Michael
Chadderton ~ Keyboards, Vocals (1977)
Greg
Del Arroyo ~ Percussion
Mike
Cleek ~ Guitar, Vocals
Jerry
Ericson ~ Bass
Patricia
Lee ~ Vocals
Bob
McGraw ~ Guitar
Billy
Moss ~ Drums, Vocals
Kevin
Norris ~ Keyboards (1978)
Bobby
Red ~ Congas
Murl
Allen Sanders ~ Keyboards, Vocals (1977)
Hugo
Taylor ~ Bass, Vocals
Big
Bob Grove ~ Manager
Patrick
? - Sound
Jerry Erickson
Click Here to Listen to "South Sea Samba" By Diamond Rio
Diamond Rio
evolved
from the earlier band, Smack, and was an
original/top
40 band
Hugo
Taylor, Michael Chadderton
Miguel
Cleek, Greg Del Arroyo
Willis
Moss
Diamond
Rio - 1977
Greg Del Arroyo and myself needed to make some money so we put our original band, Ankora, to rest.In 1977, we were approached by Willis and Miguel to join their Soulful Top 40 band. Miguel Cleek has got to be one of the tastiest guitar players that emerged out of the NW.
The band had huge energy, specially when Patricia Lee hit the stage. We were hailed as heroes in Longview, WA... could do no wrong. A very funny band.
We almost got a recording contract since we played a few originals that the audience cherished. When asked by the record producer what our goals were, Miguel Cleek responded "To go solo, of course!"
Hugo Taylor, October 2011