The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band 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. Constant members since the early times are singer-guitarist Jeff Hanna and drummer Jimmie Fadden. Multi-instrumentalist John McEuen was with the band from 1966 to 1986 and returned during 2001. Keyboardist Bob Carpenter joined the band in 1977. The band is often cited as 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.” Albums include 1972’s Will the Circle Be Unbroken, featuring such traditional country artists 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. It was certified gold and won two Grammy Awards. More recently, they released the live album Circlin’ Back: Celebrating 50 Years in 2016. The Nitty Gritty Band remains unbroken and continues to tour the country.
