LONESTAR (Nominated for Vocal Group of the Year.)

Though the members of Lonestar are all Texans, the group was formed in Nashville. Keyboardist Dean Sams rounded up singers Richie McDonald and John Rich (who left in 1999 and is now part of Big & Rich), drummer Keech Rainwater and guitarist Michael Britt, and the band hit the road under the name Texassee. After renaming themselves Lonestar, the group was signed to BNA Records and have sold more than 10 million copies of their seven albums.


In 1999, the band released their third album, the triple-Platinum Lonely Grill, which spawned the crossover No. 1 hit "Amazed." Lonestar hit the pop charts again with "I'm Already There" and picked up the CMA Vocal Group of the Year Award in 2001. Lonestar, the 2001 CMA International Artist Achievement Award winner, has earned more No. 1 singles (10) than any other group this decade. Other No. 1 hits include "Come Cryin' To Me," "Everything's Changed," "Mr. Mom," "My Front Porch Looking In," "No News," "Smile," "Tell Her" and "What About Now." The band's latest album, Coming Home, was released in September. The band's current single is "You're Like Coming Home."

CMA Awards:

Vocal Group of the Year 2001

(Bio and Award Listing courtesy the Country Music Association)