Formed in 1966, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band take a unique approach to country-rock that mixes historical tradition with contemporary flourishes.
∙ The waltzing “Mr. Bojangles” was their first and only Billboard Top 10 Pop hit, reaching No. 9 in 1971.
∙ In 1977, they became the first American rock band to tour what was then known as the Soviet Union.
∙ The band has had three singles top the Country charts, including 1987’s Platinum-certified love song “Fishin’ In the Dark.”
∙ Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s lineup has included singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, Eagles member Bernie Leadon, and folk icon John McEuen.
∙ The bluegrass- and gospel-influenced 1989 album Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Vol. Two won two Grammy Awards and Album of the Year at the CMA Awards.
∙ They collaborated with The Chieftains on the lilting folk song “Killybegs,” which appeared on the Irish band’s Grammy Award-winning 1992 album, Another Country.