Continuing on from last week, we're still in 1971, only we've 'skipped the pond' to take a look at the American Billboard Chart for 19th February.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band had been steadily easing their way up the chart and were set to peak at the No.9 spot with their version of 'Mr Bojangles'. A song about a street performer encountered in a New Orleans jail, who called himself Mr. Bojangles to conceal his true identity from the police. First written and recorded in 1968 it has gone on to be covered by numerous artists from various backgrounds.
Today's artist, who I only recently discovered had died last October, is someone I've long been a fan of, but who never became a household name or bothered the Top 40. Born in New York State as Ronald Clyde Crosby, he changed his name in the late 60s, then relocated in 1971 to Austin, Texas. He became a leading figure in the outlaw country music scene along with the likes of Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Oh, and he's the man who wrote 'Mr Bojangles'.
I became aware of him after hearing the LP 'A Man Must Carry On' in 1977 or thereabouts. In fact a year later I would pass close by to Austin, Texas, but in a questionable set of wheels that didn't offer time to spare (...but that's another story).
Given that so many different artists have covered 'Mr Bojangles', it's no surprise to find plenty of versions by the writer himself. This one has some wonderful steel guitar from Lloyd Maines plus piano & guitar solos. Let's hear it for, the one and only, Mr. Jerry Jeff Walker >

Fortunately YouTube has loads of his music to enjoy.
So it's no surprise I have lots of extras to add for you: (His music is like being on a 'Road Trip': 'Roll On Down The Road'; 'Pickup Truck Song'; 'L.A. Freeway' & 'Gettin' By' - all easy come, easy go !)
> A live (recording only) from The Great American Music Hall, San Francisco in 1991 is 1 hour and 46 minutes long and the Gonzo Compadres are a kick-ass backing band > best versions of all the above and many more favourites, so highly recommended: [link to this]

> More recently is 'Jam in the Van' and worth checking out. Great concept. Three videos to enjoy, especially 'Gettin' By': [link to] via YouTube OR 'Jamin' [all 3]

> Final link is to the 'Pickup Truck Song': [right here] - "Half the fun's gettin' lost..."