Yep, have a few of those heart dogs, who are ones who have lived with you before, and they come back to you again in another form. Have had several in my life, got my first dog as a baby. I'm an animal communicator and get the privilege to speak with them again. Have some wonderful stories regarding a lot of animals in my life.
The song, according to Jerry Jeff Walker, is not specifically about Bill Robinson, who passed away in 1949. It is a true story of spending a night in a drunk tank in New Orleans in 1965, where he met a local street performer who called himself Mr. Bojangles perhaps as a tribute or to draw bigger crowds when he performed. The Bojangles of the song clearly was experiencing hard times in his life and was down and out. I don't presume to know how rough Mr. Robinson's life was (as a black performer in the US during the first half of the 20th century) but he was pretty successful in his time appearing in movies and on Broadway. He is famous for breaking many color barriers on stage and screen and appeared with a young Shirley Temple in a number of movies and stage performances.
The original song as I remember it featured audio in the style of being in a jail with a street performer. He even has a harmonica and plays for his dog. It is magical.
When I was in 9th grade, our physical science teacher would play guitar and sing while we were taking exams. This is one of the songs he would sing. It was really incredible how it would just calm your nerves while taking an exam to have a teacher that could sing/play soothing music. I'm 62 now, but I will never forget that teacher. Thanks for bringing back the great memories.
That sounded like an awesome way to attend school. Good for you. We had an English teacher in 10th grade that would take us outside and we would sit in a circle in a grove of trees in the shade and read poetry.
You can't beat great lyrics and the unusual combination of a mandolin and waltz rhythm (i.e. triple meter 3/4 time). The lyrics are poignant and the delivery is plaintive. Song stays with you.
This is the best version out there of this song. I just love it. I have said it before, and I will say it again the late 60's and early 70's had the best music.
Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was informed he wasn't allowed to hold Shirley Temple's hand while filming the stair scene in the 1935 film, "The Little Colonel." She insisted anyway and grabbed his hand during the act. This scene became the first time where integrated dance partners were filmed dancing together on film. He was in his 50s. She was 6. He called her darlin'; she called him Uncle Billy. Robinson taught Temple his joyful, elegant tap-dancing routines. She thought he was the perfect partner. In the 1980s, Black told NPR that Robinson taught her to feel the beat, rather than count it out. "We held hands and I learned to dance from Bill by listening, not looking at the feet," she said. "It was kind of a magic between us."
More importantly it was the first time a theatrical movie showed a white woman having any sort of physical contact with a black man. She didn't know she was not supposed to hold his hand, she just knew that was how they usually danced together. Credit to the production company for not editing it out - it seems small today, but it was more impactful in its time than Mister Rogers sharing a wading pool with Officer Clemmons.
I love Bill Bojangles Robinson but this song is NOT about him, it’s about a street performer in New New Orleans who fashioned himself after Robinson. Look it up.
Thank-you for sharing this. I didn't know that Shirley Temple insisted on holding Bill Robinson's hand NOR that it wasn't allowed. Also that this rule would apply to children. (In my opinion, ridiculous.) I was just a kid watching Shirley Temple movies, that I loved & I didn't see anything out of the ordinary & CERTAINLY nothing wrong. I am glad that (while common in many children), Shirley Temple had also not been imbued with any racism at that age (& hopefully never gained it afterwards either.) I love that he called her "darlin' - (she WAS a little cutie & I had wanted to be just like her) & that she called him "Uncle Billy." They must have had a close relationship. I am also glad that the movie company (as someone else has remarked too) did leave that scene in the movie, even if it contained something taboo. (Sometimes you just have to do what is right, REGARDLESS!) I hope they didn't face any backlash for it though. After all, weren't white children allowed to run into the arms of the black house help way even further back in the U.S. when frightened etc. by something? That is CERTAINLY much more touching when the child is completely enveloped in a hug! Do you know if there was any backlash at the movie for allowing this black/white contact? Thank-you for all of the information. Have a great night. 😌
She also said that was her only real friend. They'd bring in kids she didn't know for PR for her "birthday party," but said she really wanted to spend it with him.
Yesssssssss, thank you. Great song, and the best version! They have another song you might like called An American Dream which features Linda Ronstadt on vocals, but the name of the band is shortened to the "Dirt Band."
As a 7 year old kid growing up in Santa Cruz, California, this song by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was one of my favorites. It's funny back then when KWAV, KFRC and KDON ruled the airwaves and would play songs from multiple genres (Glen Campbell, Seals and Crofts, Spinners, Chuck Mangione, Mac Davis, Eagles, Jefferson Airplane, Rufus and Chaka Khan, Ray Stevens, Cher, Earth, Wind and Fire..) kids would eat it up. We loved all types of music and performers like this back then.
Yes, exactly. One moment you'd hear "Brown Sugar" by the Stones, the next you'd hear "Superstar" by the Carpenters, then "Never Can Say Goodbye" by the Jackson 5. Got something of everything! Now everything is so niche, sadly.
