Craig Hand

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Origin:	Nashville, TN
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Phoots comi...

Halfway to Hazard was an American country music duo composed of singer-songwriters David Tolliver and Chad Warrix. Though Tolliver and Warrix grew up in different towns in southeastern Kentucky, their band's origins are in Hazard, Kentucky, which was halfway between their hometowns.

Their debut single, "Daisy", was a Top 40 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts in 2007. The song was also featured as iTunes' single of the week on August 6, 2007. In addition, they toured as Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's opening act on their Soul2Soul 2007 Tour. McGraw helped to produce the album.[1]

On October 14, 2007, the duo performed the national anthem prior to the Green Bay Packers' home game against the Washington Redskins.[2] Later that season they performed again at Lambeau Field for the Packers NFC Championship game against the New York Giants.[1]

In May 2008, they were nominated by the Academy of Country music for their "Duo of the Year," award. Halfway to Hazard toured again on the Live Your Voice tour with Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

A single from their second album, "I Know Where Heaven Is," was released on July 20, 2009. The album, Come on Time, was released on October 19, 2009. Neither charted.

On January 20, 2010, Tolliver announced he was taking an indefinite leave of absence from the duo via their website. All future tour dates were indefinitely postponed. The future of the act is unknown.

Born and raised in St. Augustine, Fla., Craig Hand heard plenty of traditional country growing up. His mother loved Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Marty Robbins and other classic artists. She also played guitar and introduced her son to the instrument at age 6. At 15, Hand started playing in bands while pursuing another passion -- bull riding in local rodeos. The two quickly converged as he worked as entertainment in exchange for not having to pay the entry fee. He also became a fan of Garth Brooks, Hank Williams Jr. and Randy Travis. After high school, he worked a local Opry opening for Bill Anderson, Ronnie McDowell, Stonewall Jackson, Mel Tillis and more. Soon, Nashville beckoned. After two years of learning how Nashville works, he returned to Florida to dedicate himself to performing. After recording a complete album, he ultimately signed with the newly formed Category 5 Records, after label founder Raymond Termini heard him performing in a St. Augustine diner -- just as a hurricane was approaching the area. Hand will release the album on Category 5 Records in 2006.