Cactus Choir was an American country music group from San Francisco, California, composed of Marty Atkinson (vocals), Gary Hooker (guitar), Dave Ristrim (steel guitar), Tim Hensley (banjo), Shane Hicks (keyboards), Cal Ball (bass) and Eric Nelson (drums).[1] The group's self-titled debut album was released by Curb/Universal on March 24, 1998.[2] Jesse Mullins of American Cowboy gave the album a favorable review, writing that the musicians "come from varied musical backgrounds but have blended their talents well." Mullins compared their "wistful harmonies" to Restless Heart and Blackhawk.[3]

Cactus Choir
OriginSan Francisco, California, United States
GenresCountry
Years active1997–1998
LabelsCurb/Universal
Past membersMarty Atkinson
Gary Hooker
Dave Ristrim
Tim Hensley
Shane Hicks
Cal Ball
Eric Nelson

The group's first single, "Step Right Up", was released on December 9, 1997.[4] It peaked at number 62 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.[1] A music video for the song aired on CMT.[2]

In 2011, Atkinson formed the duo Blue Cactus Choir with Katy Boyd.[5]

Discography

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Albums

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Title Album details
Cactus Choir

Singles

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Year Single Peak positions Album
US Country
[1]
1997 "Step Right Up" 62 Cactus Choir
1998 "It's Your Move"
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Music videos

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Year Video Director
1997 "Step Right Up" Jim Hershleder

References

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  1. ^ a b c Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. p. 74. ISBN 978-0-89820-177-2.
  2. ^ a b Price, Deborah Evans (February 7, 1998). "Cactus Choir Thrives In The Studio" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
  3. ^ Mullins, Jesse (July–August 1998). "Reviews". American Cowboy. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
  4. ^ "Step Right Up – Cactus Choir". AllMusic. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
  5. ^ Puccl, Mark (June 12, 2012). "Marty Atkinson & Katy Boyd Join to Form Blue Cactus Choir". Grateful Web. Retrieved April 11, 2015.