Earth Opera was formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1967 by virtuoso folk and bluegrass performers Peter Rowan and David Grisman, who were joined by bassist John Nagy, drummer Paul Dillon, and keyboardist Bill Stevenson. The group’s first single, "American Eagle Tragedy", issued in July 1968, introduced their blend of psychedelic and folk elements. Signed by Elektra Records, they released the self‑titled album Earth Opera in 1968, produced by Peter Siegel and featuring drummer Billy Mundi; the record did not chart but established the band’s reputation in the emerging Bosstown Sound scene. In 1969 they released The Great American Eagle Tragedy, which reached the lower end of the national charts and included guest appearances by John Cale and Bill Keith; the single "Home To You" followed in February 1969. The band disbanded later that year due to limited commercial success. After the breakup, Peter Rowan, David Grisman, John Nagy, and Bill Stevenson continued in the music industry, with John Nagy becoming a producer and engineer. In 2001 Elektra reissued both LPs on CD through Wounded Bird Records.
