The Fatback Band’s Most Successful Song: Exploring 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down' and 'The Weight'

The Fatback Band, more popularly known as The Band, has been a prominent figure in the folk rock genre since the 1960s. Among their extensive discography, identifying their most successful song is a topic of some debate. At the heart of this discussion are two of their most iconic tracks: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down and The Weight. Let's delve into the nuances of their success.

Chart Performance and Streamed Success

While The Band enjoyed a significant presence on radio airplay and album sales, their singles didn’t reach the heights of mainstream success in the United States. Their highest-charting single, the double A-side of Up On Cripple Creek and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, peaked at number 25 on the Billboard charts. However, this single was notably more successful in their home country of Canada, where it topped out at number 10.

When it comes to streaming data, a different story emerges. On Spotify, The Weight stands as the most streamed song by The Band, with around 205 million streams. Following closely are The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (54 million streams), Up On Cripple Creek (40 million streams), Atlantic City (51 million streams), and Ophelia (33 million streams). As of now, The Weight is also the most popular on YouTube, with approximately 55 million views spread across a few posts, while The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down is at about 20 million views.

Song Milestones and Impact

With regard to chart success, it's clear that The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down was a more significant hit. Both The Band's and Joan Baez's versions made it to the Billboard Top 10. Baez's version, in particular, reached as high as number 3 on the charts. This song has also been covered by numerous artists across the globe, including legendary musicians like the Allman Brothers, Big Country, the Black Crowes, Johnny Cash, the Charlie Daniels Band, Vikki Carr, Travis Denning, Travis Tritt, John Denver, the Jerry Garcia Band, Sophie B. Hawkins, Richie Havens, the Legion of Mary, Don Rich, Tanya Tucker, Derek Warfield, and Steve Young. This widespread recognition underscores its enduring impact.

Enduring Classics vs. Chart Success

While The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down was more commercially successful in its era, The Weight has proven to be the more enduring classic among The Band's songs. The former has cemented its place in various lists of the best songs of all time, appearing on prestigious outlets such as Rolling Stone, Time Magazine, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On the other hand, The Weight has garnered the most views and streams, suggesting its continued relevance and popularity among modern listeners.

Conclusion

The debate over The Band's most successful song is multifaceted. While The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down enjoyed significant chart success and critical acclaim, The Weight has emerged as the more enduring hit, with a lasting impact on music lovers around the world. Ultimately, the answer may depend on one's perspective: chart success or long-term popularity. Both songs hold a special place in the legacy of The Band, shaping the landscape of folk rock and continuing to attract new listeners.