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Old 97's
Biography
Although they became one of the most enduring bands in the alternative country-rock catalog, Old 97's drew inspiration from a wider range of sources, from the twangy stomp of cowpunk to the melodic craft of power pop. Formed in 1993 by frontman Rhett Miller and bassist Murry Hammond, the group spent the bulk of the decade posed on the brink of mainstream success, issuing albums that rountinely the Billboard charts but never yielded a substantial hit. Old 97's tightened their sound as the decade drew to a close, retaining their bar band vigor while introducing stronger elements of pop/rock on albums like Too Far to Care and Satellite Rides. Miller also mounted a solo career in the early 2000s, but the band remained together nonetheless, issuing critically lauded albums with their original lineup intact.

Rhett Miller and Murry Hammond first launched a songwriting partnership in 1989, when Miller enlisted the latter's help in producing his debut solo album, Mythologies. Although six years younger than Hammond, Miller proved to be a dedicated musician as he canvassed the Dallas circuit, playing an earnest blend of folk and British-styled pop to local audiences. He also displayed a knack for storytelling, having previously earned a creative writing scholarship to Sarah Lawrence College.
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