Dana Key

Who was Dana Key?

Dana Key was an American Christian rock guitarist, singer, and producer who was co-founder of the Christian rock group DeGarmo and Key with keyboardist Eddie DeGarmo, best friends since the first grade. Key was a direct descendant of Francis Scott Key, the author of The Star-Spangled Banner.

DeGarmo and Key toured the world, headlining and opening with other major Christian rock bands including Servant, Petra, Joe English, Amy Grant, Resurrection Band, Jesse Dixon, Mylon LeFevre and Broken Heart, and dc Talk. Key and Eddie DeGarmo produced the first video by contemporary Christian artists to be aired on MTV. Key released two solo albums as well.

In 1989, Key co-authored the book Don't Stop the Music, described in the cover notes as "a defence of contemporary Christian music written by one of its premier performers."

Following retirement, Key served as the head of Ardent Records, and hosted a TV show, featuring new, younger, Christian bands. Key had been serving as the pastor of a small church in Cordova, Tennessee, The Love of Christ Church.