KDON and KMBY was another radio station. My sister and I made sure that the the car radio's buttons were set to those two stations. I f we didn't like a song, we'd quickly push the button for the other. I grew up in Aptos in the 60's and 70's.
I grew up in Watsonville and listened to those same stations and it was a Magical time to be a music fan because of the mixture we would hear on a daily basis.
I was 11 when this song came out. It was my first experience with feelings of melancholy, tenderness, sentimentality and compassion...signs of growing up. It still has a special place in my heart.
This song by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band brings back fond memories of when I decided to go on a road trip from Fort Sill OK to visit my cousin living in Austin Texas back in 1970. I just purchased a 1957 International Harvester truck with a small wooden camper on it and I installed an 8-track tape player so I could pay my favorite songs on the trip and so I played their tape which included this great song. I travel on the back roads all the way and one day my radiator was running hot so I stopped on the little road and saw a creek so I filled up my hat with water and continued on till I found a small tiny town and they fixed my old truck and continued on to Austin Texas and visited my cousin. I was sad to learn later he died when he died in a fire so I will never forget that trip listening to great music along the way. within one year I was sent to South Vietnam and I had my old 8-track and would listen to it and think of that trip. Thank You both for bringing back old memories. I am now 74 living in the Philippines and watch you two all the time and you bring back old memories all the time. Thank You again.....
Mr. Bojangles was written by Jerry Jeff Walker, a country music artist. He released the song in 1968. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's cover is iconic, however. I recall loving this song when I was growing up. They released the song in 1970.
I rescued a puppy from the streets and for 17 years we were constant companions and traveled through 7 southern States. He died 12 years ago and I am still sitting Shiva for him. The line "After 20 years he still grieves" always hits me.
Not only were the 70s summer best music ever, but the mind said that the music put you in that was the pure magic of the 70s!!! didn’t matter what genre it was all good🎉😂❤
This was the NGDB's first hit. "Fishin' in the Dark" was nearly 20 years later. Jeff Hanna, one of the band's founders, sings the primary lead on this one. Jimmy Ibbotson has the lead vocals on "Fishin'". They switched the vocals on the last verse. The NGDB had the original version of "Bless the Broken Road" -- Hanna was the primary songwriter on that track. My dad loved this song. I cried the first time I saw the band live when they sang it. Great reaction, as always. Peace!
I'M an older gentleman who has lived through 4 dogs. That line acout still grieving for his dog still gets me every time. He was so blessed to have his faithful friend for 15 years. What adventures they must have had together! Just as I was blessed to have my Radar for 16 years! (about)
I have never own a dog of my own but I have cared for many friends dogs. I also feel the most powerful line in the song is about how he still grieves the loss of his dog.
Been trying for years to get them to react to Tom T Hall... I met Tom as a kid in Memphis; friend of the family ( Tom S )played guitar as part of Tom's band.. Spent a day fishing, then we had a cookout with both families and Tom.. that night Tom T, and Tom S played through the night under the stars while we all sat and listened.. was a great night and still a great memory
There are many, many versions of this out there. But nobody brought the tears like the Dirt. I remember even being very young (this version is six years older than me) and still really feeling the emotion they brought.
Jerry Jeff Walker wrote this song. He has many songs worth listening to like London Homesick Blues, Pot Can’t Call the Kettle Black, Sangria Wine, L.A. Freeway, Pissin in the Wind. I’m going to go listen to some JJW.
I first heard this song in December 1971 at the Pan Canal Bar in Panama City Panama. I loved the song and still do after 52. I love NGDB. My favorite album is Will The Circle Be Unbroken Vol 2, with them and all the guest artists. This song was written by Jerry Jeff Walker in the drunk tank in New Orleans. NGDB has the best cover.
As mentioned written by Jerry Jeff Walker, it was Jerry Jeff that took Jimmy Buffett to Key West, Jerry Jeff, Waylon, Willie, David Allen Coe, and Kris Kristofferson were the original Outlaws
That verse about the dog always hits me. I'm in 50's and had two great dogs in my lifetime. One when when I was as a child and one which I lost going year ago. I will still morn them till my dying day.
I get emotional when I hear the Greek Bazuki play from my time in Greece. The Mandolin is heavenly and lyrical. I always tear up when I hear this song. ❤
1973 Nitty-gritty dirt band played at my College ln Michigan, we were floor level in the gymnasium and they were right in front of us, Mr. Bojangles what a great song. Saw Sammy Davis Jr, at his last public appearance in San Diego at The American Dance Honors 1990, his friend Liza Minnelli presented him the Lifetime Achievement Award, Peace✌️ and Love ❤️ your 70 year old forever hippie Gary 😊 great reaction 🤣
What great memories. Even without seeing them live in concert, we're so lucky to have all these great songs as touchstones to bring back fond memories from our past.
