[1] The groups have developed idiosyncratic sound rooted in alternative country, but touching on a wide range of other styles and featuring Gelb's beatnik-influenced vocals and songwriting.

Howe Gelb, also a prolific solo artist, started the group as Giant Sandworms in the late 1970s in Tucson, Arizona.

[4] Members have included keyboardist Chris Cacavas (of Green on Red),[5] bassist Paula Jean Brown (who was briefly a member of The Go-Go's and was married to Gelb at the time),[6] Mark Walton (of The Dream Syndicate and Continental Drifters), drummer Tom Larkins (later to become a Jonathan Richman sideman[7]) who rejoined Giant Sand in 2019[8] (without quitting Richman's band), and Iain Shedden, drummer with Australian band The Saints.

Guest artists over the last three decades have included Victoria Williams, Neko Case, Juliana Hatfield, PJ Harvey, Vic Chesnutt, Steve Wynn, Vicki Peterson, Rainer Ptacek, M. Ward, Isobel Campbell, Ilse DeLange of The Common Linnets, nearly all members of the band Poi Dog Pondering, and Indiosa Patsy Jean (Gelb and Brown's daughter).

[9] Editing in DVD with the documentary "Sounds of Tucson" – Director Guillaume Dero – La Huit.