From their humble beginnings at a team roping event in Perry, Oklahoma, to gracing the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry, The Great Divide has carved an indelible mark on the music landscape. As the pioneers of the Oklahoma Red Dirt genre, this five-piece band is set to captivate audiences once again at the upcoming Dancing Rabbit Music Festival on November 9th.

Unearthing the Roots of a Musical Revolution

The Humble Beginnings of The Great Divide

The Great Divide's journey began in 1992 when the band played their first gig at a Labor Day weekend team roping event in Perry, Oklahoma. Drummer J.J. Lester recounts the serendipitous moment when the band realized they could get paid for their music. "We didn't really know any songs except for the ones we had written, and we only played about 10 songs. When we finished playing and were packing up, my cousin came over and said, 'Hey, we passed the hat around. You guys made like $86.' We were just sitting there looking at $86, going, 'Wait a second. They'll give you money to do that?'"This unexpected windfall propelled the band into a whirlwind of gigs, leading them to the creation of their iconic name – The Great Divide. As Lester explains, the name was a temporary solution to convey the band's unique blend of country and rock influences, a fusion that would come to define the Red Dirt genre.

Pioneering the Red Dirt Movement

The Great Divide's impact on the Red Dirt scene cannot be overstated. Lester acknowledges that the band was the first successful Red Dirt act to bring the genre to a broader audience, securing a major record label deal with Atlantic Records. Their influence can be seen in the rise of bands like Cross Canadian Ragweed, Stoney LaRue, and The Turnpike Troubadours, all of whom have cited The Great Divide as a formative inspiration."We owe a lot to the Wyatt Flores, the Turnpike's, the Ragweeds, the Bolings, for keeping our name alive," Lester says, humbly recognizing the symbiotic relationship between The Great Divide and the artists they have inspired.

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Country Music

As the genre of "country music" has evolved over the years, The Great Divide has found their niche in the realm of Americana, roots, and country rock. Lester explains, "We just try to write songs about what we know and record them." This authenticity and dedication to their craft have earned them a loyal following and critical acclaim, with four singles from their 2022 album "Providence" reaching number one in Texas.Despite their success, Lester remains grounded in his perspective on the band's achievements. "Making it is such a relative term. What some people consider success, others probably don't. We haven't been really successful in terms of billboard success and worldwide tour success. We're not successful like that... but we've made a living at it. We were able to start something and take it."

The Great Divide's Reunion and Resurgence

The Great Divide's journey has not been without its challenges. The band experienced a divide of their own, splitting up for close to a decade before reuniting in 2011. The reunion was a nerve-wracking experience, but Lester says the process of creating their first album in 20 years, "Providence," helped to further strengthen the band's bond.The resurgence of The Great Divide has been a pleasant surprise, with a newfound appreciation from younger generations. "We don't assume that's going to happen, so when you see twenty-somethings singing the words to your songs you're like 'Wow, that's pretty incredible,'" Lester marvels.

Embracing the Present and Looking Ahead

As The Great Divide prepares to take the stage at the Dancing Rabbit Music Festival, the band remains grateful for the opportunity to continue their musical journey. Lester emphasizes the importance of gratitude, stating, "I've always had this philosophy that if you come and buy a ticket to come see me perform then that should be my handshake guarantee that I'm going to be the best I can be for you that day."With new music on the horizon, The Great Divide is poised to further cement their legacy as the trailblazers of the Red Dirt scene. Lester's words encapsulate the band's enduring spirit: "The Great Divide is going to record again."