The Eras of DeGarmo & Key

The music of DeGarmo & Key (D&K) may not be familiar to many CCM fans. This is primarily because the Christian music industry is terrible at remembering and honoring their past. Another contributing factor might be the way their run as a band ended. Dana Key’s untimely death in 2010 is undoubtedly part of the reason they have been largely forgotten, as there are no reunion shows, tours, podcast appearances, or crowd funded albums that many of their contemporaries have benefited from.   

We want to do our part in bringing some attention to these CCM pioneers as we attempt to explore their music in a unique way. But first some history:

Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key were friends from an early age, growing up near Memphis, Tennessee. When DeGarmo because a Christian in 1972 he shared his newfound faith with his friend and Dana Key came to faith in a janitor’s closet at Hilcrest high school. Both were seniors at the time.

They went on to form one of the most successful and important rock bands in the history of CCM. DeGarmo & Key was the first Christian band to be nominated for a Grammy and the first Christian artist to have a video played on MTV (at a time when that was a HUGE deal). Additionally, they were the 4^th most successful CCM rock band of the 80s in terms of album sales, behind only Petra, Stryper, and WhiteHeart.  

Eddie played piano/keys/synthesizers/organ, sang background vocals and occasional lead vocals. Dana was the primary lead vocalist as well as the lead guitarist. The remaining band members fluctuated over time, but Tommy Cathey on bass and Greg Morrow on drums were mainstays on most of their albums. They released 12 studio albums between 1978 and 1994.

Since Taylor Swift has popularized the idea of musical eras in our culture, I felt it would be a fun way to look at the band’s career. D&K’s music can be divided up into 4 distinct eras. Each era consisted of 3 albums released over the course of 3 to 4 years, each era was decidedly different from the others and depending on the D&K fans you ask, each era would get votes as being the band’s best work.¹

Enough backstory let’s dive in!

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DeGarmo & Key Era 1 – The 70s blues rock era (1978-1980)

Albums released – This Time Thru (1978), Straight On (1979), and This Ain’t Hollywood (1980)      

Some fans feel this is the band at their most authentic. Before commercial expectations became part of the songwriting equation. It’s obvious blues music was in their soul, which would make sense for Memphis natives. That sound along with various 70s rock influences is reflected in these records. There are even songs that venture into a prog rock direction. I would not go so far as to classify these records as yacht rock, but what we now refer to as the “yacht rock” sound can definitely be heard on certain D&K songs from this era.

This isn’t my favorite sound of the band, but I appreciate what can be found here. I especially appreciate how they let the songs breathe and weren’t afraid of experimentation. A two-minute musical intro before the vocals begin, sure. A guitar solo followed by and organ solo followed by another guitar solo, why not. This era is a little before my time, but I’ve enjoyed going back and getting to know these records better.

DeGarmo & Key Era 2 – The synth pop, adult contemporary era (1983-1985)

Albums released – Mission of Mercy (1983), Communication (1984), Commander Sozo and the Charge of the Light Brigade (1985)

I would argue that coming out of 1980 Degarmo & Key was the top rock band in Christian music with the possible exception of The Resurrection Band. They’d released 3 successful albums, had a Grammy nomination under their belt, and had toured with Amy Grant while also serving as her backup band.  The guys were quiet in 1981 and 1982 in terms of studio releases, but in 1983 they were back with their 4^th studio album Mission of Mercy.

The band that emerged from the 2-year studio hiatus sounded very different than what fans had become accustomed to. Synthesizers were front and center, guitars took more of a back seat, and the sound was more Christian radio friendly than anything from Era 1 D&K. 1984’s Communication followed this same formula. Their 1985 release Commander Sozo and the Charge of the Light Brigade built off the same blueprint of the two previous releases but did move the band in a slightly more rock direction. There is definitely an early 80s production sheen to the songs from this era. Depending on who you ask that is either a great thing or a terrible thing!

While I don’t think Era 2 is the strongest for the band overall it was my introduction to their music, and many of these songs hold a special place in my heart. I do think Commander Sozo is their best collection of songs start to finish, and it gave us the band’s most popular song “Destined to Win.”

DeGarmo & Key Era 3 – The arena rock era (1986-1989)

Albums released – Street Light (1986), D&K (1987), The Pledge (1989)

This era is the band at their apex. Even though Street Light is only a year removed from Commander Sozo the jump in production value is striking. The drums and guitars espeically sound more vibrant than the music from Era 2. These albums are polished and crisp while somehow still maintaining an almost live feel to many of the songs. The band is operating at full strength, and we hear their confidence coming through loud and clear. Did I mention the guitars are back in full force?

I feel the songwriting during this era is the strongest in the band’s career. While I don’t think any of the 3 albums of this era are quite as complete as Commander Sozo, they are all excellent releases that helped solidify D&K as an all-time great in CCM. Era 3 also gave us the live album Rock Solid: Absolutely Live (1988). This record is one of the better live albums I’ve heard and does a good job capturing the band’s sound during this time.

There will be more songs from Era 3 on the Spotify playlist accompanying this article than from any other era. If that bothers anyone feel free to make your own playlist and include the songs you want to hear!

DeGarmo & Key Era 4 – The past their prime era (1991-1994)

Albums released – Go to the Top (1991), Heat it Up (1993), To Extremes (1994)

The guys each recorded a solo album in 1990, Eddie’s second and Dana’s first. Then they came back together to release 3 more studio albums before calling it quits. Unfortunately, they could not recapture much of their former magic on these final 3 releases.

1991’s Go to the Top is mostly just boring. 1993’s Heat it Up was a big step down lyrically while the music on many of the songs is derivative of better songs from the Era 3 records. Their final album To Extremes is the probably the best of Era 4 as they went for a more modern rock/blues fusion. It has some decent moments, but not enough of them. Other than some greatest hits compilations this was the last we heard from the band.

Despite the stumble towards the end of their career, D&K are still very much a band worth celebrating. In addition to the accolades, I mentioned earlier they also hold the distinction of having written and released the song “Addey” which is in the running for best CCM song ever. I’ve included both versions of the song on the Spotify playlist, it’s that good!

Eddie DeGarmo has had a very successful second career as a record label executive with Forefront records. Releasing some of the biggest albums in CCM history. Dana Key was taken from us too soon, but his voice and guitar work live on. Enjoy the Spotify playlist with some key songs from each era. Feel free to leave a comment about the article or share your favorite D&K songs and albums. Any feedback is appreciated.

A word about the playlist.

This playlist is really 4 playlists in one. Each of the 4 sections cover one era for the band. The songs are divided by eras, but are not chronological within each era, rather they are arranged in an order that made the most sense thematically and stylistically. Tracks 1-9 are Era 1. Tracks 10-18 Era 2. Tracks 19-30 Era 3, and Tracks 31-36 are Era 4. Enjoy!