John Cowan Hartford (1937-2001), was born in New York City, but grew up in St Louis, MO. He was an American folk, country, and bluegrass composer and musician known for his mastery of the fiddle and banjo, as well as for his witty lyrics, unique vocal style, and extensive knowledge on Misssissippi River lore. Along with being a singer/songwriter, he was an instrumentalist, dancer, and a pilot for towboats and steamboats. Hartford performed with a variety of ensembles throughout his career, and is perhaps best known for his solo performances where he would interchange the guitar, banjo, and fiddle from song to song. He also invented his own shuffle tap dance move, and clogged on an amplified piece of plywood while he played and sang.
His early musical influences came from the broadcasts of Nashville's Grand Ole Opry and the picking styles of Earl Scruggs. Hartford often said the first time he heard Earl Scruggs pick the banjo changed his life. By age 13, Hartford was an accomplished old-time fiddler and banjo player. He sooned learned to play the guitar and mandolin as well. John is considered a co-founder of the "Newgrass" genre. His legendary lineups have included the likes of Vassar Clements, Norman Blake, Tut Taylor, and Sam Bush. This video is "Steam Powered Aereoplane" from Aereo-Plain. The lineup includes Mark O'Connor (mandolin), Brent Rowan (guitar), Vassar Clements (fiddle), Matt Rollings (keys), Jerry Douglas (dobro), Glenn Worf (bass), and Harry Stinson (drums).
*John Hartford passed away due to complications from non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2001, he was 63 years old*
Smelly Dog
Really wish I would have been able to see this guy live before he passed. Probably my all around favorite bluegrass artist.
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