* Can true loyalty exist within the competitive music industry? Diamond Rio has weathered two decades without a single lineup change! Go behind the scenes with the band and each musician's personal and professional life. Discover their wild ride from the edge of disaster---and the secret to their ongoing heartwarming revival! Includes photos. 288 pages, hardcover from Nelson.
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
8 of 18 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
3 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by michelle w (oklahoma), January 25, 2010
I have recently recieved a copy of "Beautiful Mess: The Story of Diamond Rio" from Tommy Nelson.
I have to admit I was excited about reading the book; however, I was a little diappointed in it.
The book seemed a little on the dry side to me.
Some of the members seemed a little more reluctant in sharing their life than others.
(of course, I also believe that some things are better left unsaid..."don't air all your dirty laundry").
It was, however, a good background source of the band and their successes and failiures as a group.
I WOULD recommend the book...but only to those who really just want to know the background information on the group as a group.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Marissa (Houston, Texas), January 16, 2010
I just finished reading Beautiful Mess The Story of Diamond Rio. This book is a compilation of each of the six band members personal stories and the story behind Diamond Rio. You will learn about the band's roots, how they got started, and many of the trials they faced in becoming the award winning group that they are now. You'll also read about an unexpected difficulty they faced after nearly two decades as a group. The book emphasizes the fact that six different people, with six different personalities managed to stay together for so long without falling into struggles other bands have had over power, money, etc.
As a country music fan, I enjoyed reading the book. It was interesting to read about their personal lives and what it was like trying to "make it" in the music industry. I also appreciate them for their work trying to make a difference through not only their music, but also through Big Brothers Big Sisters. It really is amazing in the music industry that they managed to avoid all the sex, drugs, and alcohol. If you like country music, are a fan of Diamond Rio, or want an honest look behind the scenes in Nashville, this is a good read for you!
I am a member of BookSneeze.com and Thomas Nelson provided me with a complimentary copy of this book!
1.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by aimergency (Seattle, WA), January 13, 2010
Diamond Rio that takes me back. Though i'm not really THAT old in retrospect it still takes me back I remember listening to them while in my grandmas car the song “meet in the middle” and boy it was great I sure loved that song when I was 4-5 and even still now I love it.
So naturally I thought reading a book about them would be great. I wasn't a super die hard fan or anything but I did listen to them so I thought why not give it a shot. This does tell the story of them as a band. But honestly I just couldn't get into it. It just wasn't my cup of tea I guess.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Heidi (PA), December 17, 2009
What can I say? I'm a Diamond Rio fan. I have been, ever since their very first hit - Meet in the Middle - debuted on the country music charts in 1991. I was raised on music and, right away, I could tell that this was a band that I was going to love. The rich harmonies and the wonderful musical sounds were addicting. I quickly bought their cd and I was hooked. I bought the next cd, and the next . . . I loved singing along with their songs - both the catchy, fun ones and the hauntingly beautiful ballads.
Call me crazy; but the book came in the mail yesterday and I finished reading it today. I just couldn't put it down!
Marty, Jimmy, Dan, Gene, Brian, and Dana all contribute to this book by sharing their personal stories. You'll learn how they got their start in Opryland, USA, how the band was formed, how they decided on a name, and all the twists and turns in the road that got them where they are today. Guess what? It wasn't all easy and fun. These guys have faced adversity and trials. But, they've remained true to themselves and true to Diamond Rio as a whole.
I enjoyed learning a bit more about each group member as an individual - learning about their personal lives, upbringing, and the things that led them into music.I also enjoyed seeing all the great pictures - straight from the member's personal photo collections. And, at the end, I was thrilled to learn that, even after 20 years in the music business, Diamond Rio is still going strong. I was especially impressed to learn of all the work they do in support of Big Brothers & Big Sisters (a very reputable cause) and that their latest release is on Word Records - The Reason. (I'll definitely be adding it to my cd collection - can't wait!)
Diamond Rio fans, this book is a must!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Deepak Nare (India), December 15, 2009
It’s not that I’m a big fan of biographies, but Beautiful Mess is with a difference. This is the story of creation of a country music sensation, Diamond Rio. Tom Roland takes us to the deepest part of the band. In the beginning, it might appears slow, but as the story unfolds, we learn that how the six people came from totally different background calling themselves as Tennessee River Boys, playing at the Opryland amusement park became one of the most successful band in country music.
