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This Complete List Of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Albums And Songs presents the full discography of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band studio albums. The band Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was first formed in The group Nitty Gritty Dirt Band hails from the area of This complete Nitty Gritty Dirt Band discography also includes every single Nitty Gritty Dirt Band live album. All these classic Nitty Gritty Dirt Band albums have been presented below in chronological order. We have also included all original release dates with each Nitty Gritty Dirt Band album as well as all original Nitty Gritty Dirt Band album covers. Every Nitty Gritty Dirt Band album listed below showcases the entire album tracklisting.
NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND ALBUMS
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Released 1967
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s self-titled debut album featured a mix of folk, country, and bluegrass sounds. Although not a commercial success, the album laid the groundwork for the band’s later achievements.
The album featured Jeff Hanna on guitar and vocals, Jimmie Fadden on drums and harmonica, Ralph Barr on guitar and vocals, Les Thompson on mandolin and bass, and Bruce Kunkel on vocals, and guitar. The album was produced by Dallas Smith. It was released on Liberty Records. The album was recorded at Western Recorders, Hollywood, California in 1967.
CD Track Listings:
- “Buy for Me the Rain” – 2:23
- “Melissa” – 2:15
- “Euphoria” – 1:45
- “The Raven in the Window” – 2:40
- “Hard Hearted Hannah” – 2:22
- “Cornbread and ‘Lasses” – 2:30
- “The Cure” – 2:25
- “Mournin’ Blues” – 3:30
- “Dismal Swamp” – 1:20
- “Rave On” – 3:08
Ricochet
Released 1967
Coming the same year as their debut, “Ricochet” built upon the musical style introduced in the first album. While not charting high, it continued to cement the band’s eclectic style.
The same lineup of musicians participated in this album as in their debut. Dallas Smith again produced the album. It was released on Liberty Records. The album was recorded at Western Recorders, Hollywood, California in 1967.
CD Track Listings:
- “Shadow Dream Song” – 2:45
- “Fish Song” – 3:05
- “Jamaica Lady” – 2:05
- “Tide of Love” – 2:22
- “The Teddy Bear’s Picnic” – 2:30
- “Livin’ Without You” – 2:18
- “Clinch Mountain Backstep” – 2:35
- “Rave On” – 3:00
- “Billy in the Lowground” – 2:10
- “Santa Rosa” – 2:05
Rare Junk
Released 1968
“Rare Junk” was a compilation album featuring non-album singles and rare tracks. It’s an eclectic mix of styles, again highlighting the band’s versatility.
The band’s lineup for this album remained the same. Produced by Dallas Smith, “Rare Junk” was released on Liberty Records. Recording locations and dates are a mix, as it is a compilation of previously recorded tracks.
CD Track Listings:
- “Reason to Believe” – 2:18
- “Willie the Weeper” – 3:00
- “Louis Collins” – 3:10
- “Glocoat Blues” – 2:32
- “Hesitation Blues” – 2:40
- “A Number and a Name” – 3:00
- “Some of Shelley’s Blues” – 2:55
- “Oh, What a Mighty Time” – 2:30
- “When It’s Gone” – 2:22
- “Let’s Get Together” – 3:05
Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy
Released 1970
“Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy” marked a turning point for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, featuring a blend of bluegrass, country, folk, and rock. The album is notable for its inclusion of “Mr. Bojangles,” which became one of the band’s signature songs.
The album featured Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Jimmy Ibbotson, and Les Thompson. Produced by William McEuen, it was released on Liberty Records. The album was recorded at World Pacific Studios, Los Angeles, California in 1970.
CD Track Listings:
- “Some of Shelley’s Blues” – 2:55
- “Prodigal’s Return” – 3:09
- “The Cure” – 2:15
- “Travelin’ Mood” – 2:39
- “Chicken Reel” – 3:00
- “Yukon Railroad” – 3:20
- “Livin’ Without You” – 1:50
- “Clinch Mountain Backstep” – 2:20
- “Rave On” – 3:12
- “Billy in the Low Ground” – 1:55
All the Good Times
Released 1972
“All the Good Times” continued the band’s exploration of American roots music, featuring folk, bluegrass, and country elements. It was generally well-received and further solidified the band’s reputation.
The core band members remained unchanged. Produced by William McEuen, the album was released on United Artists Records. Recording details are less specific for this album, but it was likely recorded in 1972 in Los Angeles, California.
