About this album

Sound: "A vibrant tapestry of bluegrass and country, intertwining traditional melodies with contemporary lyrical themes."

Where they were

By 1968, Flatt and Scruggs were transitioning from their earlier success with The Beverly Hillbillies theme to a more contemporary sound. 'Nashville Airplane' came as their first album post-1967, showcasing their ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape while maintaining their roots in bluegrass.

Why it matters

'Nashville Airplane' helped bridge the gap between classic bluegrass and the burgeoning country rock movement, demonstrating the duo's influence on both genres. The album includes covers of iconic songs from Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, highlighting its cultural relevance during a period of significant social change.

Essential tracks

  • "Like a Rolling Stone" — Their rendition of Dylan's classic transforms the original’s rebellious spirit into a lively bluegrass interpretation, showcasing their versatility.
  • "Folsom Prison Blues" — This cover captures the essence of storytelling in country music while retaining a distinctive bluegrass flair, making it memorable.
  • "The Times They Are A‐Changin’" — By covering this protest anthem, Flatt and Scruggs connect their traditional sound with the era's sociopolitical movements, emphasizing musical evolution.

Release Date

January 1, 1968

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Like a Rolling Stone 2:46
  2. 2 Folsom Prison Blues 2:57
  3. 3 Gentle on My Mind 2:35
  4. 4 If I Were a Carpenter 2:10
  5. 5 Frieda Florentine 1:46
  6. 6 I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight 2:21
  7. 7 Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 2:21
  8. 8 Catch the Wind 2:28
  9. 9 Long Road to Houston 2:42
  10. 10 The Times They Are A‐Changin’ 3:18
  11. 11 Universal Soldier 2:20