Glad ya'll did this version . It's the album cut. It comes right off the end of the recording of Uncle Charlie playing his harmonica and making his dog Teddy, sing. You could hear the end of the recording of the dog howling just as the song started. The radio version of this song is almost an identical arrangement with just a few of the instruments like the mandolin playing slightly different parts which only a musician would notice when listening and comparing the two. For example, in this version you hear the mandolin doing a little picking strum at the very end with the accordion behind it., But in the radio version there is no mandolin at the end, Instead there is a piano part with the accordion behind it.
Yet another one of my favorite songs!! This song was originally written in the late 60's and covered by several artists. VERY Indirectly connected to the late, GREAT dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.
Loved this song when I was a kid. You can just fall into it. Always reminds me of fishing with my grandpa at Pine Lake -- because it was on the radio. What a lovely trip into good memories.
Long Hard Road (aka The Sharecroppers Song) is a great song by them about growing up poor with dreams of becoming a big star, only to realize the simple things of life are what really matter. It would be a great one for y'all to react to. My grandfather was a sharecropper, so it touches home.
I love your Arizona Diamondbacks hat!!!!! What an honor to Arizona all the way from Oklahoma. I have an aunt and a cousin that lie in Tahlaqua that I visited a few years ago. Thanks for the great tribute to the wonderful state of Arizona.
I've heard this many times and listening to it now, I can picture sitting on a porch, cup of coffee in my hand, radio playing this song in the background and just looking out at nothing in particular just reminiscing. Music is such a beautiful thing, its so soothing.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has so many great songs. It seems like people always react to the same couple of songs from an artist. Here's a list of songs that should be heard. Long hard road I love only you Stand a little rain When it's gone Will the circle be unbroken These are some great songs that should be listened to.
I've rarely watched more than a couple UA-cam video at one time, but since I found Rob Squad Reaction last week, I've literally watched their videos one after another. I keep going down rabbit holes with everyone's great song recommendations. Brings back such great musical memories from my childhood. Oh, they really like The Doors, now I have to watch all their Doors reactions. Or Steely Dan reactions, or The Doobie Brothers, or Elton John, or Linda Ronstadt, or Bread, etc., etc. Do any subscribers remember the '60s band, Moby Grape? They were a little before my time, but I discovered them about 30 years ago. There are so many interesting facts about this obscure band, but what really matters is their music, which is fantastic - dynamite vocals, four- and five-part harmonies, great musicianship, tight songwriting. Their debut album is considered one of the best rock albums of all time, yet hardly anyone remembers them. All five members wrote songs, played instruments, and sang lead at times - a very rare combination. The worst part of their first album is that the songs are too short. Moby Grape played at The Monterey Pop Festival along with Jimi, Janis, The Jefferson Airplane, etc., but they self-destructed under poor management. If anyone remembers Moby Grape, please recommend the song that you think Jay and Amber would enjoy most!
1971 I was18 - hitchiked from Homestead Fl to New Orleans along i10 to see The Allman Brothers play New Years Eve at A Warehouse On the Levee - long to short ( what a nite) - but after finding my way around in the Quarter , in front of Holme's Kitchen ( a soup kitchen ) .35 for a plate of beans n rice - Mr Bojangles was hangin outside soft shoein for change ..
Every time you play this band I will always remember when I watch them perform in the Aspen Music Tent summer of 1974. The tent held about 2,000 people. One of my favorite bands.
My mom absolutely loved when Sammy Davis Jr. would dress in rags and dance to this awesome song on a variety show. When I visited we would listen to music or I would bring a favorite DVD or a newer movie I thought she would like. She passed two years ago at 101 and I occasionally play it in my guitar practice sessions for her. I know she had a very long life but I still miss her very much.❤❤❤
My favorite version of "Mr Bojangles" is the great Nia Simone. It is the same song but there is such a difference in the mood. I love Sammy Davis Jrs' version too. It is just a wonderful song. Thanks for the Nitty Griity Dirt Band reaction today, the mandolin is beautiful.💜
My cousin makes mandolins ...and they are absolutely gorgeous. He plays at bluegrass festivals all around the country. I just love the sound of the mandolin , it is so special . I loved your reactions as always !!
One of the best covers of this song. Thanks for reviewing. "Mr. Bojangles" was Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Considered the best dancer of his age. My mother watched him perform at the MO state fair in Sedalia when she was a kid (1920's)
This song is NOT about Bill Robinson. This is a true story about a homeless gentleman who the writer , Jerry Jeff Walker, met in a New Orleans jail cell in 1965. The man only Called himself “Bo jangles”. You can research it easily. 📻🙂
Another great mandolin song from the '70's is a Loggins and Messina song called "Be Free". It has a long mandolin / fiddle solo in the middle that's amazing. Jim Messina is one of the best mandolinists around.
One of my favorite songs from childhood. Thanks for doing this one. And I’m with you Amber the mandolin has the sweetest sound ever. You should buy one and learn 😁
Jay & Amber, you’ll love Sammy Davis Jr.’s versions of "Love Me or Leave Me" and “That Old Black Magic”!!! "Love Me or Leave Me" features him scatting!! Yes, Sammy could do it all, sing, act and dance!!!! (you already reacted to Sammy's version of Mr Bojangles Aug 25, 2021)
This band came out of Long Beach, Cal. Jeff Hanna went to my high school, Jordan. Jackson Browne was a member. I first saw them play at Disneyland in the late sixties. They always put on a beautiful show!
