The Dillards

[1] The band is notable for introducing bluegrass music into the popular mainstream with their appearance as "The Darlings" on The Andy Griffith Show.

[6] This was a recurring role and the Dillards were led by veteran character actor Denver Pyle as their father and jug player, Briscoe Darling.

Credited throughout the years as the driving force behind the group's musical direction, success, and phenomenal longevity as a working act.

Beverly Cotten-Dillard is a native of Morrisville, North Carolina who performed with Janette Carter, Ola Belle Reed, Tommy Jarrell, and Doc and Merle Watson.

Cotten-Dillard is recognized as an authority on the traditional "clawhammer" banjo technique and is a featured member of The Dillards live shows.

Gary J. Smith was added to the lineup, having recorded double bass in the 2015 studio sessions for the new Dillards album.

The Dillards circa 1981