Prairie Oyster

Prairie Oyster is a country group, formed in King City, Ontario, in 1974 by Russell deCarle (vocals) and Keith Glass (guitar), formerly of the bluegrass group King City Slickers. Dennis Delorme (pedal-steel guitar) was also part of a phase one (1974-78) Prairie Oyster lineup that toured extensively and became favourites on the central Canada festival circuit.

After taking a 4-year hiatus, the group reunited in 1982, with Joan Besen (vocals/keyboards) and John P. Allen (fiddle/mandolin) joining deCarle, Glass and Delorme. Drummer Bruce Moffet, formerly of the Corey Hart band, replaced John Adames in 1986. Following an independent album, Oyster Tracks (1986), the group recorded a sleek country debut for BMG Music Canada titled Different Kind of Fire (1990). Its followup, Everybody Knows (1991), enjoyed unprecedented success for a Canadian country release, selling over 100 000 copies and earning critical acclaim in the US. Only One Moon (1994) also showcased the strong songwriting of Besen, Glass and deCarle. Prairie Oyster has won numerous awards from the Canadian Country Music Association, and 5 Juno Awards as Country Group of the Year. Their hit singles include "Did You Fall In Love,""One Precious Love,""Everybody Knows,""Only One Moon" and "Don't Cry Little Angel." In addition to these, the album Blue Plate Special, released in 1996, featured the radio hits "Unbelievable Love" and "One Way Track."