Mrs. Walters was my first grade teacher. She walked me to a nearby hospital at lunchtime on the day my mom had a major surgery there where I saw my dad. Just had to share that!! Never forgot it.🎉❤🎉
If you love the mandolin I would revisit The Hooters. You’ve listened to “And we Danced”. I recommend “Where do the Children Go” which features the amazing Patty Smyth and a beautiful mandolin throughout.
The mandolin and the banjo are completely addictive to me. I could listen to those two instruments for hours on end. I go to a couple of spots here in bullit county ky that have bluegrass jams and they are amazing. All levels of players. Its just magic.
Always kicks me right in the heart that he still grieves for his dog 20 years later.
Such beautiful storytelling in this song
Exactly, right in the heart and soul.
That rips me to pieces.
Yep, have a few of those heart dogs, who are ones who have lived with you before, and they come back to you again in another form. Have had several in my life, got my first dog as a baby. I'm an animal communicator and get the privilege to speak with them again. Have some wonderful stories regarding a lot of animals in my life.
Same here. Every darn time.
My boy passed a little over 2 years ago at 15 just as in the song. And yes the grief never ends.
The song, according to Jerry Jeff Walker, is not specifically about Bill Robinson, who passed away in 1949. It is a true story of spending a night in a drunk tank in New Orleans in 1965, where he met a local street performer who called himself Mr. Bojangles perhaps as a tribute or to draw bigger crowds when he performed. The Bojangles of the song clearly was experiencing hard times in his life and was down and out.
I don't presume to know how rough Mr. Robinson's life was (as a black performer in the US during the first half of the 20th century) but he was pretty successful in his time appearing in movies and on Broadway. He is famous for breaking many color barriers on stage and screen and appeared with a young Shirley Temple in a number of movies and stage performances.
There was also a great swing instrumental called "Bojangles" by Duke Ellington recorded in 1940. Ellington wrote it as a tribute to Robinson.
The original song as I remember it featured audio in the style of being in a jail with a street performer. He even has a harmonica and plays for his dog. It is magical.
I wish you'd react to canned heat" going up the country"...
Written by Jerry Jeff Walker based on a night in the drunk tank in New Orleans...and I guy he met.
This is the BEST version! I've heard JJW sing it live a few times.
His version is great.
Welcome to the best DECADE EVER 4 Great Music Them 70s
Jerry Jeff Walker was part of the 60’s group Circus Maximus with Bob Bruno. Check out their song “The Wind”.
Once heard that man play in a parking lot on Madison Ave. in Memphis. Down the street from my home bar. Good times!❤️🤘🏻
When I was in 9th grade, our physical science teacher would play guitar and sing while we were taking exams. This is one of the songs he would sing. It was really incredible how it would just calm your nerves while taking an exam to have a teacher that could sing/play soothing music. I'm 62 now, but I will never forget that teacher. Thanks for bringing back the great memories.
That sounded like an awesome way to attend school. Good for you. We had an English teacher in 10th grade that would take us outside and we would sit in a circle in a grove of trees in the shade and read poetry.
That was a great teacher and a great man.
That would have bugged the shit out of me while I was trying to concentrate.
Bill Bojangles Robinson lived in Richmond, for a time. He taught my mother to dance!
The mattress mambo!
I believe he was a bell hop at Richmond's Jefferson Hotel for a time.
RVA represent!
@@MJC_2112 She was a child at the time.
There’s a statue of him in Richmond.
I love this version of this amazing song.
You can't beat great lyrics and the unusual combination of a mandolin and waltz rhythm (i.e. triple meter 3/4 time). The lyrics are poignant and the delivery is plaintive. Song stays with you.
This is the best version out there of this song. I just love it. I have said it before, and I will say it again the late 60's and early 70's had the best music.
It's a great cover but the original by Jerry Jeff Walker is the best.
David Bromberg!
Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was informed he wasn't allowed to hold Shirley Temple's hand while filming the stair scene in the 1935 film, "The Little Colonel." She insisted anyway and grabbed his hand during the act. This scene became the first time where integrated dance partners were filmed dancing together on film.
He was in his 50s. She was 6. He called her darlin'; she called him Uncle Billy. Robinson taught Temple his joyful, elegant tap-dancing routines. She thought he was the perfect partner. In the 1980s, Black told NPR that Robinson taught her to feel the beat, rather than count it out. "We held hands and I learned to dance from Bill by listening, not looking at the feet," she said. "It was kind of a magic between us."
More importantly it was the first time a theatrical movie showed a white woman having any sort of physical contact with a black man. She didn't know she was not supposed to hold his hand, she just knew that was how they usually danced together. Credit to the production company for not editing it out - it seems small today, but it was more impactful in its time than Mister Rogers sharing a wading pool with Officer Clemmons.
