The Dillards

The Dillards were formed in Salem, Missouri, by brothers Doug Dillard and Rodney Dillard, with Mitch Jayne and Dean Webb completing the original lineup; the group became known for pioneering electric bluegrass and country rock. Their early breakthrough came in 1963 when they signed with Elektra Records and appeared on The Andy Griffith Show, performing the first televised version of “Feudin’ Banjos.” In 1963 they released the debut album Back Porch Bluegrass, followed by Live!!! Almost!!! in 1964 and Pickin' And Fiddlin' in 1965. The 1968 release of Wheatstraw Suite introduced drums, electric instruments, and layered vocals, earning critical attention for its innovation. Subsequent albums included Copperfields (1970), Roots And Branches (1972)—the most commercially successful—and Tribute To The American Duck (1973). The group toured with The Byrds and joined Elton John on his 1973 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road tour. After Doug Dillard’s departure in 1967, Herb Pedersen joined, and the band continued to release albums such as Mountain Rock (1978) and Let It Fly (1991). The Dillards were inducted into the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2022.

Please enable Javascript to view this page competely.