Jeffrey R. Hanna (born July 11, 1947) is an American singer-songwriter and performance musician, best known for his association with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. His professional music career has spanned seven decades.
Early life
Hanna was born in Detroit, Michigan.[1] In 1962, he moved with his family to Long Beach, California. As a high school student there, he and some friends started a jug band that ultimately evolved into the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.[2]
Musical career
He was one of the founders and is the longest-serving member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, where he has been a singer, songwriter, lead guitarist, drummer and washboard player. Through the years, he has been a major force in keeping the band together and maintaining its blend of folk, country and rock music.[1][2]
Hanna's children are visual artist Christopher Hanna, and Jaime Hanna. Jamie was formerly a touring member of the Mavericks before founding the duo Hanna-McEuen. He joined Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 2018.[6]
He has been married to Matraca Berg since December 5, 1993. The couple met while touring with Clint Black in the late 1980s. They live in Nashville, Tennessee.[5]