Penny Ford of Snap! inducted into Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame
4 years ago
United States
Sister Hazel, initially known for their blend of jangle pop, folk rock, and Southern rock, have achieved platinum album sales and established themselves as pioneers in themed music events.
Sister Hazel acted as a pioneer in the themed cruise and destination event industry by co-founding "The Rock Boat" and annually hosting events like "The Hang" and Camp Hazelnut, bringing together musicians and celebrities for concerts.
Lyrics for Life is a non-profit organization founded by lead singer Ken Block in honor of his late sister, dedicated to pediatric cancer research and patient care. Sister Hazel uses their platform to organize concerts and auctions to support this cause.
Ford Motor Company collaborated with Sister Hazel to promote its new Sync technology, featured in Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. The band served as the face of the “Sync” campaign and was featured on Ford's syncmyride.com website.
Ryan Newell, the guitar player for Sister Hazel, mentioned their ongoing partnership with Feed The Children during their 20th year as a band.
Sister Hazel was featured on a special compilation CD titled "You're in Gator Country," sold exclusively by the University of Florida Athletic Association in 2011, with the song "This Is Gator Country."
Sister Hazel was formed in Gainesville, Florida, in 1993, borrowing their name from Sister Hazel Williams, a local missionary who operated a homeless shelter. The band’s initial lineup included Ken Block on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, and Andrew Copeland on rhythm guitar and backing vocals. Ryan Newell joined as a guitarist and Mark Trojanowski became the drummer shortly after the band’s self-titled debut album was released in 1994 through their independent label, Croakin’ Poets. Their musical style, characterized by a blend of jangle pop, folk rock, classic rock, and Southern rock, quickly garnered attention. After the release of their debut, Sister Hazel dedicated themselves to extensive touring, particularly in the Southeast, which helped cultivate a strong fan base and refine their live performance skills.
The group’s second album, “…Somewhere More Familiar,” released in 1997, became a significant milestone. Following its initial independent release, which sold approximately 30,000 copies, Universal Records signed the band and re-released the album. This led to the widespread success of their single “All for You,” which reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming their most successful single and contributing to the album achieving platinum certification. In 2000, they released “Fortress” with Universal, featuring producers like Mike Clink and Richie Zito, and it included minor pop hits such as “Champagne High” and “Change Your Mind.” The band’s connection with their audience deepened through the emergence of “Hazelnuts,” a dedicated fan community that actively supported the band’s activities and promotions through their official website.
Beyond their musical releases, Sister Hazel has been instrumental in creating unique fan experiences and engaging in philanthropic endeavors. They were pioneers in the themed cruise industry by co-founding “The Rock Boat” and continue to host annual events like “The Hang at Hazelnut Isle.” Lead singer Ken Block established the non-profit organization Lyrics for Life, dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer research and patient care, often involving other musicians and celebrities for benefit concerts and auctions. Their commitment to connecting with fans is also evident in their significant social media following, which exceeds a million followers. The band has also diversified their sound, notably with “Lighter in the Dark” in 2016, which marked their first country album.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
