Diesel Doug & The Long Haul Truckers

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.[2][3][7] 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.'[2][6]

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.[3][7] 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.[1] 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.[2][5]

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.[2]
• 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.[1]
• Known for trucking-themed song titles, with steel guitar contributions from Cartwright Thompson highlighting their honky-tonk style.[5]
• Featured in a 2024 Maine music compilation 'All Roads Trip' alongside artists like David Mallett, underscoring their enduring regional cult status.[2]

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

Top Tracks

1. If I'd Shot Her When I Met Her (I'd be Out of Jail by now) (Mistakes were made)
2. I'd Like to Quit Drinkin' (but I live over a bar) (Mistakes were made)
3. Not Much to Say (Mistakes were made)
4. Picture of You (Mistakes were made)
5. Circles (Mistakes were made)
6. Never Lookin' Down (Mistakes were made)
7. Merry Christmas From the Family (Mistakes were made)
8. 18 Wheels of Love (Mistakes were made)
9. Pride's Corner (Mistakes were made)
10. Another One Like Me (Mistakes were made)

External Links

• Spotify