CD Track Listings:
- “Sixteen Tracks” – 5:30
- “Fishin’ Blues” – 1:52
- “Jambalaya” – 3:20
- “Down in Texas” – 1:56
- “Creepin’ Round Your Back Door” – 2:50
- “Billy in the Low Ground” – 1:45
- “Buy for Me the Rain” – 3:20
- “These Days” – 3:35
- “Truthful Parson Brown” – 2:50
- “Vassar Clements” – 3:05
Stars & Stripes Forever
Released 1974
A live album, “Stars & Stripes Forever” showcased the band’s onstage energy and rapport with their audience. It includes a mix of their popular songs, covers, and traditional material.
Featuring the same core members, the album was produced by William McEuen. It was released on United Artists Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Grand Ole Opry Song” – 3:15
- “You Are My Flower” – 2:55
- “Jambalaya” – 3:15
- “Up Against the Wall Redneck” – 2:15
- “Diggy Liggy Lo” – 3:30
- “Cosmic Cowboy” – 3:50
- “Mr. Bojangles” – 3:40
- “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” – 4:55
- “Ripplin’ Waters” – 4:20
- “American Dream” – 3:30
Symphonion Dream
Released 1975
This one was popular. All my friends had a copy of this in high school in the 1970s. “Symphonion Dream” was another shift in style for the band, incorporating more orchestral arrangements. This album diversified the band’s sound and included folk, country, and more mainstream pop and rock influences.
The album featured the core members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Produced by William McEuen, it was released on United Artists Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Winter White” – 3:05
- “Battle of New Orleans” – 3:25
- “Bayou Jubilee” – 3:15
- “Sally Was a Goodun'” – 3:10
- “Hey Good Lookin'” – 2:55
- “Classical Banjo” – 3:25
- “Daddy Was a Sailor” – 3:30
- “Symphonion Montage” – 4:05
- “Ripplin’ Waters” – 4:20
- “Mother of Love” – 3:05
The Dirt Band
Released 1978
“The Dirt Band” was a noticeable effort to move into mainstream rock, although the album still contained elements of country and folk. It aimed to reach a broader audience and had some commercial success.
The album featured Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, John McEuen, and Bob Carpenter. Produced by Jeff Hanna and William McEuen, it was released on United Artists Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “In for the Night” – 3:55
- “Wild Nights” – 3:10
- “For a Little While” – 4:00
- “Lights” – 3:35
- “Escaping Reality” – 3:45
- “Whoa Babe” – 3:50
- “White Russia” – 4:05
- “You Can’t Stop Loving Me Now” – 4:10
- “On the Loose” – 3:30
- “Angel” – 3:25
An American Dream
Released 1979
The album “An American Dream” continued the band’s exploration into a more mainstream sound, and the title track became one of their bigger hits.
The album featured the same core members. Produced by Jeff Hanna and William McEuen, it was released on United Artists Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “An American Dream” – 3:53
- “In Her Eyes” – 4:15
- “Take Me Back” – 3:05
- “Jas’moon” – 3:20
- “Dance the Night Away” – 3:35
- “New Orleans” – 2:45
- “Happy Feet” – 3:15
- “Do You Feel It Too” – 3:30
- “What’s This” – 3:10
- “Heartaches in Heartaches” – 2:55
Make a Little Magic
Released 1980
The album included the hit “Make a Little Magic,” but didn’t fare as well as the band had hoped commercially. It mixes country, rock, and folk elements. The same core members were featured on this album. Produced by Jeff Hanna, it was released on United Artists Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Make a Little Magic” – 4:05
- “Angelyne” – 3:35
- “We’re So Close” – 3:55
- “You Can’t Stop Loving Me Now” – 4:10
- “Too Hot to Handle” – 2:35
- “75 Sycamore” – 4:20
- “Fire in the Sky” – 3:30
- “Maybe Your Baby’s Got the Blues” – 3:45
- “I Need Your Love” – 3:10
- “Too Good to Be True” – 3:05
Jealousy
Released 1981
The album “Jealousy” was an attempt to capture a broader audience but didn’t achieve the commercial success they were hoping for. It was more rock-oriented than their previous efforts. The album featured the same core members. Produced by Marshall Morgan and Paul Worley, it was released on Liberty Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Jealousy” – 3:55
- “Telluride” – 3:45
- “Forever Don’t Last” – 4:20
- “Heart” – 3:35
- “Maryann” – 3:10
- “Crazy Love” – 3:25
- “Dance Little Jean” – 3:15
- “Gulf Coast Highway” – 4:00
- “Wishing Well” – 3:10
- “A Lot Like Me” – 3:20
Let’s Go
Released 1983
