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Beautiful Mess
Can a band comprised of six very talented but very different musicians make a difference with their music? What made it possible for Diamond Rio to weather the storms inherent in the fickle world of fame and fortune and go more than two decades without a single lineup change? Any reader in search of transparency and a behind-the-scenes look into the life of the band as a unit as well as the individual lives of the players and singers will be well satisfied. Can true loyalty exist within the competitive, seemingly unforgiving music industry? In Beautiful Mess Marty Roe, Dan Truman, Jimmy Olander, Brian Prout, Gene Johnson, and Dana Williams each has an entire chapter devoted to his personal and professional life. The book’s tone is a welcome rarity—not written from one player’s perspective, but from all six as they “meet in the middle.” Beautiful Mess is a wild ride from the edge of disaster and a little-known secret to an ongoing heart-warming revival.
- GenresBiographyMusicNonfiction
291 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 23, 2022
Love this group. Didn't realize some of the stuff they went through. Very heart-warming to see friends stay supportive and loyal to each other. Makes me love them even more!
November 20, 2009
Are you a country music fan? Have you ever wondered about the lives of the artists / groups you listen to? I have. With a chapter for each member of the band Diamond Rio, you will get an in depth view of each man’s life before he joined the group including how his life often intertwined with other members before the group was formed. This group of God-fearing men has a wonderful message to share and knowing their history helps the reader / listener to understand that message and that desire they have even better. Knowing where this group is coming from and learning about their families gives a different kind of insight to why and how this group has worked, lived and stayed together over so many years.
I truly enjoyed reading about the different backgrounds of each individual. I was amazed at the intertwining of their lives – one was the hero of another! Reading this book (or listening to it) was easy, kind of like sitting down for a visit with a friend over a favorite beverage.
I wouldn’t say that this book was life changing or earth shattering. If I didn’t like country music, I wouldn’t change my mind based on what I read. However, as a country music and Christian music fan, I was delighted to read about their rules of the road and the difference they want to make in the lives of those who listen to their music. Reading this book helped to solidify my desire to support their business of music.
Beautiful Mess is available at Thomas Nelson as well as at Amazon.
Want a chance to review books, just like me, for Thomas Nelson? Go to their website and sign up.
I truly enjoyed reading about the different backgrounds of each individual. I was amazed at the intertwining of their lives – one was the hero of another! Reading this book (or listening to it) was easy, kind of like sitting down for a visit with a friend over a favorite beverage.
I wouldn’t say that this book was life changing or earth shattering. If I didn’t like country music, I wouldn’t change my mind based on what I read. However, as a country music and Christian music fan, I was delighted to read about their rules of the road and the difference they want to make in the lives of those who listen to their music. Reading this book helped to solidify my desire to support their business of music.
Beautiful Mess is available at Thomas Nelson as well as at Amazon.
Want a chance to review books, just like me, for Thomas Nelson? Go to their website and sign up.
August 21, 2014
It's not often that you read a book that mentions times and events and places that are familiar to your own life....at least it's not often for me. That was one of my favorite parts about reading A Beautiful Mess by Diamond Rio. Several of these guys are about my age so although we grew up in different areas of the country and in totally different lives, the music and events that shaped their lives were part of mine as well.
The book covers the development of each member of Diamond Rio one by one and tells how they came to be in the music business and how they came to the group. It doesn't gloss over their difficulties personally or as a group and I appreciated their honesty. Their story shows how commitment, hard work, and God's blessings helped them to achieve their goals and establish a successful career. The pictures were great and fun to look at too!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Diamond Rio's music as well as anyone who would like some encouragement in life. Diamond Rio's story encourages us all to persevere!
The book covers the development of each member of Diamond Rio one by one and tells how they came to be in the music business and how they came to the group. It doesn't gloss over their difficulties personally or as a group and I appreciated their honesty. Their story shows how commitment, hard work, and God's blessings helped them to achieve their goals and establish a successful career. The pictures were great and fun to look at too!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Diamond Rio's music as well as anyone who would like some encouragement in life. Diamond Rio's story encourages us all to persevere!
October 24, 2025
Thought this would be a good book to read to understand the forming of the group & the challenges that they faced through the years. I have been a fan for a long time but didn't know all the things about them that are in the book. Very interesting how they stayed together as a group & made lots of great music.
May 30, 2023
A nice story about the music group Diamond Rio. It was a little hard to follow at times, but I learned more about the group.
October 10, 2009
Can a band comprised of six very talented but very different musicians make a difference with their music?