I love Bill Bojangles Robinson but this song is NOT about him, it’s about a street performer in New New Orleans who fashioned himself after Robinson. Look it up.
This is a great song by the band, but Sammy gave you a performance of a lifetime!
Thank-you for sharing this. I didn't know that Shirley Temple insisted on holding Bill Robinson's hand NOR that it wasn't allowed. Also that this rule would apply to children. (In my opinion, ridiculous.) I was just a kid watching Shirley Temple movies, that I loved & I didn't see anything out of the ordinary & CERTAINLY nothing wrong.
I am glad that (while common in many children), Shirley Temple had also not been imbued with any racism at that age (& hopefully never gained it afterwards either.) I love that he called her "darlin' - (she WAS a little cutie & I had wanted to be just like her) & that she called him "Uncle Billy." They must have had a close relationship.
I am also glad that the movie company (as someone else has remarked too) did leave that scene in the movie, even if it contained something taboo. (Sometimes you just have to do what is right, REGARDLESS!) I hope they didn't face any backlash for it though. After all, weren't white children allowed to run into the arms of the black house help way even further back in the U.S. when frightened etc. by something? That is CERTAINLY much more touching when the child is completely enveloped in a hug!
Do you know if there was any backlash at the movie for allowing this black/white contact?
Thank-you for all of the information.
Have a great night. 😌
She also said that was her only real friend. They'd bring in kids she didn't know for PR for her "birthday party," but said she really wanted to spend it with him.
Always loved this song from a great band their biggest hit
Yep...hit #9. Next biggest is American Dream at #13.
I have always loved the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for respecting old school instrumentation and preserving the old songs.
Yesssssssss, thank you. Great song, and the best version! They have another song you might like called An American Dream which features Linda Ronstadt on vocals, but the name of the band is shortened to the "Dirt Band."
This is the version I recall from the radio as a boy, especially when it slows down for "Mr. Bojangles..."
The Jerry Jeff Walker version of this song was another one of those that were among the first 45s that was given to me as a child.
As a 7 year old kid growing up in Santa Cruz, California, this song by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was one of my favorites.
It's funny back then when KWAV, KFRC and KDON ruled the airwaves and would play songs from multiple genres (Glen Campbell, Seals and Crofts, Spinners, Chuck Mangione, Mac Davis, Eagles, Jefferson Airplane, Rufus and Chaka Khan, Ray Stevens, Cher, Earth, Wind and Fire..) kids would eat it up. We loved all types of music and performers like this back then.
Yes, exactly. One moment you'd hear "Brown Sugar" by the Stones, the next you'd hear "Superstar" by the Carpenters, then "Never Can Say Goodbye" by the Jackson 5. Got something of everything! Now everything is so niche, sadly.
Hey...KFRC yeah! Dr Don, Rick Shaw, Diamond Dave, we had it made.
KDON and KMBY was another radio station. My sister and I made sure that the the car radio's buttons were set to those two stations. I f we didn't like a song, we'd quickly push the button for the other. I grew up in Aptos in the 60's and 70's.
I grew up in Watsonville and listened to those same stations and it was a Magical time to be a music fan because of the mixture we would hear on a daily basis.
And, it was a great time to be a kid and teenager growing up; then came, for me, KLRB FM.
I was 11 when this song came out. It was my first experience with feelings of melancholy, tenderness, sentimentality and compassion...signs of growing up. It still has a special place in my heart.
Agreed. This, and the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald really got me.
That’s an awesome response.
This song by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band brings back fond memories of when I decided to go on a road trip from Fort Sill OK to visit my cousin living in Austin Texas back in 1970. I just purchased a 1957 International Harvester truck with a small wooden camper on it and I installed an 8-track tape player so I could pay my favorite songs on the trip and so I played their tape which included this great song. I travel on the back roads all the way and one day my radiator was running hot so I stopped on the little road and saw a creek so I filled up my hat with water and continued on till I found a small tiny town and they fixed my old truck and continued on to Austin Texas and visited my cousin. I was sad to learn later he died when he died in a fire so I will never forget that trip listening to great music along the way. within one year I was sent to South Vietnam and I had my old 8-track and would listen to it and think of that trip. Thank You both for bringing back old memories. I am now 74 living in the Philippines and watch you two all the time and you bring back old memories all the time. Thank You again.....
Mr. Bojangles was written by Jerry Jeff Walker, a country music artist. He released the song in 1968.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's cover is iconic, however. I recall loving this song when I was growing up. They released the song in 1970.
Nitty gritty dirt band is awesome they have so many great songs to get to
This was the first version I ever heard of this song so I thought they were the original artist of the song❕❗
I rescued a puppy from the streets and for 17 years we were constant companions and traveled through 7 southern States. He died 12 years ago and I am still sitting Shiva for him. The line "After 20 years he still grieves" always hits me.
Not only were the 70s summer best music ever, but the mind said that the music put you in that was the pure magic of the 70s!!! didn’t matter what genre it was all good🎉😂❤
True Facts 70s
Speaking of the mandolin: John Paul Jones (bass guitarist for Led Zeppelin) plays the mandolin on their tune "Going to California."
This was the NGDB's first hit. "Fishin' in the Dark" was nearly 20 years later. Jeff Hanna, one of the band's founders, sings the primary lead on this one. Jimmy Ibbotson has the lead vocals on "Fishin'". They switched the vocals on the last verse. The NGDB had the original version of "Bless the Broken Road" -- Hanna was the primary songwriter on that track.
My dad loved this song. I cried the first time I saw the band live when they sang it. Great reaction, as always. Peace!
I'M an older gentleman who has lived through 4 dogs. That line acout still grieving for his dog still gets me every time. He was so blessed to have his faithful friend for 15 years. What adventures they must have had together! Just as I was blessed to have my Radar for 16 years! (about)
I have never own a dog of my own but I have cared for many friends dogs. I also feel the most powerful line in the song is about how he still grieves the loss of his dog.
Another song with a touching story is Old Dogs And Children and Watermellon Wine.
I was thinking the same thing.
Tom T. Hall is missed.
Been trying for years to get them to react to Tom T Hall... I met Tom as a kid in Memphis; friend of the family ( Tom S )played guitar as part of Tom's band.. Spent a day fishing, then we had a cookout with both families and Tom.. that night Tom T, and Tom S played through the night under the stars while we all sat and listened.. was a great night and still a great memory
“Feed Jake” is a pretty good one as well
The mandolin is such a heartfelt instrument. Always pulls at the heartstrings!
Quite a deep rabbit hole. Dance Little Jean, Cadillac Ranch, Long hard road, House on Pooh Corner. Just a few to consider
There are many, many versions of this out there. But nobody brought the tears like the Dirt. I remember even being very young (this version is six years older than me) and still really feeling the emotion they brought.
I grew up on Sammy Davis Jr’s amazing cover of this song, hell of a performer.
Yes
Sammy's version is my absolute favorite.❤❤❤❤❤❤
@@akastarchildMine too,because Sammy was an entertainer dancer when he was a little boy.
Wonder if Sammy was a Democrat....probably like the 80% that are going to vote for the dumb laughing Harris....so sad😢😮
Not even close
Jerry Jeff Walker wrote this song. He has many songs worth listening to like London Homesick Blues, Pot Can’t Call the Kettle Black, Sangria Wine, L.A. Freeway, Pissin in the Wind. I’m going to go listen to some JJW.
That last thing you said is probably the most sensible internet comment I have ever read
If you like this please try Danny O'Keefe's Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues from 1972.
Great suggestion!
YES Some of Shellys Blues. A MUST
As a suggestion, you're next "Dirt Band" song should be 'Dance Little Jean'. A touching, but upbeat tune from a greatgroup of musicians.
absolutely agree with that suggestion....that is the one that came to mind after Bojangles finished playing.
I'd forgotten all about that one! Had to go find it. Definitely more upbeat. Still may require tissues, but in a good way.
I came down here to suggest this song, too. One of my absolute favorites that I hold up as a forgotten classic.
I cry everytime I hear it.
Agreed! And follow that up with Ripplin Waters
I first heard this song in December 1971 at the Pan Canal Bar in Panama City Panama. I loved the song and still do after 52. I love NGDB. My favorite album is Will The Circle Be Unbroken Vol 2, with them and all the guest artists. This song was written by Jerry Jeff Walker in the drunk tank in New Orleans. NGDB has the best cover.
I agree about volume 2!
As mentioned written by Jerry Jeff Walker, it was Jerry Jeff that took Jimmy Buffett to Key West, Jerry Jeff, Waylon, Willie, David Allen Coe, and Kris Kristofferson were the original Outlaws
Jerry Jeff was the original... The others followed suit.
That verse about the dog always hits me. I'm in 50's and had two great dogs in my lifetime. One when when I was as a child and one which I lost going year ago. I will still morn them till my dying day.
I get emotional when I hear the Greek Bazuki play from my time in Greece. The Mandolin is heavenly and lyrical. I always tear up when I hear this song. ❤
Add “Dance Little Jean” to your list. Such a sweet song.
Mr Bojangles one of the best songs for the time that we shared with all our friends in the 60s and 70s
Thank you for this one.
Just a wonderful, wonderful song, written by none other than Jerry Jeff Walker.
As always, thanks much for sharing.
Steve
1973 Nitty-gritty dirt band played at my College ln Michigan, we were floor level in the gymnasium and they were right in front of us, Mr. Bojangles what a great song. Saw Sammy Davis Jr, at his last public appearance in San Diego at The American Dance Honors 1990, his friend Liza Minnelli presented him the Lifetime Achievement Award, Peace✌️ and Love ❤️ your 70 year old forever hippie Gary 😊 great reaction 🤣
What great memories. Even without seeing them live in concert, we're so lucky to have all these great songs as touchstones to bring back fond memories from our past.
My favorite album. First heard these guys in 1970. Been a fan ever since.