“Let’s Go” included more pop and rock elements and aimed to further broaden the band’s audience. Despite the stylistic shift, the album failed to achieve high commercial success. Produced by Paul Worley and Marshall Morgan, it was released on Liberty Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Let’s Go” – 3:45
- “Don’t Underestimate Love” – 3:55
- “Too Many Heartaches” – 4:05
- “Catch the Next Dream” – 3:20
- “Wishing Well” – 3:40
- “Table for Two” – 3:55
- “Keepin’ the
Plain Dirt Fashion
Released 1984
“Plain Dirt Fashion” marked the band’s return to a more country-oriented sound and produced several hits, including “Long Hard Road (The Sharecropper’s Dream),” which became their first No. 1 country single. The album featured core members Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, and Bob Carpenter. Produced by Paul Worley and Marshall Morgan, it was released on Warner Bros. Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Long Hard Road (The Sharecropper’s Dream)” – 3:45
- “Face on the Cutting Room Floor” – 3:10
- “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” – 4:35
- “Must Be Love” – 3:25
- “I Love Only You” – 3:30
- “One Step Over the Line” – 4:15
- “Cadillac Ranch” – 3:05
- “Do You Feel The Way I Do” – 4:12
- “I Sure Like Your Smile” – 3:40
- “Simple Man” – 4:00
Partners, Brothers, and Friends
Released 1985
This album continued their success in the country genre, including hits like “Modern Day Romance.” The album is largely characterized by its upbeat tempo and positive lyrics.
The album featured core members Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, and Bob Carpenter. Produced by Paul Worley and Marshall Morgan, it was released on Warner Bros. Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Partners, Brothers and Friends” – 3:25
- “Modern Day Romance” – 3:30
- “Other Side of the Hill” – 2:55
- “Tell Me True” – 4:00
- “Home Again in My Heart” – 3:15
- “Old Upright Piano” – 4:10
- “Sweetwater” – 3:50
- “Oleanna” – 2:45
- “Comin’ Apart at the Seams” – 3:30
- “Redneck Riviera” – 3:05
Hold On
Released 1987
“Hold On” was another foray into the country music genre, featuring more hits like “Fishin’ in the Dark,” which has since become one of the band’s most enduring songs.
The album featured core members Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, and Bob Carpenter. Produced by Josh Leo, it was released on Warner Bros. Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Fishin’ in the Dark” – 3:20
- “Joe Knows How to Live” – 3:35
- “Keepin’ the Road Hot” – 3:45
- “Blue Ridge Mountain Girl” – 4:00
- “Angelyne” – 3:15
- “Baby’s Got a Hold on Me” – 3:05
- “Dancing to the Beat of a Broken Heart” – 3:55
- “Oh What a Love” – 3:10
- “Oleanna” – 3:30
- “Tennessee” – 2:45
Workin’ Band
Released 1988
“Workin’ Band” includes a mix of covers and original songs, and features hits like “I’ve Been Lookin’.” This album has a more traditional country feel compared to their previous work.
The album featured core members Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, and Bob Carpenter. Produced by Josh Leo, it was released on Warner Bros. Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “I’ve Been Lookin'” – 3:20
- “Soldier’s Joy” – 3:10
- “A Lot Like Me” – 3:55
- “Corduroy Road” – 4:15
- “When It’s Gone” – 3:35
- “Louisiana Saturday Night” – 3:00
- “Down That Road Tonight” – 3:10
- “Turn of the Century” – 4:05
- “And the Band Played On” – 3:45
- “Workin’ Man (Nowhere to Go)” – 3:20
The Rest of the Dream
Released 1990
“The Rest of the Dream” saw the band taking a slightly more contemporary approach to their music, featuring songs with a more polished, modern country sound.
The album featured core members Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, and Bob Carpenter. Produced by Josh Leo, it was released on MCA Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Wake the Dead” – 3:45
- “Sara in the Summer” – 3:20
- “What’s Wrong With Me” – 3:30
- “The Rest of the Dream” – 4:15
- “Junior’s Grill” – 3:25
- “Moontime” – 3:35
- “Snowballs” – 3:05
- “Any Love But Our Love” – 3:40
- “A Better Word for Love” – 4:00
- “Three Hits and a Miss” – 3:30
Not Fade Away
Released 1992
This album was a departure from their traditional country sound, offering a mix of rock ‘n’ roll, folk, and country. It pays homage to early rock and folk standards, including the Buddy Holly classic that gave the album its name.
