John Hartford shortly before his death in 2001

John Cowan Hartford (1937–2001) was an American bluegrass composer and musician known for his mastery of the fiddle and banjo, as well as for his witty lyrics and unique vocal style.

Hartford won a Grammy award for his song "Gentle on My Mind", after it became a hit for Glen Campbell.

More recently, Hartford performed on the soundtrack for the film, O Brother Where Art Thou? and his voice can be heard narrating Ken Burns' documentary Baseball.

He was a graduate of John Burroughs School in St. Louis, Missouri, and an honoree of that city's Walk of Fame.

External links

• John Hartford's web site http://www.johnhartford.com/