John McEuen has been called "A Father of Americana Music."

Best known as a founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, he is a key figure in the history of American folk music. Born in Oakland, California, McEuen grew up outside of Los Angeles. He began playing the banjo at age 17, after hearing live bluegrass at a club near his home.

That night changed McEuen’s life. He introduced his high school friend, comedian Steve Martin, to the banjo and both fell in love with the instrument together. John would go on to an incredible Grammy Award winning career, and shares his latest effort "The Newsman-A Man of Record" a spoken word album that is shaking up the charts.