The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, also known as The Dirt Band is an American country rock band….which has existed in various forms since its founding in Long Beach, California in 1966. The group’s membership has had at least a dozen changes over the years….including a period from 1976 to 1981….when the band performed and recorded as The Dirt Band….whereas constant members since the early day are singer guitaristJeff Hanna….and drummer Jimmie Fadden….as multi-instrumentalist John McEuen was with the band from 1966 to 1986….and returning in 2001 only to depart once again in 2017….while keepboardist Bob Carpenter has been with the group since 1977.The bad is often cited as being instrumental to the progression of contemporary country and roots music.
The band’s successes include a cover version of Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Mr. Bojangles”….with albums that include 1972’s Will the Circle be Unbroken….featuring such traditional country artists such as Mother Maybelle Carter….Earl Scruggs….Roy Acuff….Doc Watson….Merle Travis….and Jimmy Martin. A follow-up album based on the same concept….Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Two was released in 1989….which went certified gold….won two Grammys….and was named Album of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards.