Another great Nitty Gritty Dirt Band song is "Will The Circle Be Unbroken"
Absolutely
1,000% AGREE
Glad ya'll did this version . It's the album cut. It comes right off the end of the recording of Uncle Charlie playing his harmonica and making his dog Teddy, sing. You could hear the end of the recording of the dog howling just as the song started. The radio version of this song is almost an identical arrangement with just a few of the instruments like the mandolin playing slightly different parts which only a musician would notice when listening and comparing the two. For example, in this version you hear the mandolin doing a little picking strum at the very end with the accordion behind it., But in the radio version there is no mandolin at the end, Instead there is a piano part with the accordion behind it.
Always loved the story intro to the nitty gritty dirt band version . The old man telling his story and about his singing dog Teddy. Aaahooow🐶
The Uncle Charlie interview that leads into the song.
Major Love for this tune! Nostalgia invoked on level 10 hearing this one today!
Fantastic. I know you reacted to Sammy Davis Jr doing this, and Sammy is a top notch entertainer, but this song has so much more punch by NGDB.
Except that the story fits Sammy Davis Jr's life a lot more than it does NGDB.
Yet another one of my favorite songs!! This song was originally written in the late 60's and covered by several artists. VERY Indirectly connected to the late, GREAT dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.
Thank you for mentioning the Mandolin. It completes the song.
great rendition of an old classic!
Loved this song when I was a kid. You can just fall into it. Always reminds me of fishing with my grandpa at Pine Lake -- because it was on the radio. What a lovely trip into good memories.
This is the first version that comes to mind when I hear the title.
As the song winds to a close can’t you just imagine Mr Robinson accepting the request and beginning to dance?
Long Hard Road (aka The Sharecroppers Song) is a great song by them about growing up poor with dreams of becoming a big star, only to realize the simple things of life are what really matter. It would be a great one for y'all to react to. My grandfather was a sharecropper, so it touches home.
This is a Classic Standard! Best Rendition of this song, IMO! Great Choice & Reaction, You Guys! :)
I love your Arizona Diamondbacks hat!!!!! What an honor to Arizona all the way from Oklahoma. I have an aunt and a cousin that lie in Tahlaqua that I visited a few years ago. Thanks for the great tribute to the wonderful state of Arizona.
I don't think it's a D'backs hat. Think it might be Avalanche.
It looks like my Dbacks hat. That's my team.
I've heard this many times and listening to it now, I can picture sitting on a porch, cup of coffee in my hand, radio playing this song in the background and just looking out at nothing in particular just reminiscing. Music is such a beautiful thing, its so soothing.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has so many great songs. It seems like people always react to the same couple of songs from an artist.
Here's a list of songs that should be heard.
Long hard road
I love only you
Stand a little rain
When it's gone
Will the circle be unbroken
These are some great songs that should be listened to.
Nice to see the love for Jerry Jeff Walker on here.
I loved Jerry Jeff
I've rarely watched more than a couple UA-cam video at one time, but since I found Rob Squad Reaction last week, I've literally watched their videos one after another. I keep going down rabbit holes with everyone's great song recommendations. Brings back such great musical memories from my childhood. Oh, they really like The Doors, now I have to watch all their Doors reactions. Or Steely Dan reactions, or The Doobie Brothers, or Elton John, or Linda Ronstadt, or Bread, etc., etc.
Do any subscribers remember the '60s band, Moby Grape? They were a little before my time, but I discovered them about 30 years ago. There are so many interesting facts about this obscure band, but what really matters is their music, which is fantastic - dynamite vocals, four- and five-part harmonies, great musicianship, tight songwriting. Their debut album is considered one of the best rock albums of all time, yet hardly anyone remembers them. All five members wrote songs, played instruments, and sang lead at times - a very rare combination. The worst part of their first album is that the songs are too short.
Moby Grape played at The Monterey Pop Festival along with Jimi, Janis, The Jefferson Airplane, etc., but they self-destructed under poor management. If anyone remembers Moby Grape, please recommend the song that you think Jay and Amber would
enjoy most!
Dance Little Jean by them is one I believe you will both love ❤ especially Amber!! Thanks for a great reaction. I agree more rat pack soon!! ❤❤
Great reaction. Dance Little Jean is another great one
One of their best….I also recommend “House at Pooh Corner” and “An American Dream”(as the Dirt Band).
House on Pooh corner is fabulous
1971 I was18 - hitchiked from Homestead Fl to New Orleans along i10 to see The Allman Brothers play New Years Eve at A Warehouse On the Levee - long to short ( what a nite) - but after finding my way around in the Quarter , in front of Holme's Kitchen ( a soup kitchen ) .35 for a plate of beans n rice - Mr Bojangles was hangin outside soft shoein for change ..
If you like the mandolin and you like Bluegrass listen to Bill Monroe one of the best men's players ever
@kennydunlap817 I also recommend The Dillards. They portrayed the Darling brothers on the old Andy Griffith show. Some great picking from them.
My Grandfather played the Mandolin and when this song was played my dad would always tear up.
