drivin' & cryin'

Biography

Drivin' N Cryin' is an American southern rock band formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1985 by singer-songwriter Kevn Kinney, bassist Tim Nielsen, and drummer Paul Lenz. Kinney, originally from Milwaukee, moved to Atlanta in the early 1980s, where he worked by day and played folk music by night. The band's name reflects the blend of Kinney's folk ('cryin'') and Nielsen and Lenz's punk and rock influences ('drivin''). Their debut album, 'Scarred But Smarter,' released in 1986 on 688 Records, quickly established them as a staple of the southeastern club scene and drew critical praise for its fusion of folk lyricism and hard-driving rock energy.

After signing with Island Records, Drivin' N Cryin' released a string of albums that expanded their sound and audience, notably 'Whisper Tames the Lion' (1988), 'Mystery Road' (1989), and their commercial breakthrough 'Fly Me Courageous' (1991), which achieved gold status. The band's style is characterized by a dynamic mix of southern rock, alt-country, folk, and hard rock, with Kinney's storytelling at the core. Over the years, the lineup shifted, with notable additions like guitarist Buren Fowler and keyboardist Joey Huffman, but Kinney and Nielsen remained the creative nucleus. The band's resilience and adaptability have allowed them to endure changing musical landscapes, and they continue to tour and record, celebrated for their energetic live performances and enduring regional influence.

Drivin' N Cryin's legacy is cemented in the southern rock canon, particularly in the Atlanta music scene, where they were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2015. Their influence extends to a generation of alternative and southern rock musicians, and their songs, especially 'Straight to Hell' and 'Honeysuckle Blue,' remain staples of the genre. The band's ability to navigate both mainstream and underground success speaks to their authenticity and the lasting appeal of their music.

Fun Facts

• Kevn Kinney removed the 'i' from his first name as a nod to his punk roots in Milwaukee.
• The band was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
• Their song 'Straight to Hell' has been covered by several artists and is considered a southern rock anthem.
• Drivin' N Cryin' played their first show at Atlanta's legendary 688 Club in October 1985.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Bob Dylan - Kevn Kinney was inspired to pursue folk songwriting after watching D.A. Pennebaker’s documentary about Dylan. (Influence on Kinney's lyricism and folk elements in Drivin' N Cryin's early work) [early 1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Tim Nielsen - Founding bassist and key songwriting partner throughout band's history (All Drivin' N Cryin' albums) [1985–present]
• Paul Lenz - Original drummer and co-founder (Scarred But Smarter, Whisper Tames the Lion (early sessions)) [1985–1987]
• Jeff Sullivan - Drummer who replaced Lenz and contributed to major label era (Whisper Tames the Lion, Mystery Road, Fly Me Courageous) [1987–mid 1990s]
• Buren Fowler - Touring and later full-time guitarist, formerly with R.E.M. (Mystery Road, Fly Me Courageous, Smoke) [late 1980s–1994]
• Joey Huffman - Keyboardist who joined after Fowler's departure (Wrapped in Sky) [mid 1990s]

Artists Influenced

• The Black Crowes - Shared Atlanta scene and mutual influence during late 1980s; Drivin' N Cryin' helped shape the southern rock resurgence (Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (stylistic parallels)) [late 1980s–1990s]
• Jason Isbell - Cited Drivin' N Cryin' as an influence on his songwriting and southern rock approach (Southeastern, The Nashville Sound) [2010s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Fly Me Courageous (Fly Me Courageous)
2. Straight To Hell (Mystery Road)
3. Honeysuckle Blue (Mystery Road)
4. Let's Go Dancing (Fly Me Courageous)
5. Build A Fire (Fly Me Courageous)
6. The Innocent (Fly Me Courageous)
7. Scarred But Smarter (Scarred But Smarter)
8. Telling Stories (Wrapped In Sky)
9. With The People (Mystery Road)
10. Catch The Wind (Whisper Tames The Lion)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia