They are also noted as being among the first groups to raise the level of technical excellence to match general market releases of the time.

The other musicians at the time of formation in the late 70s were John Hamptone, David Spain, Max Richardson and Terry Moxley (drums) along with Joe Hardy and Ken Porter (bass).

[2] Later members included Tommy Cathey on bass (1982),[3][4] Greg Morrow on drums as well as Tony Pilcher on rhythm and second lead guitar.

Some of their more notable hits include: "Destined to Win", "Let the Whole World Sing", "Six, Six, Six", "Boycott Hell", "Every Moment" and "Casual Christian".

Other musicians who have recorded or toured with DeGarmo & Key include Kenny Porter (bass), Kevin Rodell (drums), Chuck Reynolds (drums), Steve Taylor (guitar) (not related to another Steve Taylor, who is also a contemporary Christian artist) and Mark Pogue (guitar).

[1] Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key grew up in Whitehaven, Tennessee; a large neighborhood in South Memphis which is also home to Graceland.

[2] The two put music on hold for a time and chose to do ministry work for Youth for Christ, along with opening a storefront coffeehouse.

[1][2] Youth for Christ loaned the band money to record a demo tape[2]: pg 159  which contributed to them securing a contract with Lion & Lamb and releasing their debut album, This Time Thru, in 1977.

[11]: pg 114 With the release of their sixth album, Communication, DeGarmo & Key became the first American Christian group to have a music video appear on MTV.

[12][13][14][15] Another notable inclusion on the album was a cover of Pacific Gas & Electric's (which was founded by Glenn Schwartz of the All Saved Freak Band)[1]: pg 31  "Are You Ready".

[2] He was an executive with Ardent Records and authored two books: Don't Stop the Music Zondervan (1989) and By Divine Design B & H Pub Group (1995).

[7] This Time Thru Straight On This Ain't Hollywood No Turning Back: Live Mission of Mercy Communication Commander Sozo and the Charge of the Light Brigade Streetlight Streetrock (a collection of previously released songs from the Lamb & Lion label albums)