Yes, Jerry West did leave the Band of Oz, although he later rejoined the group.
Jerry West's Tenure with the Band of Oz
Jerry West, a talented musician, first became a member of the Band of Oz in 1996. His initial tenure contributed significantly to the group's sound and live performances.
Departure and Return
In 1998, Jerry West departed from the Band of Oz. His reason for leaving was to pursue a professional project with Atlantic Records in Nashville, Tennessee. This move allowed him to explore new creative avenues and contribute to the broader music industry.
After approximately a year and a half working in Nashville, Jerry made the decision to return to the Band of Oz, rejoining the group. This marked a continuation of his involvement with the popular beach music ensemble.
Key Contributions
During his time with the Band of Oz, both before and after his temporary departure, Jerry West made notable contributions. His work is featured on two of the group's albums. He is particularly recognized for performing the lead vocal on "Over the Rainbow," which earned the prestigious 2000 Cammy Award for Ballad of the Year.
Here is a brief timeline of Jerry West's involvement with the Band of Oz:
| Event | Year(s) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Joined Band of Oz | 1996 | Began his initial tenure with the group. |
| Left Band of Oz | 1998 | Departed to work on a project with Atlantic Records in Nashville, TN. |
| Rejoined Band of Oz | Approximately 1.5 years later | Returned to the group after his time in Nashville. |
| Notable Achievements | Ongoing | Performed on two group CDs; lead vocal on "Over the Rainbow" (2000 Cammy Award Ballad of the Year). |
Jerry West's journey with the Band of Oz highlights a dynamic career path common among musicians, balancing group commitments with individual projects and returning to contribute to a familiar and successful ensemble.
