Can you believe we're up to three hundred of these posts? [One of two Friday Night Jukebox fans snaps awake in front of his computer screen, drool dribbling down chin, says "Wh-wha?"]
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (known only as The Dirt Band from 1976-81) formed in Long Beach ("Long Beach--yeah!"--ah, my youngest son will get it), California in 1966 and have had one hell of a run over the last fifty-four years (recently saw them on one of those PBS cash drive specials and they still sounded fantastic, even in their twelfth--give or take--incarnation). Through the years they have become known as distinguished purveyors of Americana, which started with their seminal LP, Will the Circle Be Unbroken in 1972 (they've since released two more volumes). The band has won four Grammys and and one CMA Award. For their career, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has released 26 studio albums (with a best #28 on the Billboard 200 and a #4 on the Country charts), three live albums, and five compilations. They've also released 41 singles with one top ten on the Billboard Hot 100. Surprising to me, they are not in any major music Hall of Fame (thought for certain they'd at least make the Country Hall of Fame), but they do have a plaque on the Nashville StarWalk, so at least there's that.
Fun Fact: The band appeared as the Toot Uncommons, backing Steve Martin on his hit single "King Tut". It was either that or the fact that they're the only band I've ever known whose drummer was also their harmonica player....
"Mr. Bojangles" was released as a single in 1970 from their marvelously titled LP, Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy It was the biggest single of their career, reaching #9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album peaked at #66.
"Mr. Bojangles" will always have a warm place in my heart because a) it was a favorite of my father's (who also loved when Sammy Davis, Jr. did his version), and b) my sister could play a mean version of it on her acoustic guitar. Written by the much respected singer/songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker, the song is actually based on a true story--Walker was once arrested for public intoxication and met the fabled Mr. Bojangles in jail. As for the song itself...acoustic guitar? Check. Banjo? Check. Mandolin? Check. Piano? Check. Drums? Check--and that's pretty much all an old fart folkie like me needs (other than a wonderfully told tale). A bittersweet song of how the drink and a loss can waylay the best of intentions, and the grace it takes to let your talents fly anyway.
Lyric Sheet: "He said I dance now at every chance in honky tonks/For drinks and tips/But most the time I spend behind these county bars/'Cause I drinks a bit/He shook his head, and as he shook his head/ I heard someone ask him please...Mr. Bojangles, dance..."
Enjoy:
214,000+ Dead Americans
Fuck Donald Trump,
emaycee
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