DeGarmo and Key

DeGarmo played keyboards and sang background vocals (and occasionally lead), while Key played lead guitar and did the majority of the lead vocals. The other musicians at the time of formation in the late 70s were John Hamptone, David Spain, Max Richardson and Terry Moxley (drums) along with Joe Hardy and Ken Porter (bass). Greg Morrow on drums as well as Tony Pilcher on rhythm and second lead guitar. Other musicians who have recorded or toured with DeGarmo & Key include Kenny Porter (bass), Kevin Rodell (drums), Chuck Reynolds (drums), Steve Taylor (guitar) (not related to another Steve Taylor, who is also a contemporary Christian artist) and Mark Pogue (guitar). == History ==

Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key grew up in Whitehaven, Tennessee; a large neighborhood in South Memphis which is also home to Graceland. Key indicated in an interview that Elvis Presley was one of his earliest musical influences. Key and DeGarmo met in first grade at Graves Elementary. There is disagreement among sources as to when the pair formed their first band, Globe. It may have been during their fifth- sixth- grade year at Graves or Hillcrest. While at Hillcrest High School, Globe had signed with Hi Records which was owned by Willie Mitchell at that time. The Straight On album, which showed a prog rock influence, followed in 1979, later making the critic's poll of the 100 best albums list published by CCM in 2001. Another notable inclusion on the album was a cover of Pacific Gas & Electric's (which was founded by Glenn Schwartz of the All Saved Freak Band) The first 100,000 copies of D&K, the group's ninth album, was packaged with a free second copy with identical content so the buyer could give the copy to an "unsaved friend". Promotion for their eleventh album, The Pledge released in 1989, used the tag line "Take the Pledge - Read the Word" and was made in concert with the publisher of the New International Version of the bible. For the 1991 album release, Go to the Top, the duo developed and published a bible study curriculum to go with the album. During their time together both Key and DeGarmo recorded two solo albums apiece. In 1994 they released their final album together, "To Extremes". This album had a much edgier, more modern rock-based sound than their previous albums. Key was also experimenting with different tunings, some songs tuned down as low as Drop B. ==Awards==

During early 2007 Key and DeGarmo received the ASCAP Vision Award at the 29th Annual ASCAP Christian Music Awards. The duo were 2010 inductees into the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame in January 2011. ==Reunions==

Key and DeGarmo reunited to do a concert on October 21, 2007, at TLC Church in Cordova, Tennessee. They also performed at the 2008 Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, Illinois. ==Personal notes==

DeGarmo is a descendant of Davy Crockett. Key was a descendant of Francis Scott Key. He was an executive with Ardent Records and authored two books: ''Don't Stop the Music Zondervan (1989) and By Divine Design'' B & H Pub Group (1995). Key died on June 6, 2010, from complications associated with a blood clot. Although he had had previous health problems, his death was unexpected. == Discography ==

• Visions of the Light Brigade, 1985: featuring music videos for: "Competition," "Six, Six, Six" (edited version for MTV), "Six, Six, Six" (original un-edited version), "Destined to Win" (with Jessie Dixon), and "Alleluia Christ is Coming". • ''The Air Care Project: Rock 'n' Roll Outreach to Africa'', 1987: featuring music videos for: "Activate", "Up On a Cross", "Casual Christian", and "Every Moment". • Rock Solid... The Rock-U-Mentary!", 1988: Live concert, featuring the line-up of songs from the album "Rock Solid: Absolutely Live". Also on the video is a brief history of DeGarmo & Key, comically reported by a "news reporter" (played by Jim J. Bullock) while trying to interview DeGarmo & Key. • Take the Pledge, 1989: featuring music videos for: "Hand in Hand", "Rock Solid", "The Pledge", "Feels Good to Be Forgiven" (Eddie DeGarmo), and also "Heavenbound" by DC Talk. Also on the video is an interview with Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key by 1989 CCM Magazine editor, John W. Styll. • Go to the Top, 1991: featuring music videos "shot on location in Memphis, Tennessee": "I Believe", "Ultimate Ruler", "Go to the Top", "Against the Night", "Family Reunion", "The Rest of My Life". Also featured on the video are highlights of Memphis, Tennessee, "shot on location". ==References==

• The Unofficial DeGarmo & Key Homepage