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Photo Gallery: Young The Giant with Milky Chance and Talk at Toronto’s RBC Echo Beach
Dolly Parton Claims Three New Guinness World Records Titles
During an exclusive presentation, Guinness World Records, the global authority on record-breaking achievements, presented beloved international superstar Dolly Parton with three new record titles celebrating her remarkable career:
- Most studio albums released by a female country singer (65)
- Longest span of No.1 hits on the US Top Country Albums chart (female) (43 years 156 days)
- Most Top 10 Entries on the US Top Country Albums chart (female) (48)
Official Adjudicator Michael Empric was at the presentation in Nashville, Tennessee to award Dolly Parton with the official certificates.
With an incredible 65 studio albums between 1968 (Hello, I’m Dolly) and 2022 (Run, Rose, Run), Dolly Parton has the most studio albums released by a female country singer. The ‘queen of country music’ has many iconic hits including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Here You Come Again,” and “I Will Always Love You,” to name a few.
The first of Parton’s eight No. 1 hits on the US Top Country Albums chart was New Harvest… First Gathering on May 14, 1977. Her most recent chart-topping hit was A Holly Dolly Christmas on October 17, 2020, marking a span of 43 years and 156 days achieving the longest span of No. 1 hits on the US Top Country Albums chart.
On December 3, 2022, Diamonds & Rhinestones: The Greatest Hits Collection debuted at No. 4, making it her 48th Top 10 entry on the US Top Country Albums chart. Parton’s first Top 10 was with Porter Wagoner and the Just Between You and Me album on March 9, 1988. Her first Top 10 entry as a solo artist was with My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy on December 13, 1969. Parton’s numerous hits over the years have earned her the most Top 10 Entries on the US Top Country Albums chart (female).
Parton shared, “I am humbled every time I receive a new Guinness World Records title. I share these three new honors with my fans, who have allowed me to enjoy such a long career.”
Dolly Parton also holds the following Guinness World Records titles:
- Most decades with a Top 20 hit on the US Hot Country Songs chart (6)
- Most No.1 hits on the US Hot Country Songs chart by a female artist (25)
- Most decades on the US Hot Country Songs chart (female) (7)
- Most hits on the US Hot Country Songs chart by a female artist (109)
- Longest span of No.1 hits on the US Hot Country Songs chart (35 years 26 days)
- First country singer to be nominated for the EGOT
- Most Grammy nominations for a female country artist (51)
Canadian Music Week Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop
Canadian Music Week is proud to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop with exclusive events throughout the festival and conference June 5-10, 2023. Conference registration and festival wristbands are available at www.cmw.net/conference/online-registration, with single tickets available at www.ticketweb.ca.
Canadian Music Week will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop with an electrifying concert from East coast legends The Lox on June 9 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre with special guest Kardinal Offishall. Tickets are available now at admitone.com/events/the-lox-toronto-8886465. That morning the CMW Music Summit will also host “The Lox x Steve Lobel: Making Moves, Building Empires, and Paving the Way for Hip Hop Culture” at the Westin Harbour Castle where Sheek Louch, Styles P, and Jadakiss will share candid stories, insights, and perspectives on their careers and legacy, offering an intimate and inspiring look into the world of Hip Hop.
“Participating as a sponsor for the Hip Hop track at the much-anticipated Canadian Music Week is a true honor for us,” said Ajene Watson, Managing Partner at Dot Hip Hop, LLC. “As we celebrate this momentous occasion of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary, we pay homage to a culture that has undeniably shaped society, continuously breaking barriers and inspiring global audiences.”
This isn’t merely a celebration of the past, but also an enthusiastic anticipation of the future. The power of Hip Hop is that it constantly evolves, remaining at the forefront of creativity and innovation. As we acknowledge its profound influence and enduring legacy, we are also excited about being able to provide a digital identity for the entire Hip Hop culture and community.”
