Walker said he was inspired to write the song after an encounter with a street performer in a New Orleans jail. While in jail for public intoxication in 1965, he met a homeless man who called himself "Mr. Bojangles" to conceal his true identity from the police. Mr. Bojangles had been arrested as part of a police sweep of indigent people that was carried out following a high-profile murder. The two men and others in the cell chatted about all manner of things, but when Mr. Bojangles told a story about his dog, the mood in the room turned heavy. Someone else in the cell asked for something to lighten the mood, and Mr. Bojangles obliged with a tap dance.The homeless "Mr. Bojangles", who was white, had taken his pseudonym from Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (1878-1949), a black entertainer.
They were a special band. Likely not heard if it were not for FM stations (sort of the pirate radio of the day) and record stores...where employees played them for themselves.
@thisismyCollection2577 yes you are absolutely right my bad after I posted my comment I knew I screwed up and thought man I’m gonna get eat in the reply’s but you are the only one that set it straight and I’m fan of Jerry Jeff walker I must have been having a Senior moment as I’m 66yrs old but Hoyt Axton did write joy to the world Lol
@@atombomb31458 The band got back together with all the original members for a tour in the mid ninties. I saw them at the Ogle County Illinois fair. The mandolin, which gave the song it's sweet sentamentality was played by Ross Holmes. The live performance was even more moving than teh studio version. My favorite too. Going to see them tonight in Marion, IL.
Originally done by Jerry Jeff Walker in 1968, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band released this version in 1971. It reached Number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100's and Number 2 in Canada. Bill Robinson who was a Tap dancer in the 30's had the nickname of Mr Bo Jangles. Originally done by Sammy Davis Junior and covered by Nina Simone, Bob Dylan and Neil Diamond to name a few, this is a great tune with great lyrics. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Craig. 👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
With all respect to one of the all time great entertainers, Sammy Davis, Jr., This version of Mr. Bojangles is unmatched. This is one of the most emotional songs ever recorded without being maudelin and corny. Going to see the Dirt Band this evening. Lucky me, I'm sure they'll do Mr. Bojangles.
This is timely as I will be going to see them tomorrow at Milwaukee's Summerfest. I first saw them play over 40 years ago when I was in college. The legacy continues!
1971 was an incredible year for music. This was one of the first songs of 71 that I absolutely loved, and they just kept coming. Such a great mix of instruments. I think what you took for banjo is actually a mandolin, plus there's acoustic guitar, piano and accordion (I think). Plus the bass and drums, and some great vocals.
I feel so privileged to have lived during the times that beautiful music such as this was created. A masterpiece. I don't know why but it always fills me with a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. But, that doesn't keep me from listening all the way through and singing along every time.
I enjoyed watching this reaction and the way you totally grasped it's story I also agree with your comparison of Sammy Favis version. Jerry Jeff Walker wrote this song and realized it wasn't a song he would release so he gave it to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, they were the first to release it. I have loved this song from the first time I heard it when it was released (1969 as I recall)
Great selection, Craig. The Dirt Band from Long Beach, California. Jackson Browne was one of the original members as a 16 year old. "Mr. Bojangles" was originally written and recorded by Texas legend Jerry Jeff Walker. His guitarist, David Bromberg, is an artist I need to request in the future, Harri. Thanks guys!
He was a real guy, Bill Robinson (1877-1949), American dancer and actor. He danced with Shirley Temple in a series of films. He taught her how to tap. A very famous and influential guy. You should look up his life. The Bojangles in Jerry Jeff's song was a white man, tho' that he met when they were both in jail.
I’ve heard of this song, but never actually heard the song. It just hit me in the pit of my gut. You summed it up perfectly Harri, so beautiful, so sad.
Harri, Jerry and Jeff are basically the original singers, why because they wrote it. Then Sammy came along and made it his own and very popular. Check out Harry Belafonte rendition of the song.
released in 1970 from their album "Uncle Charlie and his dog Teddy" (Sammy Davis covered this song in 1972 (I think). The album version has an short interview with Uncle Charlie immediately preceding the song. Kind of sets the tone for the song's content. Nice reaction.
