Mercy River Boys  The Mercy River Boys were an American Christian country music band who performed from 1979 to 1984. They were nominated for a Grammy Award  for their first album, "Breakout" (Canaan Records, 1979). The album was also a finalist for the Gospel Music Association's Dove Award for Album of the Year, 1979–80, and won a Dove Award for backliner notes, written by Merlin Littlefield. The group performed extensively in the United States and had multiple hits on Christian music radio. The band is also featured on the Canaan Recording Artists Christmas album and on a live recording from the Kerrville Folk Festival, recorded in Kerrville, Texas. The Mercy River Boys were created, in part, to challenge the status quo of the Christian radio market. Don Cusic ("Billboard Magazine", Vol. 90, No 31) credits Canaan Records for creating a band to cross over into country music, improving “what is essentially a good product (gospel) and made it become commercially viable.” The eight original members of the band and the record executives at Canaan Records wanted to create a sound that would bridge the gap between country radio and more traditional southern gospel markets. The result was the creation of a new genre, Christian country music; country lyrics with a positive moral message. The Mercy River Boys were a hit in both radio markets and performed in both country and gospel venues and music festivals for many years. Terry Bradshaw, former NFL quarterback and TV personality, listed the Mercy River Boys as one of his favorite Christian country bands because of their crossover appeal. The Mercy River Boys toured for over five years, sharing the stage with many country music performers including the Oak Ridge Boys, Barbara Mandrell, Louise Mandrell, Dolly Parton, Crystal Gayle, and Larry Gatlin. The Mercy River Boys became one of Canaan Records' most successful performing artists in 1979–80 when their "Breakout" album crossed over from Southern gospel into the country music radio market; the songs to cross over into country music radio included "You Needed Me", "Blow On Temptest", and the semi-biographical song "Flat Top Martin Guitar". The 1982 album "In the Arms of My Best Friend" was a complete crossover product with hit songs "Would They Love Him Down In Shreveport Today" and the title cut, "In the Arms of My Best Friend". The final Mercy River Boys lineup from April 15, 1983, to December 7, 1984, featured Emory Atkins (bass guitar and vocals), Danny Hollis (acoustic guitar and lead vocals), Ronny Ricks (drums and lead vocals), and Chuck Long (electric guitar and vocals).