Biography
Diesel Doug & The Long Haul Truckers is a cult country band from Portland, Maine, led by singer-songwriter Scott Link, known professionally as Diesel Doug. The group emerged in the Maine roots-music scene, gaining a reputation as the house band at Gritty’s Old Port brewpub, where they performed trucker country-style music characterized by humorous, road-themed songs that evoke classic honky-tonk and working-class narratives. Their sound aligns with expectations of trucker country, featuring witty lyrics and traditional instrumentation, as heard in tracks like 'My Girlfriend is a Waitress' from their 2005 release and 'Jesse Rose.'
The band released albums including 'An Angel, Not a Saint,' 'Mistakes Were Made (1995-2005),' and material from the mid-2000s, blending original songs with a playful nod to trucking culture. Scott Link drew inspiration from earlier Maine musicians, adapting a song like 'It’s all over now and it’s all over town' (originally from Doug Hubley's repertoire) for their first CD. Active primarily in the 1990s and 2000s, they built a local following through live performances and recordings that captured the gritty, fun essence of Maine's Americana scene.
Though not widely known beyond regional circles, the Truckers left a legacy as a staple of Portland's roots music community, with enduring appeal among fans of niche country subgenres. Their low Spotify popularity (1) reflects their cult status rather than mainstream success.[context]
Fun Facts
- The band served as the house band at Gritty’s Old Port brewpub in Portland, Maine, becoming a local institution in the roots-music scene.
- They adapted a song from Maine musician Doug Hubley's repertoire, 'It’s all over now and it’s all over town,' which appeared in a different version on their first CD.
- Known for trucking-themed song titles, with steel guitar contributions from Cartwright Thompson highlighting their honky-tonk style.
- Featured in a 2024 Maine music compilation 'All Roads Trip' alongside artists like David Mallett, underscoring their enduring regional cult status.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Doug Hubley - songwriting inspiration whose original composition was adapted by the band ('It’s all over now and it’s all over town' on their first CD) [1990s]
Key Collaborators
- Charlie Gaylord - lead electric guitar player and Maine roots-music promoter/producer (albums like 'Mistakes Were Made (1995-2005)' and 'My Girlfriend is a Waitress') [1995-2005]
- Cartwright Thompson - steel guitar player (various recordings noted for trucking song titles) [1990s-2000s]
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mistakes were made | 2005-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- If I'd Shot Her When I Met Her (I'd be Out of Jail by now) (Mistakes were made)
- I'd Like to Quit Drinkin' (but I live over a bar) (Mistakes were made)
- Not Much to Say (Mistakes were made)
- Picture of You (Mistakes were made)
- Circles (Mistakes were made)
- Never Lookin' Down (Mistakes were made)
- Merry Christmas From the Family (Mistakes were made)
- 18 Wheels of Love (Mistakes were made)
- Pride's Corner (Mistakes were made)
- Another One Like Me (Mistakes were made)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Diesel Doug & The Long Haul Truckers has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.