If you love the mandolin you should check out Bruce Hornsby & The Range “ Mandolin Rain” fantastic song
Every time you play this band I will always remember when I watch them perform in the Aspen Music Tent summer of 1974. The tent held about 2,000 people. One of my favorite bands.
Love both of these versions! Now please react to The Bee Gees To Love Somebody
i love how the song introduces you to each instrument... banjo, accordion, mandolin, piano...
My mom absolutely loved when Sammy Davis Jr. would dress in rags and dance to this awesome song on a variety show. When I visited we would listen to music or I would bring a favorite DVD or a newer movie I thought she would like. She passed two years ago at 101 and I occasionally play it in my guitar practice sessions for her. I know she had a very long life but I still miss her very much.❤❤❤
TRUST ME on this one my music lovin' brother & sister,, Rod Stewart "Mandolin Wind" ❤🔥
I remember my first time hearing this song. I was around 4-5. My dad's friend had this re record and I used to ask him to play it ALL the time.
My favorite version of "Mr Bojangles" is the great Nia Simone. It is the same song but there is such a difference in the mood. I love Sammy Davis Jrs' version too.
It is just a wonderful song.
Thanks for the Nitty Griity Dirt Band reaction today, the mandolin is beautiful.💜
Another song I haven't heard in such a long time. I can't believe I had forgotten all about. Thanks!
When are you two going to react to some more Hank Williams Junior?
This song was a masterpiece and still is
A big part of my life. Great to see you discovering it
You might want to react to Mandolin Wind by Rod Stewart.
My cousin makes mandolins ...and they are absolutely gorgeous. He plays at bluegrass festivals all around the country. I just love the sound of the mandolin , it is so special . I loved your reactions as always !!
One of the best covers of this song. Thanks for reviewing. "Mr. Bojangles" was Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Considered the best dancer of his age. My mother watched him perform at the MO state fair in Sedalia when she was a kid (1920's)
This song is NOT about Bill Robinson.
This is a true story about a homeless gentleman who the writer , Jerry Jeff Walker, met in a New Orleans jail cell in 1965. The man only Called himself “Bo jangles”.
You can research it easily.
📻🙂
This is the original version & best one. The song wasn't about him - but sounded like it could be. It was about a guy he met in jail.
@@cathyortiz1280 No.....the original (and best IMO) is by Jerry Jeff Walker who also wrote the song.
This song is not about Bill Bojangles Robinson. Please stop with all this misinformation.
@@cathyortiz1280 Bill Robinson was a star of stage and Hollywood films. This song has nothing to do with him.
This was one of my wife's favorite songs. It always made her cry. She would say she wanted to give Mr. Bojangles a hug.
Play. Mandolin Wind by Rod Stewart
Another great mandolin song from the '70's is a Loggins and Messina song called "Be Free". It has a long mandolin / fiddle solo in the middle that's amazing. Jim Messina is one of the best mandolinists around.
Yes, Bill Robinson was known as Bojangles but this song was not about him.
One of my favorite songs from childhood. Thanks for doing this one. And I’m with you Amber the mandolin has the sweetest sound ever. You should buy one and learn 😁
Jay & Amber, you’ll love Sammy Davis Jr.’s versions of "Love Me or Leave Me" and “That Old Black Magic”!!!
"Love Me or Leave Me" features him scatting!!
Yes, Sammy could do it all, sing, act and dance!!!! (you already reacted to Sammy's version of Mr Bojangles Aug 25, 2021)
That is one of my favorite songs!! I cry anytime I hear a mandolin, my Daddy played the mandolin so perfectly and I miss him so much!!
I saw them in concert in 1971. Still a special memory. I love this song!
So happy to have heard them do this live twice- pure magic! Just punches you in the feels!
Finally!!! I've been waiting for this one for years!!! This an amazing song.
This band came out of Long Beach, Cal. Jeff Hanna went to my high school, Jordan. Jackson Browne was a member. I first saw them play at Disneyland in the late sixties. They always put on a beautiful show!
I love this song; the mandolin reminds me of old silent movies, and has a wonderful vibe to it.
The way Bojangles is described, I can see him in my mind. Such a great song.
I think it's great that you listen to all types of music.
I’ve heard this song many many times but through you guys I actually felt it. Thank you 😊
I Absolutely LOVE this version, but I feel privileged to have seen Mr. Sammy Davis do this LIVE, in Las Vegas ,when I was about 10 years old!
Mrs. Walters was my first grade teacher. She walked me to a nearby hospital at lunchtime on the day my mom had a major surgery there where I saw my dad. Just had to share that!! Never forgot it.🎉❤🎉
If you love the mandolin I would revisit The Hooters. You’ve listened to “And we Danced”. I recommend “Where do the Children Go” which features the amazing Patty Smyth and a beautiful mandolin throughout.
The mandolin and the banjo are completely addictive to me. I could listen to those two instruments for hours on end. I go to a couple of spots here in bullit county ky that have bluegrass jams and they are amazing. All levels of players. Its just magic.