On June 8 the CMW Music Summit will screen part 1 of the PBS docuseries Fight The Power: How Hip Hop Changed The World, where Chuck D from Public Enemy explores Hip Hop’s political awakening over the last 50 years. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Chuck D, B-Real of Cypress Hill, and Lorrie Boula from Soul Kitchen hosted by Maestro Fresh Wes, discussing the importance of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, how it shaped the minds of generations, and the contributions they’ve each made within the history of Hip Hop.
On June 10 at the CMW Music Summit, Dalton Higgins will host “Shaping the Soundscape of Tomorrow: Embracing Urban A&R in an Evolving Music Industry”, an engaging keynote interview with Darrale Jones, Senior Vice President of Urban A&R at Atlantic Records, that will delve into his unmatched career, and the dynamic world of Urban A&R with its pivotal role in shaping the future of the music industry. Later that afternoon the CMW Music Summit will include the highly anticipated keynote interview with the “King of the Mixtape” DJ Drama, hosted by DJ Charlie B, Director of A&R at Warner. DJ Drama will talk about his years riding the wave of new sounds and artists, and the evolution of nightlife and the music industry. He’ll tell stories about some prize talent discoveries, like Lil Uzi Vert and Jack Harlow, and where and how he found them.
“We are very proud to be the Canadian destination for this remarkable initiative celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop,” said Neill Dixon, President of Canadian Music Week. “Toronto has been at the centre of Hip Hop greatness throughout its storied history, and attendees will have the chance to rub shoulders with greatness as we celebrate pioneers of the genre, including key Canadian contributors.”
Canadian Music Week will celebrate the new generation of Hip Hop with music festival showcases kicking off June 5 featuring Chloe Tang, Maeesha b, REINI B, Aieysha Haws, Mc Pipo, and Emma Beko at the Paddock Tavern, and Temia, JACE Carrillo, Koda, MC Wild, dichotomi and friends, ZENON, and Mic North at Bar Cathedral. On June 6 fans will see Roderick Porter & Dom Vallie with Lyan Paris at Axis Club. On June 7 Create Music Group will showcase at The Drake Underground with Charmie, Talltale, Amanda Frances, YSN Fab, Yung Tory, and Eva Shaw & Friends.
Jon Batiste, NewJeans, J.I.D, Camilo and Cat Burns Release “Be Who You Are (Real Magic)”
Having won 5 GRAMMY AWARDS at the 64th Annual GRAMMY awards including Album of the Year, genre-defying Jon Batiste is back, unveiling his latest single and music video, “Be Who You Are (Real Magic),” today for the Coke Studio™ program. The song, co-written by Batiste, brings together a stellar lineup of collaborators, including global breakouts NewJeans, Camilo, Cat Burns, and J.I.D.
Batiste’s participation in the Coke Studio™ program cements him as one of the music industry’s most captivating and exciting voices. Batiste’s highly acclaimed 2021 studio album, “WE ARE,” was released to overwhelming critical acclaim. Leading the music industry in both nominations and wins in 2022, Batiste received eleven Grammy nominations across seven different categories, making him the first artist to achieve this feat. Ultimately, Batiste secured five Grammy wins, including the prestigious Album of the Year.
https://youtu.be/XEsrFIQOWZ
In 2020, he was honoured with an Academy Award for Best Original Score for his work on the Disney/Pixar film SOUL, which he shared with fellow composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The score also garnered him a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, a NAACP Image Award, and a Critic’s Choice Award. Notably, Batiste became the second black composer in history, following the legendary jazz musician Herbie Hancock, to win an Academy Award for composition.
Batiste headlined the renowned 2023 New Orleans Jazz Fest this May, captivating audiences with his onstage set. Next, Batiste is set to headline the Newport Jazz Festival in August, further solidifying his status as one of the true must-see live performers of today. He is also scheduled to participate in the TODAY Show Summer Concert Series.
