Will the Circle Be Unbroken cover

Will the Circle Be Unbroken

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band · 1972

118 min · 38 tracks · folk rock · country rock

A rich tapestry of traditional Americana woven with heartfelt harmonies and instrumental virtuosity.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • nostalgic storytelling experiences
  • warm, comforting background ambiance
  • reflective and contemplative moods
  • rich instrumental arrangements

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album helped revive interest in traditional folk and bluegrass, establishing wider recognition.
Themes
Southern folklore· traditional Americana· cultural unity
Career context
By the time 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken' was released in 1972, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band had already established themselves as a leading force in the country rock scene with their previous albums. This record, however, marked a significant artistic pivot as it served both as a tribute to classic country music and a collaboration with legendary artists like Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs, bringing them into the mainstream spotlight.
If this clicks, go next to
Stars & Stripes Forever — Continues the Americana sound with fresh arrangements and harmonies.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Music from Big Pink by The Band — Merges Americana roots with rich harmonies and storytelling in a collaborative spirit.
Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson — Explores Southern folklore and heartfelt narratives, echoing themes of cultural unity.
Doc Watson by Doc Watson — Features traditional Americana instrumentation and virtuosic guitar work, reflecting deep folk roots.
New to Nitty Gritty Dirt Band? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Grand Ole Opry Song".

Disc 1

  • 1 Grand Ole Opry Song Start here 3:11
  • 2 Keep on the Sunny Side 4:27
  • 3 Nashville Blues 3:15
  • 4 You Are My Flower 3:35
  • 5 The Precious Jewel 4:10
  • 6 Dark as a Dungeon 2:46
  • 7 Tennessee Stud 4:47
  • 8 Black Mountain Rag 2:40
  • 9 Wreck on the Highway 3:25
  • 10 The End of the World 3:54
  • 11 I Saw the Light 4:20
  • 12 Sunny Side of the Mountain 2:52
  • 13 Nine Pound Hammer 2:52
  • 14 Losin’ You (Might Be the Best Thing) 2:49
  • 15 Honky Tonkin’ 2:26
  • 16 You Don’t Know My Mind 2:45
  • 17 My Walkin’ Shoes 2:49

Disc 2

  • 1 Lonesome Fiddle Blues 2:43
  • 2 Cannonball Rag 1:16
  • 3 Avalanche 2:51
  • 4 Flint Hill Special 2:10
  • 5 Togary Mountain 2:28
  • 6 Earl’s Breakdown 2:36
  • 7 Orange Blossom Special 2:13
  • 8 Wabash Cannonball 2:03
  • 9 Lost Highway 3:48
  • 10 Doc Watson & Merle Travis: First Meeting (dialogue) 1:52
  • 11 Way Downtown 3:32
  • 12 Down Yonder 3:46
  • 13 Pins and Needles (in My Heart) 2:54
  • 14 Honky Tonk Blues 2:23
  • 15 Sailin’ On to Hawaii 2:11
  • 16 I’m Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes 4:26
  • 17 I Am a Pilgrim 3:55
  • 18 Wildwood Flower 3:34
  • 19 Soldier’s Joy 3:31
  • 20 Will the Circle Be Unbroken 4:50
  • 21 Both Sides Now 2:29

What to play next

This album is considered a Breakthrough in Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's catalog. This album helped revive interest in traditional folk and bluegrass, establishing wider recognition.

Stars & Stripes Forever
Listen next

Stars & Stripes Forever

1974

Continues the Americana sound with fresh arrangements and harmonies.
All the Good Times
Go back to

All the Good Times

1971

Sets up the rich musical foundation leading into the current album.
Full Nitty Gritty Dirt Band discography Where to start with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Artists like Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
country rock folk rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata