OXFORD — The unusual and colorful name of their band is quite memorable. Their number one hit is instantly recognized.
The New Orleans song “Mr. Bojangles” has been recorded by several artists, including its author, Jerry Jeff Walker. It hit its biggest and longest with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band—a super smash.
“I knew a man, Bojangles, and he danced for you.”
They will come to Alabama on Sunday, April 28 at the Oxford Performing Arts Theatre. Details and tickets here.
Curtains up at 7 p.m. OPAC is located at 100 Choccolocco Street in downtown Oxford.
The genre of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is mainly termed “country rock.” Others would describe it as folk-infused pop.
They started in 1966 in Long Beach, California. Their other hits include “An American Dream” and “Fishin’ in the Dark.”
The Alabama appearance is part of “ALL THE GOOD TIMES: The Farewell Tour.” Spokesmen for the band are quick to point out that the band is not quitting. It is just quitting multi-city tours. The Alabama appearance will be its last as part of a tour, yet they will continue to play individual concerts. Instead of the “farewell tour,” it is actually the “tour farewell.”
Constant members since the early times are singer-guitarist Jeff Hanna and drummer Jimmie Fadden.
The Dirt Band performed at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the first Farm Aid concert in Champaign, Illinois.
In September 2015, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band commemorated its 50th anniversary with a sold-out show at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
Their 60th is coming up next year but plans for a commemoration or concert have not been announced.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler writes about Alabama’s people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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