Date of Birth: December 30, 1937
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: June 4, 2001
Biography
John Hartford, born John Cowan Harford, was an American folk, country, and bluegrass musician known for his masterful banjo playing, songwriting, and distinctive voice. He was born on December 30, 1937, in New York City, but grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. Hartford is perhaps best known for his Grammy-winning song “Gentle on My Mind,” which became a major hit for Glen Campbell and has been covered by numerous artists. Hartford began playing the banjo at age 13, influenced by the music of Earl Scruggs and the sound of the Mississippi River, which played a large part in his musical and personal life. He released his first album, “John Hartford Looks at Life,” in 1967. Over his career, he released more than 30 albums, showcasing his skills on the banjo, fiddle, guitar, and vocals. In addition to his music career, Hartford was also a licensed steamboat pilot, a profession he took very seriously and often incorporated into his music. He was known for his whimsical, humorous songs and his dedication to preserving traditional American music. Hartford passed away on June 4, 2001, from non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of American folk and bluegrass music.
5 Interesting Facts about John Hartford
1. John Hartford played multiple instruments, including the banjo, fiddle, and guitar.
2. He won three Grammy Awards throughout his career.
3. Hartford was a licensed steamboat pilot and often incorporated river themes into his music.
4. He collaborated with a variety of artists, including Earl Scruggs and Glen Campbell.
5. His song “Gentle on My Mind” has been covered by over 300 artists.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Hartford
1. “Style is based on limitations.”
2. “Life is like a song: it starts, it develops, it comes to a climax, and it ends.”
3. “Every time I make a record, it’s like a snapshot of where I am at that moment in my life.”
4. “I’m like a farmer. I just get up every day and go to work.”
5. “I think music is the most wonderful thing in the world that we can do as human beings.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth John Hartford achieved was estimated to be around $3 million.
Children
John Hartford had two children: a son, Jamie Hartford, and a daughter, Katie Harford Hogue.
Relevant Links
1. [John Hartford Official Website](http://www.johnhartford.com/
2. [John Hartford on AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/john-hartford-mn0000816650
3. [John Hartford’s Discography on Discogs](https://www.discogs.com/artist/259073-John-Hartford
4. [Grammy Awards](https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/john-hartford
5. [John Hartford on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0363465/
