Doug Dillard

Doug Dillard's adroit and passionate banjo picking had a distinctive style that could effortlessly traverse from bluegrass to pop and country rock as well as various forms of cosmic American music. Although he and his brother Rodney formed the Dillards, an outland bluegrass folk combo, in 1962, Doug became better known for his stellar work with the Gosdin Brothers and Gene Clark from the Byrds. As Dillard & Clark, the duo solidified their almost decade-long musical commitment in 1968 with Fantastic Expedition, a holy album to cosmic American music enthusiasts; it showcased not only Clark's incredible songwriting but Dillard's ability to switch from banjo virtuosity to exceptional guitar playing. In 1969 Doug Dillard recorded a solo record entitled The Banjo Album that showcased his otherworldly gift for quick picking and innovative arrangements of traditional Bluegrass songs. The songs here predate "newgrass" and delve into pseudo-psychedelic drone-tones, adding unorthodox instruments such as drums, harmonica, harpsichord, tablas and dumbek without sacrificing the integrity of these old-timey standbys. This man is responsible for changing the face of bluegrass music as we know it.