SiriusXM Presents Counting Crows Live From The Troubadour
In celebration of world-renowned rock band COUNTING CROWS kicking off their “Banshee Season Tour” on June 13, “SiriusXM PRESENTS: COUNTING CROWS” live from the Troubadour on June 5. This special, one-night-only performance marks the first time the Counting Crows have performed at the storied venue. For fans unable to make the surprise gig, SiriusXM will broadcast the Counting Crows Troubadour debut on Monday, June 12 at 11:00 am ET on SiriusXM’s Lithium channel with additional airings across multiple SiriusXM music channels throughout the week including 90s on 9, The Spectrum, and PopRocks. Listeners will also be able to stream the concert on demand on the SXM App.
Additionally, Howard Stern’s exclusive SiriusXM channel Howard 101 will showcase the concert on Friday, June 16 at 7:00 pm ET.
Ticket on-sale begins TODAY at NOON PST HERE. There will be a 2-ticket limit per purchase and tickets are will call only. Doors for the special show on June 5 will open at 7pm.
The Troubadour underplay precedes the kick-off of the band’s 56-date mega tour, “Banshee Season Tour,” kicking off the following week. After years of collaboration, cult-favorite rock bank and long-time friend DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL will support the upcoming run, with English singer/songwriter FRANK TURNER joining for select dates. “Banshee Season Tour” is set to start June 13 in Omaha, NE, at the Steelhouse Omaha, with stops in major cities across the US, including Boston, Tampa, Nashville, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, before ending at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO on September 25.
BANSHEE SEASON TOUR 2023 TOUR DATES:
June 13 Omaha, NE Steelhouse Omaha*
June 17 Indianapolis. IN TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
June 18 Cincinnati, OH PNC Pavilion
June 21 Milwaukee, WI Miller High Life Theatre
June 23 Highland Park, IL Ravinia Festival
June 24 Sterling Heights, MI Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
June 26 Moon Twp, PA UPMC Events Center
June 28 Niagara Falls, ON OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
June 29 Northfield, OH MGM Northfield Park
July 1 Syracuse, NY St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
July 2 Canandaigua, NY CMAC
July 5 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
July 6 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
July 8 Wantagh, NY Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
July 9 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
July 12 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
July 14 Gilford, NH Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
July 15 Boston, MA Leader Bank Pavilion
July 18 Providence, RI Providence Performing Arts Center
July 19 Bridgeport, CT Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
July 21 Bethlehem, PA Wind Creek Event Center
July 22 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Event Center
July 25 Selbyville, DE Freeman Arts Pavilion
July 26 Doswell, VA The Meadow Event Park
July 28 Virginia Beach, VA Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
July 29 Raleigh, NC Red Hat Amphitheater
August 1 Charlotte, NC Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
August 2 Charleston, SC Credit One Stadium
August 4 Fort Myers, FL Suncoast Credit Union Arena
August 5 Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Live
August 8 St Augustine, FL The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
August 9 Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
August 11 Alpharetta, GA Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
August 12 Albertville, AL Sand Mountain Amphitheater
August 14 Nashville, TN Grand Ole Opry
August 18 New Orleans, LA Saenger Theatre
August 19 Sugar Land, TX Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
August 22 San Antonio, TX Majestic Theatre
August 23 Irving, TX The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
August 25 Norman, OK Riverwind Casino*
August 26 Tulsa, OK The Cove*
August 30 Highland, CA Yaamava’ Theater**
August 31 Phoenix, AZ Arizona Financial Theatre**
September 2 Las Vegas, NV Pearl Theater**
September 3 San Diego, CA The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park**
September 6 Los Angeles, CA YouTube Theater
September 8 Lincoln, CA The Venue at Thunder Valley
September 10 Berkeley, CA The Greek Theatre
September 13 Airway Heights, WA BECU Live Outdoor Venue
September 14 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheater
September 16 Woodinville, WA Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
September 17 Woodinville, WA Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
September 19 Bonner, MT KettleHouse Amphitheater
September 21 Boise, ID Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
September 22 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
September 25 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
*- No support
**- Frank Turner as support
Janelle Monáe Returns To The Stage For ‘The Age Of Pleasure’ North American Tour
Today, critically acclaimed and award-winning singer and actress Janelle Monáe announced her Age of Pleasure Tour across North America. Produced by Live Nation, the 26-city tour kicks off on August 30 at WAMU Theater in Seattle, WA, making stops in Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto, Kansas City, New York City, Brooklyn, and more before wrapping up in Inglewood, CA at YouTube Theater on October 18.
