When the four original members of Cooder Graw first decided to make music together, it was merely to jam and have some fun. They were called "Coup de Grace" back then and changed it to a more Texi-fied version when they found out someone else had that name.

Soon the then-Amarillo-based band took off, and during the past few years it's been quite a ride. The group has gone from playing small 100 seat venues to performing as the headliner in front of thousands at musical events throughout Texas and Oklahoma.

In 2000, they released their first, self-titled studio record, produced by Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel and hit songwriter Hayden Nicholas. They followed it with two live albums (including a Live At Billy Bob's Texas CD) and a second studio set, Shifting Gears, that helped make the band a staple on Texas radio.

When their song "Llano Estacado" landed in a Dodge truck commercial that aired for months, the band became a household name across the Lone Star State. Now based in Fort Worth, Cooder Graw continues to play 150-200 shows a year, while finding time to write new music to bring to the recording studio.

Fiddle player Nick Worley left the band in 2006 after four years to continue his education and pursue other opportunities.

Information from the band's website

Musicians

• Matt Martindale: guitar, lead vocals, vocals
• Kelly Turner: guitar, vocals
• Paul Baker: bass
• Jon "Fish" Hunt: drums

Former members

• Nick Worley: fiddle

Albums

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