The Star-Studded Country Album Holding Over 100 Years of History

As is apparent in the traditions and lineage, country music is one of the oldest genres of music not only in the country, but also in the world. However, as we get farther and farther from its origins, fans tend to forget its humble beginnings. That being so, there is one album encompassing this past and paying homage to its influences. Now, it was over 50 years ago, although its prominence within the historical landscape of country music is rather noteworthy. The album is the 1972 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Will The Circle Be Unbroken.

Due to its historical and commercial appeal, the album has been critically acclaimed. The Library of Congress described it as “one of America’s most important recordings,” and Rolling Stone claimed it be to the most important album to come out of Nashville.” Other than being filled with musical perfection, the album tells the story of American roots music. Therefore, telling the story of America itself. It is a musical epic and is a stand-alone album in all of music.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Co.

One of the most jaw-dropping elements of the album is the sheer amount of musicians included. Doc Watson, Roy Acuff, Mother Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis, and Jimmy Martin are just a few of the names on the album’s recordings. In addition to their musical talents, what the individuals also provide is an abundance of diverse perspectives.

What these perspectives offer the album is a catalog of tunes differing in narrative and style. The album could not have achieved its whopping number of 42 tracks if it were not for the vast amount of artists. Furthermore, the tracks include everything from “You Are My Sunshine” to “Honky Tonk Blues.” If it wasn’t for this hoard of artists collaborating, the sundry of music and the themes they entail would have been nonexistent.

Tales of a Forgotten Land

One of, if not the premier reason for this album’s prominence, is attributed to its ability to capture the past. Not only does the album record old tracks, but it rekindles the forgotten origins of country music. Ranging from gospel to blues, the 42-track album includes tunes from Appalachia to the Bayou. It is the colorful musical landscape of the American South that drives this album to become a cultural time capsule.

Hence, Will The Circle Be Unbroken is not only a favorite for fans, but also historians. Due to its wide-ranging fondness, the band released follow-up albums and numerous authors have written books about its cultural impact. Taking all of this into consideration, if one is enthralled with answering the founding questions of American country music–Then this is the album that will provide you with the answers.

Photo: Jeff Fasano / IV PR – Sarah Bennett