Formed in 1985 as a modern outlet for country-rock pioneer Chris Hillman, formerly of the Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers, the Desert Rose Band placed the ex-Byrds member at the forefront as primary songwriter, lead vocalist, guitarist, and mandolinist. Assembled chiefly from southern California session players, the lineup also featured banjoist/guitarist Herb Pedersen, guitarist John Jorgenson, steel guitarist Jay Dee Maness, bassist Bill Bryson, and drummer Steve Duncan. Their opening single, a 1986 cover of Johnnie & Jack's "Ashes of Love," advanced to the country Top 30. The self-titled debut album appeared in 1987 and delivered a number one single in "He's Back and I'm Blue" plus Top Ten entries "Love Reunited" and "One Step Forward." Running, issued in 1988, yielded the number one "I Still Believe in You," the number two "Summer Wind," and the number three "She Don't Love Nobody." The final Top Ten successes arrived on 1990's Pages of Life with "Story of Love" and "Start All Over Again." Extensive personnel changes followed, as steel guitarist Tom Brumley succeeded Jay Dee Maness, guitarist Jeff Ross took over from John Jorgenson, and drummer Tim Grogan replaced Steve Duncan. This revised configuration released three albums—1991's True Love and the pair Traditional and Life Goes On, both from 1993—yet never matched the commercial reach of the band's earlier lineup. Hillman and Herb Pedersen resumed occasional collaborations after the Desert Rose Band disbanded.
