Doug Dillard

Douglas Flint Dillard (March 6, 1937 – May 16, 2012) was an American musician noted for his banjo proficiency and his pioneering participation in late-'60s country rock.

Biography Early life Dillard, who grew up on a farm near Salem, Missouri, began learning guitar and fiddle at age five, and banjo at age 15. He began playing in the family band, with his father Homer Sr. on fiddle, his mother Lorene on guitar, and his older brother Earl on keyboards.

His banjo heroes were Earl Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, and Don Reno. After corresponding with Scruggs, Dillard persuaded his parents to drive him to Scruggs' home in Madison, Tennessee, where Scruggs installed "Scruggs Tuners" on Dillard's banjo.

By age 19, Dillard was performing regularly on a weekly radio show hosted by Howe Teague on KSMO, a Salem radio station.

Ozark Mountain Boys and the Dixie Ramblers From 1956 to 1959, Doug was a founding member of the Ozark Mountain Boys with his younger brother Rodney, along with Bill Glenn, Henry and Jim Lewis, and Paul Breidenbach. Mitch Jayne (future member of The Dillards) invited the Ozark Mountain Boys to play on his KSMO Saturday morning radio show, Hickory Hollow. This led to guest spots on shows hosted by Judy Garland and Tennessee Ernie Ford, and on other variety shows. Other participating musicians included Bernie Leadon, Mike Clarke, and Byron Berline. Dillard played banjo on Glen Campbell's recording of John Hartford's "Gentle on My Mind." This recording earned four Grammy Awards in 1968.

In 1969, Doug recorded the Banjo Album, followed by other solo projects.

In 2009, the Dillards were inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).

Dillard was inducted individually into the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) Preservation Hall of Greats in 1992.

Death Dillard suffered a collapsed lung, in several months developed a lung infection, and died in a Nashville hospital. He had stopped touring several years before his death but still participated in occasional recording sessions and a few concert performances.

Discography

Filmography Year Title Role Notes1979 The Rose Billy Ray Band 1980 Popeye Clem, the Banjo Player