Sawyer Brown

American country band Sawyer Brown achieved huge success in the ’80s and ’90s, combining their classic influences with pop and rock sounds. ∙ Founded in 1981 by members of retiring country star Don King’s road band, the band signed a record deal after winning the TV talent competition Star Search. ∙ Three original members—guitarist Bobby Randall, bassist Jim Scholten, and drummer Joe Smyth—played with the Maine Symphony Orchestra before moving to Nashville. ∙ Beginning with their first No. 1 hit, 1985’s “Step That Step,” the group has had dozens of charting singles, including their longtime anthem and second No. 1, 1992’s “Some Girls Do.” ∙ In 1985, Sawyer Brown received the Country Music Association’s Horizon Award, which recognizes rising talent, and in 1997 were named Vocal Group of the Year by the Academy of Country Music. ∙ Between their self-titled 1984 debut and 2011’s Travelin’ Band, 14 of their 18 studio albums have reached the Top 40 of Billboard’s Country Albums chart. ∙ In 2006, frontman Mark Miller won a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album as producer of Casting Crowns’ LP Lifesong, released on his label, Beach Street Records.