John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) interview

John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) interview

Author: Matt Hutchinson March 9, 2023 Duration: 35:17
Bluegrass Jam Along
MusicArtsInterviewsPerforming

My guest this week is John McEuen, founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

I recently put together two special episodes to celebrate Doc Watson's 100th birthday (links below in case you missed those). I interviewed over a dozen guests and John was kind enough to take part and share some memories of recording Will the Circle Be Unbroken with Doc. Those episodes ended up being so long I didn't have room for all of the conversation I had with John, but there was so much great stuff in there I decided to release the whole thing. Here it is!

There's plenty more about Will the Circle... in here, but we also chat about John's favourite music he's made since then, playing with Earl Scruggs at IBMA, producing Steve Martin's Grammy winning album The Crow and plenty more.

It was a great conversation to get to be a part of and I really hope you enjoy it.

Links to stuff we talked about

For tour dates, info and details of John's book about the ...Circle sessions, visit John McEuen's website

For updates and news check out John's Facebook and Instagram pages

Do go and listen to John's fantastic album String Wizards, which includes the track he talks about, Carolina Traveler

Doc Watson 100th birthday episodes:

Part 1 - this is the episode John's in
Part 2

Happy picking,
Matt


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Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)


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Hosted by Matt Hutchinson, Bluegrass Jam Along is an IBMA Award-winning conversation that feels like pulling up a chair in the middle of a lively, expert picking session. It’s built for anyone with an ear for the intricate stories and sounds of bluegrass and old-time music, going far beyond just the recordings. Each episode brings thoughtful interviews with the people who shape the scene, from legendary performers like Alison Krauss and David Grisman to the skilled instrument makers and writers whose work forms the foundation. You’ll hear from voices such as Sierra Hull, Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas, and Sarah Jarosz, discussing craft, history, and the personal journeys behind the music. Alongside these deep conversations, the podcast weaves in updates on new releases and notable news, keeping you connected to the evolving string band world. The result is a rich, weekly listen that offers both education and genuine camaraderie, mirroring the collaborative heart of a jam itself. Tune in to this podcast for an authentic and engaging exploration of the music, hosted by someone deeply embedded in its community.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 516

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