Jeffrey R. Hanna(born July 11, 1947) is an American singer-songwriter and performance musician, best known for his association with theNitty Gritty Dirt Band.His professional music career has spanned seven decades.
| Jeff Hanna | |
|---|---|
 Hanna performing with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, 2024 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jeffrey R. Hanna |
| Born | July 11, 1947 Detroit, Michigan,U.S. |
| Origin | Long Beach, California,U.S. |
| Genres | Country,folk,rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar, drums |
| Years active | 1966 – present |
| Member of | Nitty Gritty Dirt Band |
| Spouse | |
Early life
editHanna was born in Detroit, Michigan.[1]In 1962, he moved with his family to Long Beach, California. As a high school student there, he and some friends started ajug bandthat ultimately evolved into the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.[2]
Musical career
editHe was one of the founders and is the longest-serving member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, where he has been a singer, songwriter, lead guitarist, drummer andwashboard player.Through the years, he has been a major force in keeping the band together and maintaining its blend of folk, country and rock music.[1][2]
Hanna has over 380 recording credits, primarily as a composer, but also as a vocalist, guitarist (acoustic,electric,steel,slide,twelve-string,andbaritone), arranger, and producer.[3]
In addition to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, his credits include work with artists such asLinda Ronstadt,Suzy Bogguss,The Texas Tenors,Patty Loveless,Rascal Flatts,Matraca Berg,Hannah Montana,Emmylou Harris,The Chieftains,Johnny Cash,June Carter Cash,Earl Scruggs,Michael Martin Murphey,Dickey Betts,andSteve Martin.[3]
In 2006, his composition "Bless the Broken Road",co-written withMarcus Hummonand Bobby Boyd in 1994, won aGrammy Award for Best Country Song.[4]It has been recorded by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Marcus Hummon, and, in the Grammy year,Rascal Flatts.[5]
Personal life
editHanna's children are visual artist Christopher Hanna, and Jaime Hanna. Jamie was formerly a touring member ofthe Mavericksbefore founding the duoHanna-McEuen.He joined Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 2018.[6]
He has been married toMatraca Bergsince December 5, 1993. The couple met while touring withClint Blackin the late 1980s. They live in Nashville, Tennessee.[5]
References
edit- ^ab"Jeff Hanna Discography".discogs.Discogs.Retrieved2016-04-12.
- ^abStambler, Irwin; Landon, Grelun, eds. (2000-07-14)."Dirt Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band".Country Music: The Encyclopedia.Macmillan. pp. 135–137.ISBN9780312264871.Retrieved2016-04-12.
- ^ab"Jeff Hanna - Credits".allmusic.AllMusic.Retrieved2016-04-12.
- ^"Jeff Hanna - Awards".allmusic.AllMusic.Retrieved2016-04-12.
- ^ab"Jeff Hanna + Matraca Berg — Country's Greatest Love Stories".theboot.Retrieved2016-04-12.
- ^"Hanna-McEuen Biography".artistdirect.ARTISTdirect.Retrieved2016-04-12.