Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

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.