Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to visit UF, celebrate 45th anniversary

October 11, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The original members of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (NGDB) bring their innovative brand of “American roots” and “country rock” to the Phillips Center for Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, as the band celebrates its 45th anniversary.

NGDB’s 1972 album “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” is one of only 50 recordings to be preserved by the Library of Congress. The band’s hit song “Mr. Bojangles” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010.

In 1966, when the group formed to “figure out how not to have to work for a living,” the members began performing on the folk-rock scene with future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jackson Browne. After “Will the Circle Be Unbroken’s” release, the band recorded with distinguished artists including Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson and Mother Maybelle Carter.

Numerous awards and hit songs followed.

Some of NGDB’s accolades include four Grammy Awards and multiple CMA Awards and IBMA Awards. At one point, 17-consecutive NGDB songs reached the top 10 on the Billboard country charts.

Now, NGDB members Jeff Hanna, Bob Carpenter, Jimmie Fadden and John McEuen embark on their 45th anniversary tour. The first half of the performance will feature songs from “Will the Circle Be Unbroken Volumes I, II and III.” After intermission, the band will focus on its greatest hits, including “Fishin’ in The Dark,” “An American Dream,” “Bayou Jubilie” and “Cadillac Ranch,” among many others.

Tickets are on sale and available for this performance. Call 352-392-ARTS (2787) or 800-905-ARTS (toll free within Florida), or visit www.performingarts.ufl.edu for more information.