The country-rock band the Cicadas was a side project of acclaimed singer/songwriter Rodney Crowell in league with frequent collaborators Vince Santoro, Michael Rhodes and Steuart Smith. The group first took shape as far back as 1986, when Crowell enlisted Santoro as a drummer for a solo tour; as the tour progressed, Santoro began singing one or two songs per show, and although Crowell continued on as a solo performer, the idea of forming a band with Santoro stuck with him. Bassist Rhodes and guitarist Smith entered the picture soon after, and although the four musicians worked together often, the Cicadas did not officially form until 1996. Their self-titled debut followed the next year. ~ Jason Ankeny