Biography
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Years Active
1978 – 2000 (22 years)
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Founded In
Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, United States
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Members
- Dana Key
- Eddie DeGarmo
DeGarmo and Key was the first Christian rock group to be nominated for a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational (for 1980's THIS AIN'T HOLLYWOOD) and were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2010. Additionally, they are notable as the first CCM industry outfit to see airplay on MTV via a video for "Six, Six, Six" (from their release COMMUNICATION).
The group was a Memphis, Tennessee based Christian rock group that started professionally in 1977 as "The Christian Band" before changing moniker. The primary members were keyboardist Eddie DeGarmo and guitarist Dana Key.
Key handled most lead vocals with gruff voiced DeGarmo occasionally taking a turn at the mic as on "Livin' on the Edge of Dyin'" from their second release, 1979's STRAIGHT ON. Other members over the years have included John Hampton, David Spain, Max Richardson, Terry Moxley, Joe Hardy and Ken Porter in the 70s. The 80s saw Tommy Cathey on bass, Greg Morrow on drums as well as Tony Pilcher on rhythm and second lead guitar. Membership has also included Kevin Rodell (drums), Chuck Reynolds (drums), Steve Taylor (guitar) (not Steven Roland Taylor) and Mark Pogue (guitar).
The band was nominated for seven Grammies and five Dove Awards during its over two decade tenure before dissolving in 1995. The group's final show was in 2008 at Illinois' Cornerstone Festival. Key passed away on June 6, 2010.
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