Drivin N Cryin was created in 1985 by Kevn Kinney (Vocals,Guitar), Tim Neilsen(Bass)and Paul Lenz(Drums). DNC was part of an Atlanta scene that was beginning to boom with the emerence of R.E.M. DNC combined the sounds of Punk, Hard Rock, Folk and Country into something that was truly unique and origional that no other band was doing at the time.
The bands first release was "Scarred But Smarter" in 1986. The title track was caught on by college radio and by the end of the year, DNC was picked up by Island records.
In 1988, Lenz was replaced by Jeff Sullivan. Sullivan previously played drums for a band called Mr. Crowes Garden, who would later be know as the Black Crowes. DNC would release "Whisper Tames The Lion". Radio was not sure what to think of DNC. Were they a rock band or country? College still played them on both rock and country/folk shows. By the end of 1988, DNC picked up guitarist Buren Fowler to begin work on their next CD.
1989 proved to be a very promising year for the band as they released "Mystery Road". This CD featured the song "Honeysuckle Blue" which got some airplay on radio and MTV. DNC also got an opening slot of the R.E.M. "Green" tour. "Mystery Road" was also known as the Southern Rock Album as the band went for a more rock oriented sound. This proved to be a step in the right direction and they prepared for their next CD.
Between CD's, Kinney worked on his first solo effort. He released "MacDougal Blues" in early 1990. A collection of folk songs which established Kinney as a singer/songwriter. This record is also known as the DNC acoustic CD because all the members were involved in the playing as well as R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck.
In late 1990, DNC released "Fly Me Courageous". This CD to date is DNC's only gold record and the title track and "Build A Fire" were in constant rotation on MTV. Other tracks that stood out were "The Innocent" and "Around The Block Again". The band was even heavier on this effort. DNC reached new audiences and toured for over a year on "Fly Me's" success.
1993 brought out the release of "Smoke". This was the heaviest music DNC had ever put out. Island records was not sure how to label the band. They did not have any major airplay on radio or MTV and the release just cracked the Billboard 100. After touring, DNC said goodbye to Fowler and returned to being a three-piece.
Kinney released "Down Out Law", his second solo record. This time it was just Kinney, his words and guitar.
In 1995, DNC signed on the Geffen Records and released "Wrapped In Sky". This release was more in the style of "Whisper Tames The Lion". The songs were nowhere as heave as the previous three discs. The band was dropped from Geffen.
1997 saw "Drivin N Cryin". This release was pure rock that was missing on from "Wrapped In Sky" but not the heaviness they showed in the early 90's. The band continued to tour with the likes of the Who and Lynard Skynard.
1999 saw Kinney release "The Flower And The Knife". This disc featured the likes of John Popper of Blues Traveler, Edwin McCain and others.
Over the past few years, DNC has put out a Live CD and a Greatest Hits package. Kinney also released "Broken Hearts and Auto Parts" in 2002. His fourth solo effort.
Most recently, DNC has released a 4-song EP featuring the Beatles "Let It Be". Kinney and Neilsen are still there with newcomers Mac Carter (Guitar) and Dave V. Johnson (drums).
Bio written by: jukester |
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