Lonestar

Lonestar got together in Nashville, Tennessee although all the original members were from Texas... which explains the name they first used, Texassee. Lead vocals were then shared by Richie McDonald - also the band's primary songwriter - and bass player John Rich. They got their big break after their debut gig at the Backstage Pass in Nashville was seen by a booking agent who promoted them heavily as they quickly built a strong live following. Their self-titled debut album in 1995 included their first Top 10 hit Tequila Talkin', though their biggest hit was Amazed, from the 1997 album Crazy Nights, establishing them as a serious crossover act. One poll even voted Amazed Britain's most popular first dance at weddings. Lonestar went on to have over 30 country hits before Richie McDonald left the band in 2007 to concentrate on a solo career. His replacement Cody Collins, however, gave them renewed energy, while their My Christmas List album was, unusually, distributed exclusively through the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurant chain.