The SteelDrivers perform “I’ll Be There” live at the Grand Ole Opry.
In 2008, The SteelDrivers were a small Nashville-based bluegrass band just releasing a debut self-titled album featuring Chris Stapleton as the lead singer. The album reached No. 57 on the U.S. Billboard Top Country Album chart, and instant recognition within the music industry followed. The following year, the group was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for the single “Blue Side of the Mountain.”
Before Stapleton left the band in 2010 to focus on family and pursue what would prove to be an award-laden solo career, he recorded The SteelDriver’s second studio album, Reckless. Reckless received more praise than their first record, gaining two Grammy Award nominations for Best Bluegrass Album and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for the song “Where Rainbows Never Die.”
Under the guidance of new lead singer Gary Nichols and, following the departure of founding member Mike Henderson, fellow new member Brent Truitt, the current incarnation of the band has released two albums, both of which have gone to No. 1 on the bluegrass chart. The first, 2012’s Hammer Down, includes singles “I’ll Be There” and “Shallow Grave.” And 2015’s The Muscle Shoals Recordings solidified the band’s success by receiving the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album.
Recently, The SteelDrivers made a stop at the Ryman Auditorium to perform “I’ll Be There” off of their Hammer Down album. Check out the video for a fun performance.
Find out more about the band and tour dates at www.thesteeldrivers.com.
