The band's best-known song was a 1970 cover of Jerry Jeff Walker's folk song "Mr. Bojangles". Their greatest critical acclaim has been for a 1972 album of country and folk standards, recorded in Nashville in collaboration with more traditional country artists, entitled "Will the Circle Be Unbroken".
"Will the Circle be Unbroken" was a collaboration album recorded in 1972 by the Dirt band with traditional artists such as Mother Maybelle Carter, Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Roy Acuff, Merle Watson, Jimmy Martin, Junior Huskey, Norman Blake, and Pete Oswald Kirby (known to Grand Ole Opry fans as Bashful Brother Oswald). Vassar Clements, not widely known then, was tapped for fiddle duties which led to greater notoriety and success for him.
"Will the Circle be Unbroken" featured classic bluegrass and folk standards written by A.P Carter, Doc Watson and others. The title comes from the song of the same name but indicates what the Dirt Band was trying to achieve. The long-haired boys from California were making an effort to reach out to the older veterans of American music and unite them in a divided America. Two other editions were released, one in the 1980s and another after September 11, 2001.
In July 1974 The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was one of the headline acts at The Ozark Music Festival, at the Missouri State Fairgrounds, in Sedalia, Missouri. Some estimates have put the crowd count at 350,000 people, which would make this one of the largest music events in history.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's peak in popularity – at least on the radio — came during the mid- to late-1980s, when they charted a string of successful songs. Among the lot were three No. 1 singles: "Long Hard Road (The Sharecropper's Dream)" (1984); "Modern Day Romance" (1985); and "Fishin' in the Dark" (1987). Other successful songs were "Dance Little Jean" (1983); "I Love Only You" (1984); "High Horse" (1985); "Home Again in My Heart," "Partners, Brothers and Friends" and "Stand a Little Rain" (1986); "Fire in the Sky," "Baby's Got a Hold on Me" and "Oh What a Love" (1987); "Working Man (Nowhere to Go)" and "I've Been Lookin'" (1988); and "Down That Road Tonight" and "When it's Gone" (1989).
The current members are:
* Bob Carpenter - keyboard, accordion, bass, and vocals (1977-present)
* Jimmie Fadden - drums, harmonica,guitar, washtub bass, jug and vocals (1966-present)
* Jeff Hanna - guitar, mandolin, drums, harmonica, bass, washboard, jug and vocals (1966-present)
* John McEuen - banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, accordion washtub bass and vocals (1966-1986 & 2001-present)
Former members:
* Ralph Barr - guitar, clarinet and vocals (1966-1968)
* Merel Bregante - drums and percussion (1977-1979)
* Jackson Browne - guitar and vocals (1966)
* John Cable - guitar, bass and vocals (1976-1977)
* Jackie Clark - guitar, bass and vocals (1976-1977)
* Chris Darrow - fiddle, guitar, mandolin and vocals (1967-1968)
* Michael Gardner - drums (1980-1981)
* Al Garth - saxophone, fiddle, keyboard, percussion and vocals (1977-1981)
* Richard Hathaway - bass and vocals (1977-1981)
* Jimmy Ibbotson - guitar, bass, mandolin, piano, accordion, drums, flute and vocals (1968-1975 & 1982-2004)
* Bruce Kunkel - guitar, kazoo, vocals (1966-1967)
* Bernie Leadon - guitar, banjo, mandolin and vocals (1987-1989)
* Vic Mastrianni - drums (1980-1981)
* Les Thompson - guitar, bass, mandolin and vocals (1966-1973)
You Are My Flower
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's blooming in the mountain so high
You are my flower
That's blooming there for me
When summertime is gone and snow begins to fall
You can sing this song and say to one and all
Forget the tears but don't forget to smile
The opening lines of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's You Are My Flower seem to be an endearing tribute to someone they hold dear as they describe them as a flower blooming high up in the mountains, growing there just for them. The metaphor of the flower standing tall in the mountains showcases the significant role this person plays in the singer's life. They are the source of beauty and hope amidst rough terrain and rocky surroundings. The following lines are an assurance that even during the harsh winters, when everything seems bleak and hopeless, they can still find solace in this special relationship. They urge listeners to spread joy and positivity, and while tears and sorrows are inevitable, they must not forget to keep smiling.
Overall, this song's message is one of gratitude, appreciation, and love for the significant people in our lives who bring light amidst darkness, hope amidst despair, and joy in times of sadness. It's a reminder to cherish and celebrate the relationships that make life worth living and find the silver lining in every situation, no matter how challenging it may seem.
Line by Line Meaning
You are my flower
You are the person that brings beauty and joy to my life
That's blooming in the mountain so high
You are thriving and flourishing like a flower in a remote, pristine place
You are my flower
You continue to bring me happiness and positivity
That's blooming there for me
You exist solely to bring me joy and satisfaction
When summertime is gone and snow begins to fall
Even when times get tough and life becomes challenging
You can sing this song and say to one and all
You can still find ways to spread joy and positivity to those around you
So wear a happy smile and life will be worthwhile
If you maintain a positive attitude, life will be worth living
Forget the tears but don't forget to smile
Don't dwell on sadness, but remember to find joy in life despite difficulties
Contributed by Leo A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.