The album featured core members Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, and Bob Carpenter. Produced by Jeff Hanna and Bob Carpenter, it was released on Liberty Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Not Fade Away” – 3:15
- “Little Angel” – 4:05
- “Mama Tried” – 2:55
- “One Good Love” – 4:25
- “Losin’ You” – 3:40
- “Maryann” – 3:20
- “Blow Out the Stars, Turn Off the Moon” – 3:45
- “The Times They Are A-Changin'” – 4:00
- “Don’t Underestimate Love” – 3:35
- “What’ll You Do About Me” – 3:10
Acoustic
Released 1994
An album that stripped down their music to its basics, focusing on acoustic instruments. It includes both new material and reworkings of classic Nitty Gritty hits.
The album featured core members Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, and Bob Carpenter. Produced by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, it was released on Liberty Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “House at Pooh Corner” – 3:30
- “Grandpa Was a Carpenter” – 2:55
- “Ripplin’ Waters” – 4:20
- “Mother of His Children” – 3:25
- “Sarah in the Summer” – 3:45
- “The Cure” – 3:35
- “You Ain’t Going Nowhere” – 3:05
- “Cowgirl in the Sand” – 4:10
- “Mr. Bojangles” – 3:50
- “American Dream” – 3:25
The Christmas Album
Released 1997
A holiday album that featured the band’s unique take on classic Christmas songs as well as some new material. The album has a warm, family-oriented feel that makes it a staple during the holiday season for many fans.
The album featured core members Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, and Bob Carpenter. Produced by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, it was released on Rising Tide Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Colorado Christmas” – 3:40
- “We Three Kings” – 3:10
- “Christmas Dinner” – 4:00
- “Jingle Bells” – 2:45
- “Silent Night” – 4:25
- “This Christmas Morning” – 3:35
- “Silver Bells” – 3:15
- “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” – 4:00
- “Love Has Brought Him Here” – 3:25
- “Little Drummer Boy” – 4:15
Bang, Bang, Bang
Released 1999
This album saw the band returning to a more contemporary country sound. The title track became a minor hit, and the album received positive reviews for its diversity of material. The album featured core members Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, and Bob Carpenter. Produced by Jeff Hanna and Bob Carpenter, it was released on DreamWorks Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Bang, Bang, Bang” – 3:25
- “Down the Road” – 3:35
- “Shot Full of Love” – 3:20
- “Cowboys and Clowns” – 3:45
- “Something Dangerous” – 4:00
- “The Monkey Song” – 3:40
- “Drivin’ Nails in My Coffin” – 3:05
- “Overworked and Underpaid” – 3:50
- “No Matter What” – 3:55
- “Yellow House” – 4:20
Welcome to Woody Creek
Released 2004
The album was hailed as a return to the band’s roots, featuring a mix of country, folk, and bluegrass. It includes a number of original compositions as well as covers like “It’s Morning.”
The album featured core members Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, and Bob Carpenter. Produced by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, it was released on Dualtone Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Any Love But Our Love” – 3:35
- “Jamaica Lady” – 3:45
- “It’s Morning” – 3:55
- “Forever Don’t Last” – 4:10
- “No End of Love” – 3:30
- “Some of Shelley’s Blues” – 3:05
- “Walkin’ in the Sunshine” – 3:50
- “Jealous Moon” – 3:35
- “Midnight at Woody Creek” – 4:00
- “Gone to Colorado” – 3:25
Speed of Life
Released 2009
“Speed of Life” is noted for its organic sound, capturing the spontaneous feel of the band’s live performances. It includes both original compositions and covers, like the title track.
The album featured core members Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, and Bob Carpenter. Produced by George Massenburg, it was released on Sugar Hill Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “Tulsa Sounds Like Trouble to Me” – 3:35
- “Brand New Heartache” – 3:45
- “The Resurrection” – 3:20
- “Somethin’ Dangerous” – 4:05
- “Going Up the Country” – 3:30
- “Jimmy Martin” – 3:50
- “Lost in the Pines” – 3:55
- “Cosmic Cowboy” – 3:35
- “Speed of Life” – 4:00
- “Amazing Love” – 3:25
Dirt Does Dylan
Released 2022
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band released an album of there takes on Bob Dylan classics.
CD Track Listings:
1. Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here with You
2. Girl from the North Country
3. It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry
4. Country Pie
5. I Shall Be Released (FT. Larkin Poe)
6. She Belongs to Me
7. Forever Young
8. The Times They Are A-Changin’ (FT. Rosanne Cash, Jason Isbell, Steve Earle, and the War and Treaty)
9. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right
10. Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)
Complete List Of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Albums And Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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