hope to do it someday, but this will not be a good time." Grantham's health began to decline more in May. He died May 30, 2014 in Columbus, Georgia from complications of skin cancer. Zimmerman released the following statement via the band's website:
I was with G the night before he died. His health really declined the past week of his life. I’m glad he doesn’t have to suffer anymore. He will be missed and he’s always in my heart.
Grantham's funeral mass, recorded independently and later published online, was held at the Church of the Holy Family in Columbus, Georgia three days later. Breaking Roman Catholic tradition, Zimmerman along with band member Kevin Collins performed Grantham's "Troubadour" unannounced during the mass. He later stated he was granted permission from the Diocese of Savannah to perform during the liturgy. Zimmerman and the rest of the band members declined comment and did not make many public appearances following the funeral.
2015: New music
[edit]In February 2015, Zimmerman scheduled a press conference to make a "special announcement". He revealed plans to release two songs the following day. The first song, "The Old Stuff", was written by Grantham before his death and deemed to be recorded by Zimmerman; the second, "Good Ride, Cowboy", was written by Zimmerman as a tribute to Grantham. Zimmerman hinted to a future album release and possible tour. Weeks later, these plans were confirmed when Zimmerman announced "The D and G Band: A Legacy Tour", which began in March 2015.
Zimmerman released his first album, "Me", on March 10, 2016, featuring the band performing and vocal appearances by Sarah Foster.
Discography
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Live DVDs
[edit]- 2001: The D and G Band LIVE from Atlanta
- 2008: The D and G Band LIVE from Dallas
- 2008: The D and G Band LIVE from Portland
- 2010: The D and G Band: Party AGAIN in 2010
- 2011: The D and G Band: "The Final Chapter" Concert Finale