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National Dieselbilly Day – June 29, 2024

National Dieselbilly Day is celebrated on June 29 each year. It commemorates the birthday and work of musician Bill Kirchen, the self-proclaimed “King of Dieselbilly.” Kirchen is credited with being one of the founders and forerunners of the Americana genre. He was the lead guitarist of the band Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen. He coined the term ‘dieselbilly,’ which refers to a tradition of truck-driving songs, songs that are “from another era when gears still jammed and no little black boxes told tales on the driver.” Kirchen’s career has spanned over five decades and he remains active today.

History of National Dieselbilly Day

Bill Kirchen was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut June 29, 1948, and grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. During his high school days, Kirchen learned how to play the trombone. He soon met folksinger David Siglin and delved into the local folk scene. As he learned the banjo and guitar, his musical interest began to diversify beyond folk music. When he enrolled at the University of Michigan, he founded a “psycho folk-rock” band that later transitioned into a country band. This formed the basis of his future band.

Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen was a country-rock band that was formed in 1967 by Kirchen, George Frayne, and John Tichy. In 1969, the band moved to California, where they were deemed musical outlaws. Their music was described as “a collection of rock ‘n’ roll, hard-core country, boogie, and rockabilly sounds produced in a ‘high-octane mix.’” The band ultimately broke up in 1976. After Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, Kirchen formed a swing orchestra called Moonlighters. Around 1986, Kirchen moved to D.C. and formed the band Too Much Fun. The band frequently received awards for their music, and Kirchen’s prowess as a guitarist only reached new heights.

Kirchen is credited with being one of the founders and forerunners of the Americana movement. He coined the term ‘dieselbilly,’ which refers to a tradition of truck-driving songs, songs that are “from another era when gears still jammed and no little black boxes told tales on the driver.” Kirchen’s career has spanned over five decades and remains professionally active today.

National Dieselbilly Day timeline

1948
A Star is Born

Bill Kirchen is born in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

1967
The Band is Formed

Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen is Formed.

1976
Moonlighters

The swing orchestra, Moonlighters, is formed.

1986
Too Much Fun

The band, Too Much Fun, is founded.

National Dieselbilly Day FAQs

Where does Bill Kirchen live now?

Kirchen now resides in Texas.

Who is Commander Cody?

Commander Cody refers to the group’s leader and co-founder, pianist, and vocalist George Frayne IV.

Is Commander Cody still alive?

No. George Frayne passed away in September 2021.

National Dieselbilly Day Activities

  1. Listen to Bill Kirchen’s work

    What better way to celebrate National Dieselbilly Day than by listening to the legend’s work? Make your own playlist.

  2. Go on a long drive

    Even if you don’t have a truck, go on a long drive. Blast a few of Kirchen’s classics along the way.

  3. Talk about it on social media

    Kirchen’s work deserves to be celebrated. Get more people involved on the day by sharing it on social media.

5 Interesting Facts About Americana

  1. It’s all things American

    Americana is a uniquely American amalgam of folk, blues, country, Appalachian, and gospel music.

  2. On the radio

    Americana as a radio format originated in 1984.

  3. Many people love it

    The genre is practiced in countries outside the U.S.

  4. Labels are important

    Many American labels like Red House Records, Ramseur Records, and Rounder Records specialize in debuting Americana artists.

  5. The Grammys

    An Americana category was added to the Grammy Music awards in 2010.

Why We Love National Dieselbilly Day

  1. It honors a legend

    Bill Kirchen is a musical legend. National Dieselbilly Day celebrates him and his legacy.

  2. It’s an excuse to listen to his music

    Kirchen has a repertoire of Americana classics. National Dieselbilly Day is the perfect excuse to make your own playlist.

  3. It’s a chance to diversify our music taste

    Are you new to Americana? National Dieselbilly Day is a perfect opportunity to diversify your taste in music.

National Dieselbilly Day dates

YearDateDay
2024June 29Saturday
2025June 29Sunday
2026June 29Monday
2027June 29Tuesday
2028June 29Thursday

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