single · September 22, 1969

The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

The Band

Play 30s preview

Digital OpiumSee this day

folk rockamericanacountry

The Band's poignant rendition of Joan Baez's "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" became one of their most enduring and recognizable tracks, a country-rock elegy that resonated deeply with listeners.

• The single was released in September 1969, shortly after the debut album "Music from Big Pink".
• This song, originally written and performed by Joan Baez, was covered by The Band and released as a single.
• The song reached #3 on the Billboard charts and remains one of The Band's signature songs.

The Band is a Canadian-American rock group known for its Americana-infused rock, country, and folk rock sound. Emerging from the ashes of Levon Helm's backing band for Ronnie Hawkins, they became renowned for their distinctive vocal harmonies and a sound that evoked a bygone era of American music. At the time of this single's release, The Band had recently released their seminal debut album "Music from Big Pink" and were solidifying their unique place in the rock landscape.