Douglas Flint Dillard (March 6, 1937 – May 16, 2012) was an American musician noted for his banjo proficiency and his pioneering participation in late-60s country rock. Biography Early life Dillard, who grew up on a farm near Salem, Missouri, began learning guitar and fiddle at age five, and banjo at age 15. He began playing in the family band, with his father Homer Sr. on fiddle, his mother Lorene on guitar, and his older brother Earl on keyboards. His banjo heroes were Earl Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, and Don Reno. After corresponding with Scruggs, Dillard persuaded his parents to drive him to Scruggs' home in Madison, Tennessee, where Scruggs installed "Scruggs Tuners" on Dillard's banjo. By age 19, Dillard was performing regularly on a weekly radio show hosted by Howe Teague on KSMO, a Salem radio station. Ozark Mountain Boys and the Dixie Ramblers From 1956 to 1959, Doug was a founding member of the Ozark Mountain Boys with his younger brother Rodney, along with Bill Glenn, Henry and Jim Lewis, and Paul Breidenbach. Mitch Jayne (future member of The Dillards) invited the Ozark Mountain Boys to play on his KSMO Saturday morning radio show, "Hickory Hollow." In 1958, Doug and Rodney joined the Dixie Ramblers, based in St. Louis. Other members included John Hartford (who had frequently played fiddle with Dillard's father), Buddy Van Hoosier, and Joel Noel. The Dillards Doug and Rodney began performing on their own, and recorded a single "Banjo in the Hollow" for K-Ark Records, followed by three more single releases. With the addition of Dean Webb (mandolin) and Mitch Jayne (bass), they formed The Dillards in 1962. Inspired by their popularity on college campuses, The Dillards moved to Los Angeles. They participated in several after-hours club sessions, and then recording industry executive Jim Dickson signed them to a contract with Elektra Records. The Andy Griffith Show Andy Griffith's manager Dick Linke arranged an audition for The Dillards to play the part of a musical backwoods family on The Andy Griffith Show. Along with Denver Pyle and Margaret Ann Peterson, they were the Darlings of Mayberry from 1963 to 1966. Doug was given the name of Jebbin Darling. They made only six appearances, but are credited with introducing bluegrass music to a wider audience. This led to guest spots on shows hosted by Judy Garland and Tennessee Ernie Ford, and on other variety shows. The