This book contains a chapter on each of the band member, viz., Marty, Dan, Jimmy, Brian, Gene and Dana. Making us understand each of them on individual level and also showcases the variant point of view of each of them regarding the doubts & beliefs of the success of the band. Unusually, this group had been together for around 20 years without changing any member, even at the times when their lead singer had some vocal problems causing the failure of their performances, they lived up like a family, entirely supporting each other.
They never got affected by the cutthroat competition of the showbiz and neither fallen for any pitfalls like drugs or other addiction. This book also enhances on their involvement with Big Brother and Sisters, supporting the society in their own way. This book contains lots of pictures of the band members, their families, their movement of achievements, etc. It also has appendices including the Top 20 Country Hits & the Major Awards & Nominations they won.
This book is a must for every fan of Diamond Rio. And even if you are not one of them, it still teaches to keep faith in God and your colleagues to overcome through any dreadful times.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Becky (Oklahoma City, OK), December 08, 2009
Beautiful Mess is a book based on getting to know the ground work of starting a band and what it takes to do so. It was definitely a wild ride. Like any other person, they had sad and hard times, but they also had joyous times. I really enjoyed the layout of this book; getting to know each man and his family, along with learning about their love and relationship with God and their acknowledgement that His hand is in their lives and work. Fans of country music, and especially Diamond Rio, will enjoy this book. It was a quick read, and can be recommended to anyone. If you love country music, you will love this book.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Janet Morris Grimes (Canton, MI), December 07, 2009
Beautiful Mess chronicles the story of a group of six very different individuals who later became the country music sensation known as Diamond Rio. Highlighting the varied backgrounds of these men, their journey together as a group becomes even more inspiring as the reader discovers the obstacles they overcame to get to that point, right up until they changed their name and introduced their first single through Arista Records in February of 1991. That song, Meet in the Middle jumped to the Billboard number one song in the country, and vaulted the group into the hearts of millions of fans before even the members of Diamond Rio were ready for that level of attention.
As they triumphed with additional hits stretching out over two decades, such as One More Day and Beautiful Mess, they would grow to appreciate the decisions they made early on as a group that charted the course for their later success. They focused on their commitment to each other, the kind of music and lifestyle they would represent and their desire to reach out to others. As their list of accomplishments and awards grew, so did the list of those who benefitted from their success, notably through their partnership with Big Brothers, Big Sisters organizations across the country.
I enjoyed this book because it depicted Diamond Rio as one large, extended family. If one member suffered a tragedy, the others shared in their pain. Whether or not you are a fan of country music, if you are a fan of loyalty, overcoming hardships, parents who recognize and feed the talent they see in their children, and believing that God can be trusted to lead down unexpected and thrilling paths, you must read this amazing story.
I am a Book Review Blogger for Thomas Nelson. http://brb.thomasnelson.com
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Beth (Southeast Wisconsin), November 10, 2009
I have been a Diamond Rio fan for many years. I was given the opportunity to read their story thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers, so needless to say I jumped at the chance. Beautiful Mess starts out July 4, 2005 in Nashville where Diamond Rio is putting on a disastrous performance.The band that everyone knew and loved did not sound good. They were in trouble. The book then goes into the background of how the group came to be. Some started out as Opryland amusement park employees. It was interesting to see how the group that ended up as Diamond Rio came to be. Then there is a chapter on each band member that goes into their life and how they came to be a part of Diamond Rio. The group started out being called The Tennessee River Boys but eventually came to be known as Diamond Rio. As the guys gained popularity they decided to succeed they needed to swear off the pitfalls that threaten so many performers- alcohol, drugs, and women on the road. These guys have stuck together as a group and family even in the tough times. The book does discuss the difficulties they have faced and how they overcame them. They also believe strongly in giving back to the community through their charity work. I would recommend this book to fans of Diamond Rio and country music fans. Diamond Rio with help from Tom Roland tell their story in a very interesting way. I found it to be a quick read. The book also comes with a free online audiobook read by the band and ebook. Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers for this review copy.
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