Monáe’s highly anticipated new album, The Age of Pleasure, will be releasing June 9th via Atlantic Records featuring her latest scintillating new single, “Lipstick Lover,” available now via Wondaland Arts Society/Atlantic Records. An official emotion picture, directed by Janelle Monáe and Alan Ferguson – Watch HERE.
Her tour promises to light up your body, soul and all of your senses with an unforgettable performance featuring songs off her latest album and classic hits from her discography.
TICKETS: Presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Wednesday, June 7 at 10 AM Local on Ticketmaster.com.
AGE OF PLEASURE TOUR DATES:
Wed Aug 30 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater
Thu Aug 31 – Vancouver, BC – UBC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
Sat Sep 02 – Portland, OR – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Wed Sep 06 –Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
Thu Sep 07 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Sat Sep 09 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre
Mon Sep 11 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory
Wed Sep 13 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
Thu Sep 14 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Sun Sep 17 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Mon Sep 18 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
Wed Sep 20 – Montreal, QB – Mtelus
Thu Sep 21 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
Sun Sep 24 – Washington, DC – The Anthem*
Tue Sep 26 – New York City, NY – Radio City Music Hall
Thu Sep 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre
Mon Oct 02 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tue Oct 03 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Wed Oct 04 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
Fri Oct 06 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre Atlanta
Mon Oct 09 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Tue Oct 10 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Wed Oct 11 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater
Sun Oct 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
Tue Oct 17 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Wed Oct 18 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater
Digging Roots Named Recipient of the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award
Canadian Music Week is pleased to announce Raven Kanatakta and Sho-Shona Kish of Digging Roots will receive the 2023 CMW Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award during a special presentation at the Westin Harbour Castle on June 10, in recognition of their longstanding commitment to charitable initiatives. The CMW Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award is presented annually to a Canadian artist, duo or group, in recognition of their social activism and benevolent support of humanitarian interests and causes. As recipient of this Award, The Slaight Family Foundation will make a sizable donation towards a charity of Digging Roots choosing.
“Digging Roots are a living example of community. The music that Raven and Sho-Shona create is grounded in the spirit of home and that is evident in all they give back as their star continues to rise,” said Gary Slaight, President and CEO of the Slaight Family Foundation. “My father Allan was a champion of the arts and we are proud to carry on his legacy by celebrating generous and thoughtful work by admirable artists like Digging Roots.”
As part of Canadian Music Week, two-time JUNO Award winner Digging Roots will also host the Canadian Live Music Industry Awards on June 9 at the Westin Harbour Castle. Digging Roots are also nominated for two Jim Beam® INDIES for Group or Duo of the Year and Indigenous Artist/Group or Duo of the Year.
The husband and wife team Raven Kanatakta and Sho-Shona Kish of Digging Roots are Anishinabek and Onkwehón:we musicians, songwriters, and activists who have traveled around the world spreading conscious music that speaks to the modern identity of being Indigenous people in Canada. They connect the past to the present with an understanding of history, Indigenous knowledge, and music. Since the inception of Digging Roots, Raven and Sho-Shona have supported many, many grassroots and cultural events in the advocacy of Indigenous Rights. Their last philanthropic organized performance before the pandemic was a collaboration to present We Are The Stronghold: Music, Ceremony & Celebration in Solidarity with Wet’suwet’en, where they raised over $30,000. Over the years they’ve conducted music workshops with children in isolated reserves with a focus on identity, empowerment, history, colonialism, and creativity. They’ve also gifted instruments like drums, guitars, harmonicas, and amplifiers to Indigenous children.
As recipients for the Humanitarian Award they would acquire Ground Penetrating Radar machines that will be donated to a national organization to be made available to First Nation communities to survey and find children who have been murdered in their traditional territories when mandated Residential Schools operated across Canada. To date, the bodies of 10,000 young people have been discovered in unmarked graves.
