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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZSWEETHEARTS OF THE RODEOSister country duo formed '74: Janis Gill (b 28 Nov. '55) and Kristine Arnold (b 1 March '57, both b Manhattan Beach CA). Began as the Oliver Sisters, a pre-teen local act performing folk and country, developed into the eclectic Sweethearts of the Rodeo and Their Handsome Band playing bluegrass, western swing and country-rock performing at shopping malls, coffee houses and bluegrass festivals. Janis met future husband Vince Gill at Pure Prairie League show '78 (he was then the band's lead singer) and the Sweethearts sang backup vocals on the band's albums Firin' Up and Something In The Night. Vince and Janis moved to Nashville '83; Kristine followed a year later with her family. Sweethearts of the Rodeo was reactivated and won the annual Wrangler Country Showcase talent contest. They signed to Columbia '85 and for next six years posted seven top ten hits with a distinctive hard-edged contemporary rockabilly sound; Kristine on lead vocals with tight harmonies and the main songwriting from Janis. Wanting to get back to bluegrass roots, they left Columbia '91, signed with Sugar Hill and took to the bluegrass circuit, playing acoustic clubs with a crack team of Nashville session players. Albums incl. Sweethearts Of The Rodeo '86, One Time, One Night '88, Buffalo Zone '90, Sisters '91 on Columbia; Rodeo Waltz '93 and Beautiful Lies '96 on Sugar Hill. |