You read this song very well. It’s a very sad song to me. I tear up as soon as I hear it start. There are many songs I tossed aside throughout my life, opting for heavy metal instead. Now that I am older, I am revisiting the tossed aside songs and kicking myself for being so quick to judge. I just recently rediscovered the song The Show Must Go On by Leo Sayer. I never realized in my youth just how poignant that song was. I sure do now.
My first concert in high school and on my birthday...fond memories. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band back in the early 70s. And yes, sometimes the only friend homeless people have is their dog.
The song is NOT about famous black actor/dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. This old man was just using Bojangles as an alias because he didn't want the police to know his real name.
Maybe somebody commented... William "Bojangles" Robinson {yes, same name but different guy as William "Smokey" Robinson}. Mr. Bojangles can be dancing with Shirley Temple in the movie "Little Rebel."
went to an odd mix, outdoor festival, with Pure Prairie League [Amy] and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and several rock metal acts, Montrose, 10 CC, Styx, Richie Havens,
Nice reaction. This is probably the Dirt Band's Biggest Hit and most Iconic song. I was finally able to go to a concert of their's and it was absolutely Outstanding. :) Thanks for doing this wonderful content. Here's to the next video.
You are so right. Whoever put this video together captured just the right tone ... beautiful and sad. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was well known here in the states back in the late 60's early 70's. They were a folk band with a touch of other stuff thrown in. I love their version of the song.
I saw the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in concert last summer. Absolutely fantastic! Still sounding great. And when they closed out the show with The Band's 'The Weight', everyone was groovin' right along. Harri, give 'Bang Bang Bang' a listen for a fun tune!
this is a great version, im still partial to the original by Jerry Jeff Walker, his voice (old country, its seen some years) will always be my favorite, but the NGDB did the song justice.
Love this song, my little,( 40 pd, little to me, used to 130, 150 pd king shepherds), mix pound dog,( dauchund, beagle, jack russel, etc), named him Mr Bojangles, after this song...because he dances..call him Bogey, Bo...no kids, family lives in other states, my husband worked out of state a lot, I havent worked in about 18 years, nerve damage, bad back, genes, few friends, isolated, dogs have been some of my best friends, My Grandma GS Dog, I rescued and I we went through cancer together, I made it, she didn't, then got Mr Bojangles from pound, he was 3, had him in with the big dogs, had been returned twice for aggression, barking, growling at everybody, poor little guy, hes home now, have had him for 3 years, my neck hugging clown, makes up his own tricks, and he dances, made me laugh again, I had forgotten how...dogs...some of my best friends. Saw Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in Berkeley, CA back in the 70's, they are a CA band...love this song
This is *the* ultimate version of this song IMO. I like it with the spoken intro of him talking to his dog, Teddy,trying to convince jt to sing “The Old Rugged Cross.” 😅 Thanks for doing this one - and so thoughtfully - Harri. Sammy Davis, Jr. version is a. Egas type presentation. Earnest enough, but it;s not this. In a recent Aerosmith reaction you did I said Aerosmith was my first concert, in 8th grade 1973. The fact is, that was my furst one w/o parents. My family and I actually saw Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at rhe height of their popularity in a weird but happy accident. We had tickets to see Fiddler on the Roof, with Zero Mostel, I was 11-12 years old, so 1972-72? We drive through a world class blizzard to Kalamazoo, Michigan, about an hour from where we lived. Only about half the audience showed up. At some point an announcement was made that the cast of Fiddler had been unable to get to Kalamazoo due to the day long blizzard. They went on to say NGDB had performed at a larger nearby venue the night before and unable to leave Kalamazoo because of the weather - and was here to do a concert for those who showed up! What an awesome night. I remember Mr. Bojangles like it was yesterday and Will the Circle Be Unbroken. The rest is lost in the fog of the ensuing 50-51 years. 🥲
Now listen to the version by eclectic performer, David Bromberg. He shares a bit of his traveling partnership and Jerry Jeff’s experience and inspiration for the lyrics. NGDB has the most recognizable version that charted higher when released.
Dirt, Silver and Gold. What an experience. I heard it in a record store and immediately asked what was playing and then bought it. I already knew JJW wrote it as I had seen him 9 times in concert but these guys made it refined. No dis to JJW loved him.
If you are kind a dog will never leave you. I remember reading a story a couple years back that a hiker died on a mt trail and when his remains were found so were his dogs curled up against him. Dog could have ate him and gotten away but stayed.
This is the version I grew up hearing. Brings back a lot of good memories of days gone by. Unlike a lot of people, animals are nonjudgmental and love us unconditionally. You can talk to them and know they won’t betray you.
My favorite version of this song. But I always get cracked up: the band was invited to play at the White House when George HW Bush was president. He introduced them as "the Itty Bitty Nitty Gritty Dirty Dirt Band".
A dog is protection - this I heard from a young street person in San Francisco Probably company, too. In at lest one case, I think one was also a service dog - of a sorts
![Mr. Bojangles - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - [With Lyrics]](/img/n.gif)
Walker said he was inspired to write the song after an encounter with a street performer in a New Orleans jail. While in jail for public intoxication in 1965, he met a homeless man who called himself "Mr. Bojangles" to conceal his true identity from the police. Mr. Bojangles had been arrested as part of a police sweep of indigent people that was carried out following a high-profile murder. The two men and others in the cell chatted about all manner of things, but when Mr. Bojangles told a story about his dog, the mood in the room turned heavy. Someone else in the cell asked for something to lighten the mood, and Mr. Bojangles obliged with a tap dance.The homeless "Mr. Bojangles", who was white, had taken his pseudonym from Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (1878-1949), a black entertainer.
They were a special band. Likely not heard if it were not for FM stations (sort of the pirate radio of the day) and record stores...where employees played them for themselves.
If I’m not mistaken Hoyt Axton wrote this song the same person who also wrote Joy to the world that three dog night made famous
@thisismyCollection2577 yes you are absolutely right my bad after I posted my comment I knew I screwed up and thought man I’m gonna get eat in the reply’s but you are the only one that set it straight and I’m fan of Jerry Jeff walker I must have been having a Senior moment as I’m 66yrs old but Hoyt Axton did write joy to the world Lol
Jerry Jeff Walker doesn't get enough recognition. Try "L A Freeway" ...you might like it. I surely did.
@@ColonelSpankysLostBattalion AND performed the original and IMO the best version of his song.
My favourite by a mile. Still heartbreaking after all these years. The instruments are mandolin and accordion.
yep this is best
@@atombomb31458 The band got back together with all the original members for a tour in the mid ninties. I saw them at the Ogle County Illinois fair. The mandolin, which gave the song it's sweet sentamentality was played by Ross Holmes. The live performance was even more moving than teh studio version. My favorite too. Going to see them tonight in Marion, IL.
Can it be a banjo?
I love Jerry Jeff Walkers original.
I disagree, this version is far superior, even to Sammy Davis's version.
Neil diamond also sang this song.
Mr Bojangles danced with Shirley Temple in a old movie.
Bill “Bojangles” Robinson
Danced in the movies
Jerry Jeff Walker wrote the song about a homeless man who was in jail with him
I love the mandolin on this version!
Me too. (It's mandolin, though it can first sound like a banjo, as Harri thought.
My favorite version of this song is by the guy who wrote it, Jerry Jeff Walker.
I love this version far more than I like Sammy's. I love Sammy though for other songs!
Originally done by Jerry Jeff Walker in 1968, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band released this version in 1971. It reached Number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100's and Number 2 in Canada. Bill Robinson who was a Tap dancer in the 30's had the nickname of Mr Bo Jangles. Originally done by Sammy Davis Junior and covered by Nina Simone, Bob Dylan and Neil Diamond to name a few, this is a great tune with great lyrics. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Craig. 👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
IMHO, this is the best version. Glad to see you cover another "hidden" gem.
With all respect to one of the all time great entertainers, Sammy Davis, Jr., This version of Mr. Bojangles is unmatched. This is one of the most emotional songs ever recorded without being maudelin and corny. Going to see the Dirt Band this evening. Lucky me, I'm sure they'll do Mr. Bojangles.
This is timely as I will be going to see them tomorrow at Milwaukee's Summerfest. I first saw them play over 40 years ago when I was in college. The legacy continues!
Every version of this song is different from the original performance by Jerry Jeff Walker. All of them special in there own way.
My dog would give his life for me with no hesitation, and loves me unconditionally.
I always make sure I see to his needs before mine.
1971 was an incredible year for music. This was one of the first songs of 71 that I absolutely loved, and they just kept coming. Such a great mix of instruments. I think what you took for banjo is actually a mandolin, plus there's acoustic guitar, piano and accordion (I think). Plus the bass and drums, and some great vocals.
I feel so privileged to have lived during the times that beautiful music such as this was created. A masterpiece. I don't know why but it always fills me with a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. But, that doesn't keep me from listening all the way through and singing along every time.
I miss my dog to Mr Bojangles.
This is my favorite version of this song.
What a classic! When I hear this song I think of him and Shirly Temple dancing.
Mr. Bojangles actually did exist, he passed away in 1949, and is buried in Brooklyn, New York.
Not same guy
@@mikehall3114 yes it is, I seen the video of celebrities who have passed away, and Bojangles was one of them
I enjoyed watching this reaction and the way you totally grasped it's story I also agree with your comparison of Sammy Favis version. Jerry Jeff Walker wrote this song and realized it wasn't a song he would release so he gave it to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, they were the first to release it. I have loved this song from the first time I heard it when it was released (1969 as I recall)
The last verse always gives me chills and a tear in my eye, Great song
Great selection, Craig. The Dirt Band from Long Beach, California. Jackson Browne was one of the original members as a 16 year old. "Mr. Bojangles" was originally written and recorded by Texas legend Jerry Jeff Walker. His guitarist, David Bromberg, is an artist I need to request in the future, Harri. Thanks guys!
I saw Jerry Jeff play this in Seattle in the Mid 1970's.
I wore out the album, "How Late'll You Play 'til" by Dave Bromberg when I was a teenager.
You’re welcome!
He was a real guy, Bill Robinson (1877-1949), American dancer and actor. He danced with Shirley Temple in a series of films. He taught her how to tap. A very famous and influential guy. You should look up his life. The Bojangles in Jerry Jeff's song was a white man, tho' that he met when they were both in jail.
But the writer tells a different story
Love this version but my favorite will always be by Jerry Jeff Walker.
This version is a waltz.
The picking rhythm is played on a Mandolin. It gives a similar effect as a banjo, the way they're using it.
Was lucky enough to see both Jerry Jeff Walker and the Dirt Band perform this song.
Same!
I can relate to his sorrow over losing his dog.
I’ve lost family and friends, but when my dog passed it was a whole different level of sadness. He took a piece of me when he went.
Love the Dirt Band, but Jerry Jeff Walker's version is my favorite.
Jerry Jeff does my fav version...
I’ve heard of this song, but never actually heard the song. It just hit me in the pit of my gut. You summed it up perfectly Harri, so beautiful, so sad.
Great old tune! I've heard more than a few covers/renditions over the years and this is easily one of best. Thanks for the reaction!
Harri, Jerry and Jeff are basically the original singers, why because they wrote it. Then Sammy came along and made it his own and very popular. Check out Harry Belafonte rendition of the song.
True, but Jerry Jeff Walker is one person
@@ptournas My bad, thanks for the correction.
It is a beautiful and sad song. One of my favorites since I was young. I still get goosebumps every time I hear it... and tears in my eyes.
What a great band they are. I'm very predictable so my favourites are both of the "Will the Circle be Unbroken" albums. Thanks for the choice Craig.
You’re welcome!
released in 1970 from their album "Uncle Charlie and his dog Teddy" (Sammy Davis covered this song in 1972 (I think). The album version has an short interview with Uncle Charlie immediately preceding the song. Kind of sets the tone for the song's content. Nice reaction.
Nice one Craig Aust. 👍👍👍
Thanks!
after 8 years i still grieve for my corgi Harley Joe. he was my best friend ever. 😢
Thanks Harri, love this version.
this is the best version of this song by far
You read this song very well. It’s a very sad song to me. I tear up as soon as I hear it start. There are many songs I tossed aside throughout my life, opting for heavy metal instead. Now that I am older, I am revisiting the tossed aside songs and kicking myself for being so quick to judge. I just recently rediscovered the song The Show Must Go On by Leo Sayer. I never realized in my youth just how poignant that song was. I sure do now.
My first concert in high school and on my birthday...fond memories. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band back in the early 70s. And yes, sometimes the only friend homeless people have is their dog.
Sound of my youth back in the 70's! until today 2024 and thereafter...fresh as ever! Mr. Bojangles! ....dance.....dance!
Great song, and dogs make us better humans!😊
The song is NOT about famous black actor/dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. This old man was just using Bojangles as an alias because he didn't want the police to know his real name.
I've always loved the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Thanks for the reaction!
Mandolin my friend,mandolin
David Bromberg does an excellent version of this song.
Craig, this is my favorite version of this great song. Thanks for requesting it. I knew Harri would love it 🌺✌️
You’re welcome!
Maybe somebody commented... William "Bojangles" Robinson {yes, same name but different guy as William "Smokey" Robinson}. Mr. Bojangles can be dancing with Shirley Temple in the movie "Little Rebel."
House At Pooh Corner is also a great song by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
❤My favorite version, by far !❤
went to an odd mix, outdoor festival, with Pure Prairie League [Amy] and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and several rock metal acts, Montrose, 10 CC, Styx, Richie Havens,
This is the song my husband and I call our song. First time he asked me to dance. Perfect waltz. Thanks.
Nice reaction. This is probably the Dirt Band's Biggest Hit and most Iconic song. I was finally able to go to a concert of their's and it was absolutely Outstanding. :) Thanks for doing this wonderful content. Here's to the next video.
You are so right. Whoever put this video together captured just the right tone ... beautiful and sad. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was well known here in the states back in the late 60's early 70's. They were a folk band with a touch of other stuff thrown in. I love their version of the song.
I saw the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in concert last summer. Absolutely fantastic! Still sounding great. And when they closed out the show with The Band's 'The Weight', everyone was groovin' right along.
Harri, give 'Bang Bang Bang' a listen for a fun tune!
The tells the true story of the songwriter meeting Mr Bojangles
Fantastic song but my fave is with Sammy Davis Jr (as you know) and then Jerry Jeff Walker who wrote it. Thanks Craig and Harri.
You’re welcome!
Oh yes always a good day for some Nitty Gritty. Love this one, and Let's Go Fishing is my favorite.
Bob Dylan recorded this as well. I love the mandolin in this version.
this is a great version, im still partial to the original by Jerry Jeff Walker, his voice (old country, its seen some years) will always be my favorite, but the NGDB did the song justice.
I believe that’s a mandolin not a banjo. Mandolins are everything, they make good songs great.
Love this song, my little,( 40 pd, little to me, used to 130, 150 pd king shepherds), mix pound dog,( dauchund, beagle, jack russel, etc), named him Mr Bojangles, after this song...because he dances..call him Bogey, Bo...no kids, family lives in other states, my husband worked out of state a lot, I havent worked in about 18 years, nerve damage, bad back, genes, few friends, isolated, dogs have been some of my best friends, My Grandma GS Dog, I rescued and I we went through cancer together, I made it, she didn't, then got Mr Bojangles from pound, he was 3, had him in with the big dogs, had been returned twice for aggression, barking, growling at everybody, poor little guy, hes home now, have had him for 3 years, my neck hugging clown, makes up his own tricks, and he dances, made me laugh again, I had forgotten how...dogs...some of my best friends. Saw Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in Berkeley, CA back in the 70's, they are a CA band...love this song
My favorite version great song
❤ this song! They said it wasn't about Bo Jangles Robinson - but it fits. This is the 1st & my favorite version.
This is *the* ultimate version of this song IMO. I like it with the spoken intro of him talking to his dog, Teddy,trying to convince jt to sing “The Old Rugged Cross.” 😅 Thanks for doing this one - and so thoughtfully - Harri. Sammy Davis, Jr. version is a. Egas type presentation. Earnest enough, but it;s not this.