What made it possible for Diamond Rio to weather the storms inherent in the fickle world of fame and fortune and go more than two decades without a single lineup change? Any reader in search of transparency and a behind-the-scenes look into the life of the band as a unit as well as the individual lives of the players and singers will be well satisfied. Can true loyalty exist within the competitive, seemingly unforgiving music industry? In A Beautiful Mess, Marty Roe, Dan Truman, Jimmy Olander, Brian Prout, Gene Johnson, and Dana Williams each has an entire chapter devoted to his personal and professional life. A Beautiful Mess is a wild ride from the edge of disaster and a little-known secret to an ongoing heart-warming revival.
I have always been a fan of Diamond Rio and when I received the opportunity from Thomas Nelson Publishing to review this book, I was ecstatic! There is so much that I didn't know about this group, from their humble beginnings to their rocky climb into the music industry to the personal lives of each band member. As someone who once pursued the music industry, I can appreciate some of the struggles (I didn't persist as long as they did by a long shot) that they faced. I wondered as I read this book though, did I see THEM at Opryland when I loved the Country Music USA show? I don't remember when I went there!
Getting a "backstage pass" into the lives of these six men put into perspective a little more of what their music actually means. Diamond Rio has always prided themselves on "good clean country" music without the sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
Some of my favorite songs recorded by Diamond Rio include: Meet in the Middle (their first hit!), This Romeo Ain't Got Julie Yet, Bubba Hyde, One More Day, and Beautiful Mess.
Life is a Beautiful Mess, you just have to be prepared for the ride!
Source of book: Received from the publisher, Thomas Nelson. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review.
What made it possible for Diamond Rio to weather the storms inherent in the fickle world of fame and fortune and go more than two decades without a single lineup change? Any reader in search of transparency and a behind-the-scenes look into the life of the band as a unit as well as the individual lives of the players and singers will be well satisfied. Can true loyalty exist within the competitive, seemingly unforgiving music industry? In A Beautiful Mess, Marty Roe, Dan Truman, Jimmy Olander, Brian Prout, Gene Johnson, and Dana Williams each has an entire chapter devoted to his personal and professional life. A Beautiful Mess is a wild ride from the edge of disaster and a little-known secret to an ongoing heart-warming revival.
I have always been a fan of Diamond Rio and when I received the opportunity from Thomas Nelson Publishing to review this book, I was ecstatic! There is so much that I didn't know about this group, from their humble beginnings to their rocky climb into the music industry to the personal lives of each band member. As someone who once pursued the music industry, I can appreciate some of the struggles (I didn't persist as long as they did by a long shot) that they faced. I wondered as I read this book though, did I see THEM at Opryland when I loved the Country Music USA show? I don't remember when I went there!
Getting a "backstage pass" into the lives of these six men put into perspective a little more of what their music actually means. Diamond Rio has always prided themselves on "good clean country" music without the sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
Some of my favorite songs recorded by Diamond Rio include: Meet in the Middle (their first hit!), This Romeo Ain't Got Julie Yet, Bubba Hyde, One More Day, and Beautiful Mess.
Life is a Beautiful Mess, you just have to be prepared for the ride!
Source of book: Received from the publisher, Thomas Nelson. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review.
October 5, 2009
Diamond Rio: Beautiful Mess
When given the chance to review Beautiful Mess, I took advantage of it. This is an amazing book.
The book begins by giving a teaser that shows Diamond Rio looking as if they are on the way out. We are then taken back to the early days of Diamond Rio before there was a Diamond Rio.
We are given a peek behind the scenes in Opryland USA where many of the band members worked, played, and sang. We learn about how the country music industry views park players. We also read of the struggles and dreams of these park players who long to make it big.
Of very much interest is the individual biographical sketches. Each band member is given a biographical sketch and we are shown their path as they come to Diamond Rio.
Once the band comes together the book takes us into the inner workings of Diamond Rio as they go from broke singers to overnight sensation. We are carried hit by hit through the career of Diamond Rio, and our journey is a very pleasant one. Two things stand out to me about Diamond Rio: 1. They refused to get into the trouble with alcohol and drugs that many groups/singers do 2. They work hard to support charity. Those are very positive points about the group. They did not long just to be famous, but to be different and make a difference.
The story finally brings us to where Diamond Rio is today. The reader gets to share in the laughter and the tears as we see the struggles and successes of this great country band.
Words fail to truly convey this book. It was a joy and an inspiration to read how these guys worked and struggled so hard, and finally made it.
I hope the Beautiful Mess continues a while longer.
When given the chance to review Beautiful Mess, I took advantage of it. This is an amazing book.
