The celebrated group that revolutionized the Christmas music scene in North America, Mannheim Steamroller continues to enthrall millions across the country. With chart breaking albums and platinum selling records, Mannheim pioneered the new age genre in the country, earning several accolades including a Grammy. Now the band continues to tour countrywide every year. This season, Mannheim Steamroller’s signature Christmas Tour will be celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary. The tour is expected to hit several major concert halls and venues including Denver’s Buell Theatre, Portland’s Merrill Auditorium, the Lexington Opera House and the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Greenvale.
Formation
Mannheim Steamroller was initially founded in 1974 by the musician Chip Davis. Prior to the formation of the band, Chip had worked on several country hits during his time at Nebraska based advertising agency. Chip along with Bill Fries managed to create and popularize a country music character, C.W. McCall, whose song ‘Convoy’ became a breakthrough track nationwide. The chart topping song sold over two million copies and was certified Gold in 1975.
After the formation of Mannheim Steamroller, Chip faced rejections by several recording labels and stores, which led him towards establishing his own music label, the American Gramaphone. With musicians such as co-founder Jackson Berkey, Bill Buntain, Don Sears and Eric Hansen on board, Mannheim Steamroller released its debut studio album ‘Fresh Aire’ in 1975.
Major Albums
Mannheim Steamroller has released over twenty studio albums, selling more than twenty eight million units in the US alone. The band released eight albums under its Fresh Aire series, out of which seven were certified Gold by the RIAA. The album ‘Fresh Aire 7’, released in 1990, charted at number two spot on the New Age Albums chart and won the Grammy Award for ‘Best New Age Album’.
The Fresh Aire series was followed by a string of internationally successful Christmas albums, beginning with the 1984 ‘Mannheim Steamroller Christmas’ record. It reached number two position on the Holiday Albums chart and eighth spot on the New Age Albums chart. The album was certified six times Platinum in the US.
The band has released a total of twelve Christmas Series albums, out of which ten have reached number one spot on the Holiday Albums and the New Age Albums chart. Four of these albums have been certified multi-platinum statuses including ‘Christmas Extraordinaire’, ‘Christmas in the Aire’ and ‘A Fresh Aire Christmas’.
The Live Experience
Mannheim Steamroller is renowned for delivering a highly innovative and vibrant live performance. The band employs multimedia theatrics and advance lighting techniques to stage riveting shows that captivate the audience right from the start. Every season, thousands of fans seek Mannheim Steamroller tickets in order to be a part of the band’s signature touring event. Fans can make sure to reserve their seats at the upcoming live concert of the greatest Christmas music band of all time.