Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
![Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 2024. From left to right: Jimmie Fadden, Jaime Hanna, Jeff Hanna, Jim Photoglo, Ross Holmes, and Bob Carpenter](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6c/Ngdb_2024.jpg)
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 again from 2001 to 2017. 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 version of Jerry Jeff Walker's "Mr. Bojangles". Albums include 1972's ''Will the Circle be Unbroken'', featuring such traditional country artists 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, was certified gold, won two Grammys, and was named Album of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards. Provided by Wikipedia