Raven and Sho-Shona are the first generation in their family to not forcibly attend Residential Schools. Their sons, Skye and Wawaasnode, are their family’s first generation to be raised completely without the direct influence of clergymen and clergywomen. Through Digging Roots, Raven and Sho-Shona have been publicly engaging audiences from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Penticton, BC, on this subject matter through songs like ‘Cut My Hair’ and ’Sweetwater’. Raven notes that “We are in a time of reconciliation, we need to move our allied discussions from conversation to action, and that means we need co-conspirators to get the healing process started. It’s time to learn from the past so we don’t repeat the injustices of yesteryear. The only way forward is to face the truth of this country and implement solutions for peace.”
The healing process of Canada needs to begin with people; with people who have connected their minds to their hearts. Raven and Sho-Shona have utilized music as a voice for justice, peace, inspiration, empathy, and dance. You’ll always find Digging Roots singing Song Lines with the Round Dance beat of their own drum in cities, to the end of the road on the Rez.
“For someone who grew up in Canada, it is hard to believe we were not taught about the abhorrent atrocities going on in this country for generations,” said Neill Dixon, President of Canadian Music Week. “In 2021, Raven Kanatakta shared a striking story of how his grandmother would say “Shame on you, Canada.”, and this has stuck with us. It is through the work of Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award recipients like Digging Roots and the late Gord Downie that the truth comes to the surface in new ways through music and conversation.”
Each year, Slaight Communications and Canadian Music Week awards an outstanding Canadian artist, in recognition of their contribution to social activism and support of humanitarian causes. Previous CMW Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award recipients include Abel “The Weeknd’ Tesfaye, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Gord Downie, Arcade Fire, RUSH, Sarah McLachlan, Chantal Kreviazuk & Raine Maida, Simple Plan, Bruce Cockburn, Bryan Adams and Nelly Furtado.
Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin & Pitbull Join Forces For The Trilogy Tour
Today, multigenerational global powerhouses Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, and Pitbull who are known for their incredible blends and versatility of musical genres, announce they are joining forces with a one-of-a-kind arena run across North America this fall. For the first time ever, they will share the stage for The Trilogy Tour featuring three unique headlining sets from each artist.
“It’s a true honor to tour with Enrique and Ricky, 2 music icons, who broke global music barriers for our culture and open doors for someone like myself,” said Armando Christian Perez (Pitbull). “We’re excited to take The Trilogy tour around the world and give our fans the time of their Trilogy lives, Dale!
Enrique Iglesias expressed his enthusiasm, saying. “I am incredibly excited to be going on tour with my friends Pitbull and Ricky. The Trilogy Tour will be an amazing experience for ALL of our fans. It’s going to be a once in a lifetime tour.”
Ricky Martin added, “Going back on the road with not only Enrique, but now with Pitbull it’s very exciting. This tour will be a wild party from beginning to end so get ready, it’s going to be epic!”
Produced by Live Nation, the 19-city tour kicks off on October 14 at Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena and makes stops across North America in Toronto, Boston, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Miami, Dallas, Phoenix, Los Angeles and more before wrapping up at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena on December 10. Fans can expect an unforgettable night of music as the megastars deliver an electrifying mix of their biggest career-spanning hits with influences of reggaeton, salsa pop, dance, and electronic music, backed by world-class production and state-of-the-art visuals.
TICKETS: Tickets for this run of shows will be in high demand, therefore Verified Fan will be fans’ best shot at tickets. Fans can register now through Sunday, June 4 at 11:59pm ET for the Verified Fan presale HERE. Fans who are selected to receive an access code will be able to participate in the Verified Fan presale starting Wednesday, June 7. More information on Verified Fan can be found HERE. A limited number of tickets will be sold during a general on sale starting Friday, June 9 at 10am local time at Ticketmaster.com while supplies last.
VIP: The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include an invitation to the pre-show VIP lounge, exclusive VIP tour poster, specially designed VIP gift item and more. For more information, visit vipnation.com.
