FRONT RANGE
- Formed in 1984 in Denver, Colorado, but only two band members ever lived there (Mike Lantz, Ron Lynam). Dick and Amos live in Pennsylvania and Vermont respectively.
- The name “Front Range” comes from the name given to the eastern slopes of the Colorado Rockies.
- 1988, recorded first album (a cassette). Original band included Peter Schwimmer on banjo.
- 1990, recorded second album in their own studio on their own record label. Mailed 500 copies to radio stations and the song “High Mountain Meadow” became a #1 song.
- 1992, released New Frontier
album (Sugar Hill).
- 1993, released Back to Red River
album (Sugar Hill).
- 1995, released One Beautiful Day
album (Sugar Hill). Won the IBMA award for Gospel Recording of the Year.
- Banjo player Ron Lynam is the world’s undisputed “Underwater Banjo Champion.” He accomplished this feat by playing an aluminum banjo underwater in a pool at the Midwinter (Ft. Collins, CO) Bluegrass Festival. It has become an annual event. He is also a high school social studies teacher.
- 1997, released Ramblin’ on My Mind
album (Sugar Hill).
- 2000, released Silent Ground
album (Sugar Hill).
- Lead singer Bob Amos is a prolific songwriter with a master’s degree in geology.
- 2004, the group recorded its last album together.
- 2006, mandolinist Mike Lantz died of brain cancer.
- 2012, Bob Amos recorded a solo project called Borrowed Time
(no label).