John Hartford was an American folk, country, bluegrass composer and musician. Known for his mastery of the fiddle and banjo, as well as for his witty lyrics, unique vocal style. As a folklorist he had extensive knowledge of the history of the Mississippi River. His most successful song is “Gentle on My Mind”. It was a hit for Glen Campbell and won three Grammy Awards. It was listed in “BMI’s Top 100 Songs of the Century”. He performed with a variety of ensembles throughout his career. Hartford is best known for his solo performances. Typically he would interchange the guitar, banjo and fiddle from song to song. He also invented his own shuffle tap dance move. Glog-dancing on an amplified piece of plywood while he played and sang. John Hartford was a Hall-of-Fame musician, award-winning songwriter.
A steamboat pilot an author, artist, disc jockey, calligrapher, dancer, folklorist, father, historian, and frustrated librarian. He was a regular guest and contributor on the ‘Glen Campbell Good Time Hour’ and the Smothers Brothers Show. He added music and narration to Ken Burns’ landmark Civil War series, and was an integral part of the hugely popular “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack and
Down From The Mountain concert tour. But that hardly explains John Hartford.
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