Biography

If you were to mix together, Lynrd Skynrd, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yocum, Dion, ZZ Top, Alabama, Queen, Brooks and Dunn and decades of musical influence from the music of the 50's through to the hot tunes of today, you would have the "Back In The Saddle" sound.

In the early 90’s, brothers Carl and Jim Mager had given up playing music. Their retirement from music wasn’t to be, however. Jim’s son taught himself to play and the next thing he did was call his Uncle Carl and ask if he would consider starting a little band, but nothing serious, of course. With that request, Carl called Jim and said, “That boy of yours wants to play a little music. Are you up for doing anything?” That was the start of Back In The Saddle.

After years of doing covers, the brothers thought it might be interesting to try their hand at songwriting and record a CD. Jim and Carl financed the project and into the studio they went. Four months later they released the self-tilted project called, “Back In The Saddle.” The CD resulted in a collection of ten songs that were either written, or co-written, by Carl and Jim. The CD was well-received by the band’s following and local media.

After winning the local Jimmy Dean Country Showdown sponsored by Litchfield, IL country station WSMI, they traveled to Springfield, IL for the state competition and finished 3rd. Since then they have appeared on “Show Me St. Louis” and were voted “Band of the Year” for 3 consecutive years by the River Bend Growth Association and have had the opportunities to open for a few nationally known artists.

Over the years, the band developed its own style, personality and stage presence. In January 2006, the band was taken in a new direction of pursuing larger venues, events and stage shows.

As the band has refined and honed its craft, the group stays busy performing for private parties, fairs, festivals, and charity events across Illinois and Missouri. Providing a quality entertainment product and helping folks have a good time are what the boys strive for on a continuing basis.

Back In The Saddle was signed to the D and M Records Label in early 2008 and has just released “Running Free,” a collection of original songs in the country/bluegrass genre. Back In The Saddle delivers everything from hard-driving country with rock and blues beats mixed in to those great country ballads with beautiful instrumentation and rich, pure vocals.

All fans of country and bluegrass love the music of Back In The Saddle. The group has a large and loyal fan base and with the release of “Running Free,” fans by the score are being added to their following.

For further information, or to schedule interviews or book an event, contact D and M Records at 1-800-615-9307 or contact@dandmrecords.com.