Eli Young Band nominated for Grammy Award

ACM-winning Eli Young Band members, from left, James Young (’02), Chris Thompson (’04), Mike Eli (’04) and Jon Jones (’04), formed their country quartet  as UNT students. (Photo by Jeremy Cowart)The Eli Young Band, which formed when its band members were classmates at UNT, is competing for the Best Country Duo/Group performance at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards Sunday night.

They will contend for the honor with their number one song, "Even If It Breaks Your Heart." That song also earned a Best Country Song nomination for its songwriters, Will Hoge and Eric Paslay.

The band consists of Chris Thompson ('04), Mike Eli ('04), James Young ('02) and Jon Jones ('04).

If they win, they'll join an illustrious group of UNT alumni who have won Grammys, including Brave Combo, Don Henley, Norah Jones, Meat Loaf and Roy Orbison.

The band will appear on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Feb. 13 and tour with Kenny Chesney later this spring.

Learn more about the Eli Young Band. Read about UNT Alumni Working Together.

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