They also liked a new blend of country and rock that was in the air. Artists like Buffalo Springfield, Graham Parsons, Asleep At The Wheel, Crosby Still & Nash were mixing a rich tradition with exciting new possibilities – it was a natural place for the band. And when the search for the right drummer landed Dan Flaherty, it was all suddenly propelled by a muscular driving rhythm. The magic started to happen.

Their rich four part ensemble singing, Stymie's bass and pedal steel, Feagan's lyrical guitar playing, Pat's soaring violin, Michael's honky-tonk piano, and Dan’s energetic driving sound were hard to resist. Although they were told the music would never sell here, within months The Daisy Dillman Band was a favorite in a region crammed with expert pickers vying for club dates and public allegiance. The group bussed hundreds of miles through lake country and no-end plains, playing to increasingly enthusiastic crowds in every imaginable type of venue.

Through long days of rehearsals, writing, travel and performing, attention from national labels was soon in coming. The band signed with United Artists in 1978 and recorded their first record at Minneapolis’ Sound 80 Studios (sharing the facility with Cat Stevens).

The heartland hideout wasn't over yet. United Artists hit hard times like so many labels in the late 70's, and Daisy Dillman's rise was seemingly short-circuited. Despite Label timing and fickle fate, their self-titled debut LP was released and became a recommended disc in several national trade publications, garnering airplay in both the United States and Europe.

A new record contract was on their minds as the band got stronger, developing their unique brand of country rock. RCA Records heard it, and quickly signed them up. Legendary producer Rick Hall in Muscle Shoals Alabama was brought in to the project and the pop flavored "Lovin the Night Away" was released. The title track went on to chart in the Billboard Top 40, and the band now traveled thousands of miles in their tour bus, promoting the record with dates nation-wide from New York to Texas to L.A. and everywhere in between – many times on the same stage with the artists that had inspired their beginnings. Fast forward.

Looking back at those thrilling first days - band members' friends and fans were missing the music that had been such an important part of their lives. In 2003 – after 26 years - the original band reunited for a long awaited show at The Cabooze, one of their original haunts and a Twin Cities seminal music room. They brought the house down. Playing together again rekindled old friendships with a new family of fans. Grown children of original fans sang along to every lyric that night.

It is now leading to exciting new music being written by the band for a (needless to say) long overdue collaborative third release… 29 years in the making. A timeless, authentic and powerful musical voice – The Daisy Dillman Band now performs several reunion shows each year for the faithful. Stay tuned… The Daisy Dillman Band’s romp isn’t done yet… not by a long shot.