THE TRILOGY TOUR DATES:
Sat Oct 14 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Tue Oct 17 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Fri Oct 20 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
Sat Oct 21– Boston, MA – TD Garden
Thu Oct 26 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Sat Oct 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Wed Nov 01 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Fri Nov 03 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Thu Nov 09 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center
Fri Nov 10 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
Fri Nov 17 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Sat Nov 18 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Sun Nov 19 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center
Fri Nov 24 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
Sat Nov 25 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
Thu Nov 30 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
Wed Dec 06 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center
Fri Dec 08 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Sun Dec 10 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
Bev Bevan, Chas Hodges, Phil Lynott & Roy Wood Jam It Out In The 1970s
Bev Bevan (The Move, Electric Light Orchestra), Chas Hodges (Chas & Dave), Phil Lynott Thin Lizzy and Roy Wood (The Move, Electric Light Orchestra) had some great chemistry – and possible another career – in this little jam.
JUST ANNOUNCED: The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band In Vancouver: October 19 at The Centre: The Hits, The History & Dirt Does Dylan
Many veteran bands trade on nostalgia, on replication of past glories, and on recycled emotions from younger, more carefree days.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band trades on a mix of reimagined classics and compelling newer works. The group formed in 1966 as a Long Beach, California jug band, scored its first charting single in 1967, and embarked on a self-propelled ride through folk, country, rock ‘n’ roll, pop, blue- grass, and the amalgam now known as “Americana.” The first major hit came in 1971 with the epic “Mr. Bojangles,” which, along with insistent support from banjo master Earl Scruggs, opened doors in Nashville. Behind those doors were Earl Scruggs, Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, Mother Maybelle Carter, Jimmy Martin, and others who would collaborate on a multi-artist, multi-generational, three-disc 1972 masterpiece: Will the Circle Be Unbroken went triple Platinum, spawned two later volumes, and wound up in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
The group will be performing on October 19, 2003 in Vancouver, BC at The Centre on their The Hits, The History & Dirt Does Dylan tour, and tickets are available here.
Was this a cutting-edge combo or a group of revivalists? Was the goal rebellion or musical piety? Yes, to all these things. In the 1980s, the Dirt Band reeled off 15 straight Top 10 country hits, including chart-toppers “Long Hard Road (The Sharecropper’s Dream),” “Modern Day Romance,” and “Fishin’ in the Dark (co-written by Jim Photoglo, who would join the band in the second decade of the new century). 1989 brought a second Circle album, this one featuring singer-songwriter talents including John Prine, Rosanne Cash, and John Hiatt and garnering two Grammy awards for the band (it later won another, for a collaboration with Earl Scruggs and other fine folks). Circle II also won the Country Music Association’s Album of the Year prize. Circle III was released in 2003, featuring collaborations with Johnny Cash, Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris, Taj Mahal, and more.
Throughout the group’s lifetime, personnel has changed, with each change resulting in positive steps forward, new ways of playing the old songs, and renewed enthusiasm for writing and recording fresh material. The latest Dirt Band lineup is expanded to six members for the first time since 1968. Today’s group consists of founding member Jeff Hanna, harp master Jimmie Fadden (who joined in 1966), and soulful-voiced Bob Carpenter, who has more than 40 years of service in the ensemble. Those veterans are now joined by singer-songwriter-bass man Jim Photoglo, fiddle and mandolin wizard Ross Holmes, and Hanna’s son, the preternaturally talented singer and guitarist Jaime Hanna.
Blood harmony, thrilling instrumental flights, undeniable stage chemistry … these things are part of each Dirt Band show, just as they are part of Dirt Does Dylan, the first recording from the reconfigured, six-strong group. Produced by Ray Kennedy and Jeff Hanna, it’s a remark- able ride through some of the most impactful songs of the past century, penned by Bob Dylan and taken for a blue highway spin by a great American band, with help from genius-level con- temporary artists like Jason Isbell and The War and Treaty.
A Dirt Band show is unlike any other. For legions of fans, it’s less about the memories than the moment, crisp as an Autumn apple and rich as a royal flush.