Dave And Sugar Queen Of The Silver Dollar
Introduction
Country music has a rich history and an even richer cast of characters, from legends like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton to newer stars like Miranda Lambert and Luke Bryan. One group that often gets overlooked in the pantheon of country greats is Dave & Sugar, a trio that had a string of hits in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The Early Years
Dave & Sugar was formed in 1975 by Dave Rowland, a singer from Los Angeles, California. Rowland had already achieved some success as a solo artist, but he was looking for a new challenge. He teamed up with two singers from Nashville, Tennessee - Vicki Hackeman and Jackie Frantz - and together they formed Dave & Sugar.
The trio quickly found success on the country charts, with their first single, "Queen of the Silver Dollar," reaching number 25 in 1975. The song was a cover of a Shel Silverstein tune, and it showcased the group's tight harmonies and Rowland's distinctive lead vocals.
Success with RCA Records
After a few years of touring and recording independently, Dave & Sugar signed with RCA Records in 1978. Their first album for the label, "Dave & Sugar," spawned two top 10 hits - "The Door Is Always Open" and "Don't Throw It All Away" - and established them as a force to be reckoned with in the country music world.
Over the next few years, Dave & Sugar would go on to have a string of hits, including "Golden Tears," "Tear Time," and "I'm Knee Deep in Loving You." They also won several awards, including the Academy of Country Music's Vocal Group of the Year award in 1981.
The End of an Era
Despite their success, Dave & Sugar decided to call it quits in 1985. Rowland went on to pursue a solo career, while Hackeman and Frantz both retired from the music industry. However, their legacy lives on, and they remain a beloved part of the country music canon.
The Legacy of Dave & Sugar
Although they may not be as well-known as some other country artists, Dave & Sugar had a significant impact on the genre. Their tight harmonies and catchy tunes helped to define the sound of country music in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and their influence can still be heard in the music of many contemporary artists.
Whether you're a die-hard country fan or just discovering the genre for the first time, Dave & Sugar is definitely worth a listen. So why not cue up "Queen of the Silver Dollar" or "The Door Is Always Open" and see what all the fuss is about?