In a recent Aerosmith reaction you did I said Aerosmith was my first concert, in 8th grade 1973. The fact is, that was my furst one w/o parents. My family and I actually saw Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at rhe height of their popularity in a weird but happy accident. We had tickets to see Fiddler on the Roof, with Zero Mostel, I was 11-12 years old, so 1972-72? We drive through a world class blizzard to Kalamazoo, Michigan, about an hour from where we lived. Only about half the audience showed up. At some point an announcement was made that the cast of Fiddler had been unable to get to Kalamazoo due to the day long blizzard. They went on to say NGDB had performed at a larger nearby venue the night before and unable to leave Kalamazoo because of the weather - and was here to do a concert for those who showed up! What an awesome night. I remember Mr. Bojangles like it was yesterday and Will the Circle Be Unbroken. The rest is lost in the fog of the ensuing 50-51 years. 🥲
Oh how I’ve loved this song ….forever…. ❤❤
My very favorite version of this song. Their whole Dirt Bag album 'Uncle Charlie..." is a treasure.
One of my favorites
A song from my childhood.
Now listen to the version by eclectic performer, David Bromberg. He shares a bit of his traveling partnership and Jerry Jeff’s experience and inspiration for the lyrics. NGDB has the most recognizable version that charted higher when released.
Loved this song even as a kid. Thanks, Harri!
Bill "Bojangles" Robinson!
Another great song by them is dance little Jean
Dirt, Silver and Gold. What an experience. I heard it in a record store and immediately asked what was playing and then bought it. I already knew JJW wrote it as I had seen him 9 times in concert but these guys made it refined. No dis to JJW loved him.
If you are kind a dog will never leave you. I remember reading a story a couple years back that a hiker died on a mt trail and when his remains were found so were his dogs curled up against him. Dog could have ate him and gotten away but stayed.
Just a great reaction, Harri .. I loved your analysis! Another great pick, Craig.
Thanks!
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band are now on their 50 year retirement tour ... I have seen them in concert and its always a good show
@Harribest Reactions You should react to Sammy Davis Jr doing Mr Bojangles live. He sings/dances and it is incredible. What a showman!
I love this version better than most it makes me remember my mom and her stories of her life during the Depression.
Dear Harri losing your dog is so painful because they love you more than them selves.
I love this song because it makes me feel like I'm there.
"Then he clicked his heals." CLICK😎
This is the version I grew up hearing. Brings back a lot of good memories of days gone by. Unlike a lot of people, animals are nonjudgmental and love us unconditionally. You can talk to them and know they won’t betray you.
This was before Sammy Davis Jr did his version, and is the DEFNITIVE version heard on the radio as a hit record.
I love your reaction Harri💕 I have always loved The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band version of this song!
My favorite version of this song. But I always get cracked up: the band was invited to play at the White House when George HW Bush was president. He introduced them as "the Itty Bitty Nitty Gritty Dirty Dirt Band".
😊 Ahhh a beautiful song from my teens...have always loved this band...thanks so much for this reaction, it brought back many memories❤❤❤
GREAT SONG...!
I always loved playing this song. It was on my setlist for many years.
This was the version I first heard. Still love it today.
I love this version.
NGDB recorded this 1970, and Sammy Davis Jr. did it in 1972.
Mandolin. There may be banjo in the background, but the mandolin is very present in the mix.
Saw them live in Aspen.
I remember this from the radio from my single-digit years. Always loved this so much. It was part of my setlist when I was performing live.
I'm not crying! You're crying!
Not sure if anyone before has pointed it out, but that Bango you mention, isn't a Bango, it's a Mandolin.
This makes me cry every time, great song. However, I love the version by Jim Stafford the best (it is more of a story than a song),
Cynthia, I so agree. Nobody will ever top Sammy Davis's live version where he dances, too! What a great talent he was!
I agree. I requested it ages ago for Harri.
A dog is protection - this I heard from a young street person in San Francisco
Probably company, too. In at lest one case, I think one was also a service dog - of a sorts