1981 The Dirt Band – Jealousy

Jealousy is an album released in 1981 by the Dirt Band (aka Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) . The band is notable for having many charting albums and singles. This album reached 102 on the US album charts. The single “Fire In The Sky” reached 76 on the US singles chart.

Jimmy Ibbotson left the band at the end of 1976, leaving Fadden, Hanna, and McEuen to add John Cable and Jackie Clark, brought in on guitar and bass. In May 1977 the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band became the first American group allowed to tour Russia, Armenia, Georgia and Latvia – the Soviet Union. Playing 28 sold out concerts, and a televised appearance that is estimated to have been watched by 145 million people. In 1977, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band first appeared on the second season of the PBS music program Austin City Limits.

After returning from Russia, the band released its first ‘greatest successes’ compilation, another now rare triple album Dirt, Silver & Gold, in 1978. After that release, the band shortened its name to The Dirt Band, and the group’s sound became more pop and rock oriented. Saxophonist Al Garth, drummer Merel Bregante, and bassist Richard Hathaway were also added to the lineup in 1978 and Jeff Hanna became the group’s producer for a few albums. Bregante and Garth had previously recorded and toured with Loggins & Messina.

Keyboardist Bob Carpenter (who would occasionally sit in with the band from 1975 on) contributed to their 1978 album The Dirt Band and joined the band permanently in 1979.

Albums during this period included The Dirt Band and An American Dream. The single “American Dream” with Linda Ronstadt reached No. 13 on the popular music charts. The band also appeared on Saturday Night Live in their own slot (performing the instrumental penned by John, “White Russia’), and separately, billed as The Toot Uncommons, provided backing for Steve Martin on his million-selling novelty tune, “King Tut.” They also played on that hit recorded in Aspen earlier that year.

In 1980, Bregante left the group and drummer Mike Gardner replaced Bregante on stage with the group on tour, only to be succeeded by Vic Mastrianni in 1981. Al Garth moved on to Pure Prairie League and later The Eagles.

The albums Make a Little Magic and Jealousy were released in 1980 and 1981, with the single “Make a Little Magic” featuring Nicolette Larson reaching the Top 25 on the pop chart.