Stagecoach Festival in Indio gave me the opportunity to interview The McEuen Sessions Band group. That included John McEuen, who is a founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and the father to Nathan and Johnathan. They are touring as a group to announce their new CD that comes out next week, The McEuen Session’s For All The Good. Each member wrote at least 3 songs for this album.
Nathan McEuen told me that he and his brother Johnathan have been on stage with their Dad, John, since they were 6 years old. They have music in the blood just like their famous father, John. The boys take part in all aspects of the business. They are involved in the front and the back of each performance. They sing, play and write songs. Some of the songs they have written have been recorded by other famous musicians. They are both prolific song writers. I mentioned it must be a passion and they agreed.
Nathan told me he wrote his first song at age 8. It was a Christmas song. Both boys write and sing as a duo on stage and also as solo artists. Dad John said he is very proud of his sons and their talent. He is proud of all six of this children.
I asked John if he ever tried to discourage them away from show business and the music industry. He just said they had to be very sure this is what they wanted in life. He made them work for privileges so they would appreciate what they had. Nathan had to work for his first guitar and still has it today. It means a lot to him because he paid for it himself. John taught them a good work ethic.
John McEuen has been with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band since it started 46 years ago. I told him I noticed him backstage before Steve Martin came out for his performance. John said he has know Steve for 50 years and wanted to say Hi. I have been always been a fan of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and I am now also a fan of the McEuen Sessions Band.
