Though The Dillards were already an established bluegrass band, their biggest claim to fame is performing musically as members of the fictional Darling family on The Andy Griffith Show, introducing bluegrass to many Americans who had never heard it. This was a recurring role and the Dillards were led by veteran character actor Denver Pyle as their father and jug player, Briscoe Darling. Maggie Peterson played Charlene Darling, their sister and the focus for the attentions of character Ernest T. Bass, played by Howard Morris. The appearances of the Dillards as the Darlings ran between 1963 and 1966. In 1986, the Dillards reprised the role in the reunion show Return to Mayberry. As part of their current tour, Rodney Dillard answers questions about the TV series. He says the songs such as "Dooley" are about people the family knew.
On the October 1963 episode "Briscoe Declares for Aunt Bee", the Dillards performed the first wide scale airing of the 1955 Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith composition Feudin' Banjos (Dueling Banjos).
According to Jim Clark of The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club, three albums have been produced with songs performed on the show. Clark says Songs That Make Me Cry is the only one currently available with real performances and has the three songs which included Maggie Peterson, who played Charlene. Back Porch Bluegrass: Live Almost includes five songs that were sung on the show, and Rodney Dillard released another album with the real performances of other songs.
The Dillards are notable for being among the first bluegrass groups to have electrified their instruments in the mid-1960s. They are considered to be one of the pioneers of the burgeoning southern California folk rock, country rock and progressive bluegrass genres, and are known to have directly or indirectly influenced artists such as The Eagles, The Byrds, and Elton John. In 1972, The Dillards joined Elton John on his first American tour. John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin has also acknowledged their influence, particularly in his decision to play the mandolin.
Rodney Dillard is a founding member of The Dillards - the group he formed with his brother, Douglas Dillard in the late 1950s. Credited throughout the years as the driving force behind the group's musical direction, success, and phenomenal longevity as a working act. Today, Dillard's musical duties include lead and harmony vocals, guitar, and dobro.
Beverly Cotten-Dillard is a native of Morrisville, North Carolina who performed with Janette Carter, Ola Belle Reed, Tommy Jarrell, and Doc and Merle Watson. She has appeared on Hee Haw and the Disney Channel and at Carnegie Hall. Cotten-Dillard is recognized as an authority on the traditional "clawhammer" banjo technique and is a featured member of The Dillards live shows. Her 1981 album Clog-In 'is considered an American folk classic."
George Giddens is a classically trained musician who is an awarded fiddler and mandolin player for the band.
Gary J. Smith was added to the lineup, having recorded double bass in the 2015 studio sessions for the new Dillards album. Smith is well known in Nashville circles after stints with Tom T. Hall, The Brother Boys, Ed Snodderly, and his long-time collaborator, Jeff Gilkinson.
Former member, Dean Webb, died at the age of 81, on June 30, 2018.
Rainmaker
The Dillards Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When the Rainmaker came to Kansas is the middle of a dusty day
Said the Rainmaker to the people : 'Tell me what you are prepared to pay'
Said the Rainmaker to the people : 'Now I'll conjure up some rain today'
Ninety degrees 'neath the trees where it's shady
Hundred and ten in the hot sun
Heat from the street burns the feet of the ladies
See how they run
Call down the lightning by mystical name
And the Rainmaker called on the thunder and it suddenly began to rain
And the Rainmaker passed his hat to the people but the people all turned away
And the Rainmaker's eyes and the Kansas skies well they both became a darker grey
First day of August, the last rain was in May
When the Rainmaker came to Kansas in the middle of a dusty day
The Rainmaker smiled as he hitched up his wagon and without a word he rode away
And the people of the town heard the sound of his laughter and they knew the rain had come to stay
Rain, rain, go away, come again another day
Rain, rain, go away, come again another day
Rain, rain, go away, come again another day
The Dillards' "Rainmaker" tells the story of a drought-ridden Kansas town that seeks out a Rainmaker in the hopes that he can bring them rain. The song references the oppressive heat that has blanketed the town since May, leaving it in a state of barrenness. The Rainmaker, aware of this struggle, offers to bring rain to the town, asking only for a price that the townspeople are willing to pay. He ultimately conjures up a downpour but is met with resistance from the town, who refuse to pay him for his services, prompting the Rainmaker to leave with a smile.
The lyrics seem to touch upon themes of faith and skepticism - the townspeople put their faith in the Rainmaker, only to ultimately reject him when they become disillusioned with his offer. Additionally, the line "rain, rain go away, come again another day" shows how fickle human nature can be, as the townspeople ultimately get what they wished for, but don't seem grateful for it when it finally arrives.
Line by Line Meaning
First day in August, the last rain was in May
It has been several months without rain and the weather has become unbearably hot and dry.
When the Rainmaker came to Kansas is the middle of a dusty day
Amid the sweltering heat, a man claiming to be able to create rain arrives.
Said the Rainmaker to the people : 'Tell me what you are prepared to pay'
The Rainmaker asks the people to name their price for his services.
Said the Rainmaker to the people : 'Now I'll conjure up some rain today'
The Rainmaker promises to create rain for the people that day.
Ninety degrees 'neath the trees where it's shady
Even in the shade, the temperature is still very hot.
Hundred and ten in the hot sun
The temperature is even hotter in the sun, making it difficult to be outside.
Heat from the street burns the feet of the ladies
The pavement is so hot that it is causing pain and discomfort to those walking on it.
See how they run
People are trying to find relief from the heat by running or moving quickly.
Call down the lightning by mystical name
The Rainmaker uses a mysterious method to try to create a storm.
And the Rainmaker called on the thunder and it suddenly began to rain
The Rainmaker's unconventional method works and it starts to rain.
And the Rainmaker passed his hat to the people but the people all turned away
Despite his success, the people refuse to pay the Rainmaker for his services.
And the Rainmaker's eyes and the Kansas skies well they both became a darker grey
As the rain picks up, the sky also becomes darker and more ominous.
First day of August, the last rain was in May
The drought has been ongoing for months, making the situation all the more desperate.
The Rainmaker smiled as he hitched up his wagon and without a word he rode away
The Rainmaker leaves without protest or argument, knowing that his job is done.
And the people of the town heard the sound of his laughter and they knew the rain had come to stay
The people hear the Rainmaker's laughter and realize that the drought has finally come to an end.
Rain, rain, go away, come again another day
A child's chant that expresses their desire not to have rain right now, but to wait for it to come another day.
Contributed by Zoe V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.