The Dillards

Bluegrass Pioneers from Missouri

US progressive bluegrass and country rock group based in Los Angeles, California. The group was originally based around singer-guitarist Rodney Dillard, and his banjo playing brother Doug Dillard, who both grew up in Salem, Missouri. Accompanying the brothers were mandolin player Dean Webb (2) and bassist Mitch Jayne. In 1962 the group moved to Los Angeles, where they met producer Jim Dickson, and secured a record deal with Elektra, eventually releasing five albums for the label. In 1967, Doug left the group and hooked up with Gene Clark, recording two albums as Dillard & Clark. After Doug's departure, banjo player, singer and songwriter Herb Pedersen joined the group, and they shifted to a more country rock style. The group had several more lineup changes in the 1970s, recording for the Anthem (4), Poppy, and Flying Fish (2) labels. The group continued performing well into the 1990s, with Doug and Rodney also releasing albums with John Hartford.