The book begins by giving a teaser that shows Diamond Rio looking as if they are on the way out. We are then taken back to the early days of Diamond Rio before there was a Diamond Rio.
We are given a peek behind the scenes in Opryland USA where many of the band members worked, played, and sang. We learn about how the country music industry views park players. We also read of the struggles and dreams of these park players who long to make it big.
Of very much interest is the individual biographical sketches. Each band member is given a biographical sketch and we are shown their path as they come to Diamond Rio.
Once the band comes together the book takes us into the inner workings of Diamond Rio as they go from broke singers to overnight sensation. We are carried hit by hit through the career of Diamond Rio, and our journey is a very pleasant one. Two things stand out to me about Diamond Rio: 1. They refused to get into the trouble with alcohol and drugs that many groups/singers do 2. They work hard to support charity. Those are very positive points about the group. They did not long just to be famous, but to be different and make a difference.
The story finally brings us to where Diamond Rio is today. The reader gets to share in the laughter and the tears as we see the struggles and successes of this great country band.
Words fail to truly convey this book. It was a joy and an inspiration to read how these guys worked and struggled so hard, and finally made it.
I hope the Beautiful Mess continues a while longer.
Read
October 5, 2009Diamond Rio: Beautiful Mess
When given the chance to review Beautiful Mess, I took advantage of it. This is an amazing book.
The book begins by giving a teaser that shows Diamond Rio looking as if they are on the way out. We are then taken back to the early days of Diamond Rio before there was a Diamond Rio.
We are given a peek behind the scenes in Opryland USA where many of the band members worked, played, and sang. We learn about how the country music industry views park players. We also read of the struggles and dreams of these park players who long to make it big.
Of very much interest is the individual biographical sketches. Each band member is given a biographical sketch and we are shown their path as they come to Diamond Rio.
Once the band comes together the book takes us into the inner workings of Diamond Rio as they go from broke singers to overnight sensation. We are carried hit by hit through the career of Diamond Rio, and our journey is a very pleasant one. Two things stand out to me about Diamond Rio: 1. They refused to get into the trouble with alcohol and drugs that many groups/singers do 2. They work hard to support charity. Those are very positive points about the group. They did not long just to be famous, but to be different and make a difference.
The story finally brings us to where Diamond Rio is today. The reader gets to share in the laughter and the tears as we see the struggles and successes of this great country band.
Words fail to truly convey this book. It was a joy and an inspiration to read how these guys worked and struggled so hard, and finally made it.
I hope the Beautiful Mess continues a while longer.
When given the chance to review Beautiful Mess, I took advantage of it. This is an amazing book.
The book begins by giving a teaser that shows Diamond Rio looking as if they are on the way out. We are then taken back to the early days of Diamond Rio before there was a Diamond Rio.
We are given a peek behind the scenes in Opryland USA where many of the band members worked, played, and sang. We learn about how the country music industry views park players. We also read of the struggles and dreams of these park players who long to make it big.
Of very much interest is the individual biographical sketches. Each band member is given a biographical sketch and we are shown their path as they come to Diamond Rio.
Once the band comes together the book takes us into the inner workings of Diamond Rio as they go from broke singers to overnight sensation. We are carried hit by hit through the career of Diamond Rio, and our journey is a very pleasant one. Two things stand out to me about Diamond Rio: 1. They refused to get into the trouble with alcohol and drugs that many groups/singers do 2. They work hard to support charity. Those are very positive points about the group. They did not long just to be famous, but to be different and make a difference.
The story finally brings us to where Diamond Rio is today. The reader gets to share in the laughter and the tears as we see the struggles and successes of this great country band.
Words fail to truly convey this book. It was a joy and an inspiration to read how these guys worked and struggled so hard, and finally made it.
I hope the Beautiful Mess continues a while longer.
August 17, 2017
Diamond Rio (the Country Rock Group).
I used to really like these guys. Especially when their first and second albums came out. Fun lyrics, awesome guitar playing... Then they sort of just went POP! Candy Country for housewives. I haven't listened to them since.
This book is their story. From a theme park cover band to a country pop award winner.
They later attempted to turn into a Christian pop/country group. Kind of Yucky!~ I'm seriously doubting that anyone in the band is even slightly Biblically literate. Did any of them go to Bible College (or buy a Bible recently?). The Mormon guy doesn't count. Which is the first big clue: What kind of Christian record company will put out a Christian Pop/country band that fails to notice there's a Mormon in their midst? Did they not notice that Mormon doctrine insists that Non-Mormons are going to hell (or some kind of Hell) although some Mormons don't believe in hell anymore. Either way - bad form.
--- this book did mention that a band member attended Brigham Young University, went on Missions, and had their children attend the same university.... Ummh? Who did they think they were fooling? Oh yeah, Dumb christians. It'll probably work too.
Mostly a good story though. Took the band many years to get successful. It also shares all the marriage failures and successes of band members, illnesses and skydiving adventures too. They chatted a bit about the music and instruments. But not enough for me. I'm gonna go listen to some Highway 101 now (they were awesome!)
I used to really like these guys. Especially when their first and second albums came out. Fun lyrics, awesome guitar playing... Then they sort of just went POP! Candy Country for housewives. I haven't listened to them since.
This book is their story. From a theme park cover band to a country pop award winner.
They later attempted to turn into a Christian pop/country group. Kind of Yucky!~ I'm seriously doubting that anyone in the band is even slightly Biblically literate. Did any of them go to Bible College (or buy a Bible recently?). The Mormon guy doesn't count. Which is the first big clue: What kind of Christian record company will put out a Christian Pop/country band that fails to notice there's a Mormon in their midst? Did they not notice that Mormon doctrine insists that Non-Mormons are going to hell (or some kind of Hell) although some Mormons don't believe in hell anymore. Either way - bad form.
--- this book did mention that a band member attended Brigham Young University, went on Missions, and had their children attend the same university.... Ummh? Who did they think they were fooling? Oh yeah, Dumb christians. It'll probably work too.
Mostly a good story though. Took the band many years to get successful. It also shares all the marriage failures and successes of band members, illnesses and skydiving adventures too. They chatted a bit about the music and instruments. But not enough for me. I'm gonna go listen to some Highway 101 now (they were awesome!)
December 25, 2009
I love Diamond Rio. They're one of my favorite bands. I had an opportunity to meet them after a concert and I can attest to the fact that they are the genuine article: warm, friendly and down to earth.
In this entertaining story, we see the early beginnings of the band and find out how Diamond Rio became Diamond Rio. Through beginnings atOpryland, circumstances beyond their own control and decisions they made, the band molded itself into the fabulous group they are today. Each member has his own chapter that details the important issues and experiences that brought him to where he is today. We learn about Marty's struggle with his hearing and voice and how he finally faced his fears and sought help when his band members confronted him. The band members are also straight forward and unabashed about sharing their faith in God.
Here you learn that faith and family are important, that perseverance pays off, and that giving back to the community is an integral part of these guys' lives. I was not aware of the amount of charity work that Diamond Rio does.
With family and band photos, this is a fantastic book for any Diamond Rio fan. A terrific story about a terrific group of guys, who truly can be called role models. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks to the Thomas Nelson Book Blogger program for the opportunity to review this book. You can learn more about the book here.
In this entertaining story, we see the early beginnings of the band and find out how Diamond Rio became Diamond Rio. Through beginnings atOpryland, circumstances beyond their own control and decisions they made, the band molded itself into the fabulous group they are today. Each member has his own chapter that details the important issues and experiences that brought him to where he is today. We learn about Marty's struggle with his hearing and voice and how he finally faced his fears and sought help when his band members confronted him. The band members are also straight forward and unabashed about sharing their faith in God.
Here you learn that faith and family are important, that perseverance pays off, and that giving back to the community is an integral part of these guys' lives. I was not aware of the amount of charity work that Diamond Rio does.
With family and band photos, this is a fantastic book for any Diamond Rio fan. A terrific story about a terrific group of guys, who truly can be called role models. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks to the Thomas Nelson Book Blogger program for the opportunity to review this book. You can learn more about the book here.
October 9, 2009
Country music super group Diamond Rio took six very different men, melded them together and became an award winning act. Despite their differences, many serious setbacks, and a lot of tough challenges, they managed to pull through even the hardest of times and not just stick together but stay friends as well. This is their inspiring story of how they did just that.
I was absolutely amazed at the perseverance and complete faith shown by all six of these men. Through numerous lineup changes in the beginning to a year full of disasters, never once did they let themselves or their group down. When one was having trouble, the other five rallied around to help and support them.
I also enjoyed the way the book was set up – you start with the problem that almost destroyed the group and then you moved into the beginnings of Diamond Rio’s core. From there, you are treated to a short bio on each of the members and after that, you come back to the problem that almost pulled the group apart at the end.
As you see in the resolution, they weathered even that horrible storm to stick together for twenty-five years. They are just an amazing group and I am totally in awe of all they have gone through for the sake of their music. A truly inspiring story that will bring you to tears at points and have you laughing out loud at others.
