As the group was ready to sign a major-label contract with Priority Records in 1990, however, Richie Rich was arrested for possession of cocaine.

After two albums, the pair later divorced without securing a major-label contract.

The Viper Room and a major-label contract (2005)

The lineup of showcases included about 100 acts with major-label contracts, 250 unsigned acts and 350 that record for small independent labels.

In 1990 the band had signed a major-label contract with Epic Records.

The Bogmen worked their way to the top of the jam-band circuit, complete with major-label contract, although they were harder-edged than most jam bands.

This led to her second major-label contract, this time with For Life Music.

They progressed from homemade recordings to college-radio exposure to a major-label contract, touring hard to rise from clubs to theaters to arenas.

Out of hundreds of bands that play the seminar's annual showcases, a handful are usually boosted toward major-label contracts; this year, there may be more.

Was there really a time when the guitarist in the T-shirt and sweat pants had a hit single and a major-label contract?