Dixie Gentlemen
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1956 |
| Founder | Rual Yarbrough, Herschel Sizemore, Jake Landers |
| Defunct | 1966 |
| Fate | Disbanded; brief reunions in 1972 and early 1990s |
| Headquarters | Alabama , United States |
| Products | Bluegrass music recordings and performances |
The Dixie Gentlemen emerged as a bluegrass ensemble in 1956, combining elements of both traditional and progressive bluegrass genres.
History
Originating in Alabama under the name Country Gentlemen, the band was founded by banjoist Rual Yarbrough, mandolinist Herschel Sizemore, and guitarist Jake Landers. Due to the existence of another group with the same title, they adopted the name Dixie Gentlemen. Following Landers' short military duty from 1956 to 1957, the trio performed extensively throughout the southeastern United States, gaining exposure on regional radio and television programs. Their first recordings were released in 1959 through the Blue Sky label. They also contributed as backing musicians for fiddler Tommy Jackson on a Dot Records project and produced material for the Time label during the early 1960s before signing with United Artists Records. The band dissolved in 1966 after issuing their final album, which featured fiddler Vassar Clements and dobro player Tut Taylor. Subsequently, Yarbrough and Sizemore established a new group called The Dixiemen. The original Dixie Gentlemen reunited briefly in 1972 and once more during the early 1990s.
Discography
- The Country Style of the Dixie Gentlemen – 1963 (United Artists Records)
- Blues & Bluegrass with Tut Taylor – 1967 (Tune Records)
- Together Once More – 1973 (Old Homestead Records)