CONCERT REVIEW—DIAMOND RIO

Diamond Rio came to Sioux Falls to wrap up its 2024 tour, performing its last show of the year at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance on December 21. Promptly at 7:30, following a loudspeaker announcement that welcomed “Diamond Rio,” six band members came onstage as each of their names appeared on the video screen that covered the back of the stage. Lead singer Marty Roe (born in 1960 and named after Marty Robbins) kicked off the first song and went from one song to the next for forty minutes, with very little talking. I didn’t realize they’d had so many hits: “Norma Jean Riley,” “You’re Gone,” “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” “Unbelievable,” “Beautiful Mess,” “One More Day,” “Love a Little Stronger,” “Walkin’ Away,” to name some of them.

This week we especially honor the memories of Faron Young and Marty Robbins. Marty died December 8, 1982, at age 57. Faron died December 10, 1996, at age 64. Both gone too soon. Both never forgotten.

NEWS

The Tennessee State Capitol has honored Brenda Lee, 79, by declaring her famous 1958 “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” as the first Official Holiday Song of Tennessee. (more…)