John Hartford

Innovative American Folk Musician and Songwriter

John Hartford was an American folk, country, and bluegrass composer and musician known for his mastery of the fiddle, banjo, and guitar, as well as his unique songwriting skills. Born on December 30, 1937, in New York City, he grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. Hartford's most famous song is "Gentle on My Mind," which became a hit for Glen Campbell in 1967 and won four Grammy Awards. Throughout his career, Hartford released over 30 albums, including the innovative "Aereo-Plain" in 1971, which is often credited with contributing to the creation of the newgrass genre—a progressive blend of bluegrass with elements of rock, folk, and jazz.