The Band Perry is an interesting story that has a beginning, an end, and now seemingly another attempt at a beginning. They're making music again as the Band Perry, as you remember them.  But the road they've traveled has been rocky, when at one time it looked as smooth as a superhighway.  Full disclosure, I was a very big fan of them, their music and their lead singer, Kimberly Perry, who I believe possesses very real and very rare star power. 

Their Debut Single -

I'm sure you know the three member band are siblings. Kimberly the oldest, with brothers Neil, and Reid.  Kimberly sings lead with one of the most distinct and interesting voices in country music.  When the Band Perry was on the radio, you knew it.  Traditionalists at heart, but they were a nice marriage of a few musical styles and it worked.  They were not format offensive, developing a big following right away.

Songs Don't Get Bigger Than This

From the beginning fans were really pulling for them as they were outwardly likeable, with a fresh sound.  I feel they reminded fans of a family they knew in their own lives.  Three siblings seemingly living a dream that doesn't happen in real life, but it did.  They recorded their first album in 2009, self titled, and after a slow start it became an incredible success no matter the measure.  Their debut single, Hip To My Heart  was a mild hit, a song I loved, going top 20.  But the next single, If I Die Young is one of the biggest songs of this new century, going 9 times Platinum.   9 MILLION sold.  CMA Song and Single Of The Year and ACM Nominated same.  A pair of ACM and CMT awards, Grammy Nominations too. It's a song every artist hopes they have. 

Follow Up Single  #1

That was 2010 and for the next three years, they enjoyed very good success with singles that followed from the first album (that sold about 2 million) and the second album, Pioneer, which didn't have the same success as the debut but still went Gold.  Things were good and they were clearly their own having a vibe that was undeniable, and weren't going to be confused with anyone else on the country charts.  And as all great bands have, they had an enviable and clear star out front in Kimberly.

This Song Is A Work Of Art

During this time, I had a fair amount of contact with them.  A few of us enjoyed a lengthy and in depth happy hour with just them in Nashville.  I saw them perform many times, and had a very long conversation with Kimberly after an awards show in 2013.  Everything seemed on track for the future.  They had hits from Nashville's biggest record label, and a public pulling for them.

Fans Loved This Song

Then one of the more puzzling moves I have ever seen in Country Music. Signing with a new record label, then announcing they were of going Pop and leaving country.  Then the REAL cardinal sin, it was announced that even though they were now pop, they would still release their singles to country.  Again, we were told we were a "safety net."  That has never really worked in all my years.  What a disaster.  As a result, no sales, no play with albums and other projects scrapped.  If songs cross over from country to pop, fans are OK with that.  But "going pop" and turning your back on country with us as a "backup plan," is a death blow in country.

Last Big Song  - #2

They disappeared and their music for the most part fell off the radar.  Kimberly tried to return to country in 2023, but even re-mixing If I Die Young, in some not very well thought out form couldn't get it done.  They have tried to walk back their "leaving" country but to no avail.  And the whole thing is just a shame, as it fell apart.

Tribute To Glen Campbell - Great Version Of This Classic

There are so many factors that go into being successful in the music biz.  And who knows what was going on behind the scenes.  Possible hurt feelings, ego, record company issues, family, management, advice given, and some flat out bad decision making, probably by many.  Plus there could be the, "follow the money"  possibility that many times comes into play at some point.  But I do know this.  A group that had every single thing needed to go far in our format for years to come collapsed and that's heartbreaking for me the fans, and I'm sure in the long run for them.

A Great Hang And Interview At Blossom

Bizarre?  Yes.  But incredibly original, talented and unique? Also yes.  The head scratching story of The Band Perry.