Some songs don’t just get recorded—they get passed down like family heirlooms, carrying the weight of history. “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” is one of those rare songs, a gospel hymn that has become a cornerstone of country and folk music. When the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band revisited it on Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Two in 1989, they didn’t just re-record a classic—they created a musical gathering of legends, proving that country music’s past and future could stand side by side in harmony.
A Sequel That Almost Didn’t Happen
The first Will the Circle Be Unbroken album, released in 1972, was a milestone. It brought together bluegrass and country icons like Maybelle Carter, Earl Scruggs, and Doc Watson with the long-haired, folk-leaning members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, breaking down generational walls in a way few had dared to try. It was a success but also an untouchable piece of history—or so some thought.
Not everyone in the band was convinced when the idea for a second volume emerged. Jeff Hanna, Jimmy Ibbotson, and Jimmie Fadden hesitated, worried that a sequel would never live up to the original. But one voice made all the difference: June Carter Cash. Her encouragement reminded them that music is meant to evolve, and if the first Circle was a time capsule of 1972, then a second volume could capture the spirit of a new generation while honoring the old.
With that push, the band gathered an all-star lineup and headed into the studio in late 1988, creating an album that wasn’t just about country music but about connection.
A Gathering of Voices That Defined an Era
The 1989 version of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” wasn’t just a remake; it was a moment in time, capturing the voices of legends while welcoming new ones into the fold. Unlike the stripped-down, rootsy approach of the 1972 recording, this version leaned into gospel influences, with a full backing choir and a grander arrangement that felt like a celebration.
The lead vocals were split between five distinct voices, each carrying the song’s weight in their own way:
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- Johnny Cash opened the song with his deep, commanding presence, delivering the lyrics like a man who had lived every word.
- Roy Acuff, the King of Country Music himself, took the second verse, his weathered voice adding an air of history and authenticity.
- Ricky Skaggs, a bluegrass master, brought a bright, faithful energy to the third verse, seamlessly blending past and present.
- Levon Helm and Emmylou Harris joined forces on the fourth, their mix of folk and country adding warmth and soul.
- Jimmy Ibbotson closed out the song with a new verse written specifically for this recording. This bold but fitting move tied the past to the present.
Backing this lineup was a powerhouse choir featuring over 30 artists, including Rosanne Cash, John Denver, Bruce Hornsby, and members of The Byrds. Their harmonies lifted the song to a new level, transforming it into something bigger than any single voice.
At 5 minutes and 39 seconds, this version of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” took its time, allowing each artist their moment while building toward a swelling, emotional conclusion. It was more than just a recording—a gathering of generations, a musical family reunion.
A Lasting Legacy in American Music
When Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Two was released, it wasn’t just met with applause—it was recognized as a landmark achievement. The album won Album of the Year at the CMA Awards, and the song earned a Grammy nomination. But beyond the accolades, its true success lay in its message: that music isn’t bound by time, and traditions live on when they are shared.
Volume Two’s influence stretches far beyond the 1980s. It served as a precursor to the Americana movement, proving that country, folk, and bluegrass weren’t separate entities—they were branches of the same family tree. The spirit of collaboration it fostered has been echoed in countless tribute albums, festival performances, and cross-genre partnerships since.
Decades later, this recording of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” remains a defining moment in country and folk history. It stands as proof that when artists come together, not just to perform but to honor those who came before them, something timeless is created. The circle remains unbroken, carried forward by every new voice joining the song.
Watch and listen to “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” to experience a powerful moment where country legends and new voices come together in harmony.
