“Close the Door Lightly,” Performed by Rodney Dillard and Herb Pedersen

In 2022, the Museum celebrated the opening of its major exhibition "Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock," presented by City National Bank, with a concert featuring an all-star lineup. For the first time, that concert is available to stream. In this clip, Rodney Dillard and Herb Pedersen perform “Close the Door Lightly” by the Dillards.

The Dillards—Rodney Dillard, Doug Dillard, Dean Webb, and Mitch Jayne—relocated to Los Angeles from Missouri in 1962. Experienced bluegrass musicians, they immediately began headlining the Ash Grove and signed with Elektra Records. They appeared on "The Andy Griffith Show" six times between 1963 and 1966 as the local family band the Darlings. The Dillards' acclaimed first two albums, "Back Porch Bluegrass" (1963) and "Live . . . Almost!!!" (1964) captured the band's dynamic instrumental dexterity and vocal harmonies.

The joy they expressed onstage contrasted with the taciturn manner of first-generation bluegrass pioneers, and the fleetness of Doug Dillard's banjo work influenced generations. Doug Dillard departed in 1967, reacting to brother Rodney's desire to add pop and rock sounds to their music. Herb Pedersen, an accomplished banjoist and harmony singer, joined for the albums "Wheatstraw Suite" (1968) and "Copperfields" (1970), which stand as progressive country-rock milestones.

Made possible in part by exhibit travel partner American Airlines.

Watch the full concert and visit the exhibit, open now through September 1, 2025: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.or…