When Mike McGuire and guitarist Jim Seales started a band in the clubs of Muscle Shoals, Alabama in 1984 they never dreamed their dedication to great music would lead them down such a long and illustrious road. By late 1985 they had added bassist Ralph Ezell, keyboardist Stan Thorn, and a struggling bluegrass singer named Marty Raybon to the mix and were confident they had the winning combination they’d been looking for, and the Grammy award winning group Shenandoah was born.
Within their first two years on CBS records, the band scored 5 number one records including “Church on Cumberland Road”, “Two Dozen Roses”, “Sunday in the South”, and “Next to You Next to Me”. But after a lengthy legal battle over the name ‘Shenandoah’ they moved to RCA records. In no time at all they hit again with 4 more number ones including “If Bubba Can Dance, I Can Too”, written by drummer Mike McGuire and lead singer Marty Raybon, and the heartfelt “I Want to Be Loved Like That.” Also during this time their friendship with Dallas Cowboy Superbowl quarterback Troy Aikman lead to his video debut as ‘Cowboy Joe’ in the classic Shenandoah song “Her Leaving’s Been A Long Time Coming” also written by McGuire.
In 1996 the band was lured by music legend Jimmy Bowen to Capitol Records and it was during this period that Shenandoah’s live shows took on an exciting new dimension and the band produced more chart toppers like ”Janie Baker’s Love Slave”, and the Grammy award winner, “Somewhere In The Vicinity of the Heart”, a beautiful duet with the incredibly talented Alison Krauss.
Some acts would have played it safe after establishing themselves as a successful country “Supergroup” and winning a CMA award, TNN and ACM group of the year accolades, and the much coveted Grammy, but not these guys. With thirteen number one songs, countless chart hits, Gold albums, and a reputation as one of the hardest working touring acts in the business, this band is still evolving, taking chances, and striving for the musical perfection and performance that have made them radio and concert favorites around the country.
Shenandoah credits country radio and their many fans for their longevity and appreciate their loyalty in continuing to come out and see them in concert. “It’s funny how a song can take you back to a place and time in your past”, McGuire says. “Our fans are the best in the world and still come out to sing along and revisit all the wonderful times we’ve had through our music. If it weren’t for our fans, we’d have never had such a memorable career. And we thank them ALL.”
Shenandoah is available for corporate events, private shows, fundraisers, and more.