Introducing Classic Country Songbird &
Grand Ole Opry Performer Diane Berry
by Holly Marie Tong

These days it seems like everyone wants to be country. Obviously stated though, not everyone is “born country.” While Music City seems to become more and more of a musical melting pot, we still thankfully continue to have some extremely noteworthy acts that have an uncompromising timeless traditional country sound thus having the utmost respect for what country music was built upon. These particular artists were faithfully country before it was ever considered “cool” and they still faithfully stick to their roots without wavering. Diane Berry is one of these rare find entertainers that I am referring to.

An Amarillo, Texas native, Diane was raised on country music as she was surrounded by a musically gifted family. She can recall her first singing experience taking place at the opening of a local Dairy Queen when she was just 3 years old. She sang “Rubber Dolly” and got a great deal of applause, which resulted in her singing it again. From that moment on, Diane was and still is a country music performer. The musical family of 5 all moved to Arkansas when Diane was 9 years old. It was there where her family started their own afternoon radio show on the local station (KCAB) and the Valley Jamboree Music Show every Saturday night. When she was 13 she began playing guitar. In 1982, she made the move to Nashville working in a show at Opryland Park. That fall she amazingly landed a spot at the Grand Ole Opry as Roy Acuff’s special guest. She understandably recalls walking out onto the Grand Ole Opry stage as an artist as the most memorable experience in her musical journey.

Diane’s Nashville career quickly bloomed as she has worked with many of country music’s finest artists such as Dottie West, Jeannie Seely, Jim Ed Brown, Joey Martin (Joey & Rory), Connie Smith, Charlie Louvin, Tanya tucker, Tommy Cash, Vern Gosdin, Tom T. Hall, Jean Shepard and many more. Alongside appearing on the WSM Grand Ole Opry for the past 28 years, Diane has also been on TNN, Ernest Tubb’s Midnight Jamboree, Pop Goes the Country with Tom T. Hall, The Ralph Emery Morning Show Channel 4 (Nashville), XM Sirius Radio and many more. Diane also counts a traveling experience as another favorite memory. She notes that they played 10 shows in 11 days covering Germany, Holland, England, Norway and Denmark in which she was a band leader and a musical director for a television show.

Diane is an accomplished studio musician who has played rhythm guitar on many albums. She has also sung lead vocal on many demos, as well as backgrounds vocals on hundreds of studio projects, in addition to singing harmonies.. In the midst of all of her studio work, she has also sung many commercials radio stations in Nashville and in other states. She appears on Little Jimmy Dickens last album as well as other recordings with Jeannie Seely, Charlie Louvin and many more. You can also hear Diane’s work in jingles, commercials, radio stations and promos. Additionally, you can even hear some of some of her music over in England! Notably her cover of “Under Your Spell Again” has received extensive and successful play over there.

On the songwriting end she has written and recorded many of her own songs. Excitedly, Opry legend Connie Smith has recorded her song “Take My Hand” (soon to be released), a song that she wrote in memory of her mother. Diane’s songwriting contains pure emotion whether it is sadness, joyfulness or anything in between, she will find a way to express it. When listening to Diane’s vocals the words “smooth and sweet” come to mind. She has a rare kind of country classic voice that you simply do not hear anymore. Being surrounded by the best company of musicians, her influences come through in her top notch recordings. It has been said that no matter type of music Diane Berry is singing…it will come out as pure country.

So you may be wondering what is on the horizon for Diane Berry? Well, she is currently in the studio recording with country music legend Jack Greene for her upcoming album in which she has penned more originals. Her talents will be collaborated with several country music greats. She said she “maintains a balancing act in her career by keeping it fun and trying new things.” It is clear that Diane is a genuine person with a true love for real country music and that is precisely why she does what she does. She’s maintained a good reputable character, a successful career and ongoing relationships with some of country music’s biggest acts.

When I asked her about the best advice she’s ever received in the music business she recalls the great Roy Acuff saying, “Always stay true to yourself. Other people may get you in the door, but unless you’re talented enough, you won’t stay there.” Diane undoubtedly took Roy’s advice as she is most certainly an artist of integrity, individuality and true talent….and that my friends is precisely what country music is.

www.myspace.com/dianeberrymusic