Time to say goodbye to another big influence on my musical life, John
Hartford, who is in the final few days of his life after an unsuccessful
battle with cancer.
Most of you may know him as the guy who wrote "Gentle On My Mind", a song
covered even more times than "Both Sides Now". But, as with that song of
Joni's, his song was simply a springboard for a brilliant, prolific,
innovative career. And, like Joni, he never really gave a damn about
commercial success but followed only his heart when making his music.
My most cherished memory of him was at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival
back in the mid 80's when he exited the stage and walked out through the
entire length of the crowd to join everyone who was dancing to his music.
He continued fiddling the entire time he walked and danced among us (having
one of those wireless pickups), never once missing the beat.
In addition to his own career, he did a lot of session work, most notably
playing banjo and fiddle on the Byrd's landmark "Sweetheart of the Rodeo"
album. His final contributions were a number of the instrumental tracks on
the "O Brother, Where Art Thou" soundtrack.
So long, John... see ya "up on the hill where they do do the boogie".
Les
NP: John Hartford - "Steam Powered Aereo Plane"