I was absolutely amazed at the perseverance and complete faith shown by all six of these men. Through numerous lineup changes in the beginning to a year full of disasters, never once did they let themselves or their group down. When one was having trouble, the other five rallied around to help and support them.
I also enjoyed the way the book was set up – you start with the problem that almost destroyed the group and then you moved into the beginnings of Diamond Rio’s core. From there, you are treated to a short bio on each of the members and after that, you come back to the problem that almost pulled the group apart at the end.
As you see in the resolution, they weathered even that horrible storm to stick together for twenty-five years. They are just an amazing group and I am totally in awe of all they have gone through for the sake of their music. A truly inspiring story that will bring you to tears at points and have you laughing out loud at others.
June 21, 2013
I'm a country music fan and have listened and sang along to many Diamond Rio songs. What I didn't know what the background behind the band. Beautiful Mess gives us an insight to each of the band members personal lives, the trials and tribulations they went through, and how they overcame them. There is a concept of family with them, they don't have to do anything alone.
We're taken back before they were overnight sensations, then shown how the react to being celebrities. One thing I find amazing is that not one of them became addicted to alcohol or drugs as you see so many in the spotlight do. We're also told how much they are involved with charity which is absolutely wonderful.
Even if you have never heard of Diamond Rio, or you don't listen to country music, give Beautiful Mess a whirl. Through ups and downs, these fellow's stuck together in a cut-throat business and they kept their faith. Beautiful Mess is the title of one of their hit songs about love.
Part of the lyrics:
This morning put salt in my coffee. I put my shoes on the wrong feet. I'm losin' my mind, I swear; It might be the death of me, But I don't care. What a beautiful mess! What a beautiful mess I'm in. Spendin' all my time with you, There's nothin' else I'd rather do.
We're taken back before they were overnight sensations, then shown how the react to being celebrities. One thing I find amazing is that not one of them became addicted to alcohol or drugs as you see so many in the spotlight do. We're also told how much they are involved with charity which is absolutely wonderful.
Even if you have never heard of Diamond Rio, or you don't listen to country music, give Beautiful Mess a whirl. Through ups and downs, these fellow's stuck together in a cut-throat business and they kept their faith. Beautiful Mess is the title of one of their hit songs about love.
Part of the lyrics:
This morning put salt in my coffee. I put my shoes on the wrong feet. I'm losin' my mind, I swear; It might be the death of me, But I don't care. What a beautiful mess! What a beautiful mess I'm in. Spendin' all my time with you, There's nothin' else I'd rather do.
April 19, 2011
Beautiful Mess takes us through the 20-year history of Diamond Rio, along with the personal histories of all six band members and the band’s pre-Diamond Rio days. By bouncing back and forth through the years, the book tells us how the band members changed for the first few years while being billed as the Tennessee River Boys until the present band members came along. We also get a detailed history of each of the current band members.
I like Diamond Rio, but this book still couldn’t hold my interest. I started reading it and got bored. It took me months to pick it back up and finish it.
I’m not sure if there is just too much information packed into the book or if it’s because of the way the book goes back and forth through time, but it was hard for me to read. I felt like I was ping-ponging through history and it was just too distracting. I did learn some interesting things about the band and the country music industry, but I’m not sure it was worth struggling through the book to do so.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I like Diamond Rio, but this book still couldn’t hold my interest. I started reading it and got bored. It took me months to pick it back up and finish it.
I’m not sure if there is just too much information packed into the book or if it’s because of the way the book goes back and forth through time, but it was hard for me to read. I felt like I was ping-ponging through history and it was just too distracting. I did learn some interesting things about the band and the country music industry, but I’m not sure it was worth struggling through the book to do so.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
January 3, 2010
When I first saw the book, I had heard of Diamond Rio, but that's the extent of that. I couldn't tell you one song. I'm really glad I read this book. What an accomplished band, considering all they had to endure, and the bandmates lost along the way.
I really liked how you were introduced to each member of the band, and not just summarizing everything. It was nice to learn about them individually as well as together.
A really great read for any country music fans out there, and I know there are millions!!!
I really liked how you were introduced to each member of the band, and not just summarizing everything. It was nice to learn about them individually as well as together.
A really great read for any country music fans out there, and I know there are millions!!!
December 31, 2014
Beautiful mess
A rather dumb biography of a very good singing group.,It sure will put a person to sleep very quickly. Dumb,dumb. Boring..
A rather dumb biography of a very good singing group.,It sure will put a person to sleep very quickly. Dumb,dumb. Boring..
May 5, 2021
Great Read
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