John Hartford Celebrates |
who is this demon called commercial walkin' in the shiny black grooves molding classifying and restricting those who are already restricted and caged inside a melody I reckon had I not made this record I would have still made these songs and sung them to my family my friends and then softly to myself I reckon these are some of the things that have drifted by my eyes seeped into my ears and now have passed from my mouth and may the demon have mercy I reckon |
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And so began John Hartford's first album 30 years ago this month. For the past three decades John has "Look[ed] at Life" in his own way, never giving in to the demons of the commercial music industry. His unique style of music reflects old traditions and new frontiers encompassing every day of his life, and is given to us through the neck of his fiddle. John Hartford's music is difficult to categorize. He always pushes the boundaries of the various divisions into which you may place him.
In the liner notes to this first album, Johnny Cash writes "His music and lyrics are unlike any I've heard. He is himself and will not be told how to write or sing, because he has only his own world."
Two of his greatest influences, Earl Scruggs and Bill Monroe, also could not be categorized when they started playing. Until they came along, there was nothing similar to the music they played. They were pioneers of a completely new style of music that came to be known as bluegrass.
John Hartford has the same pioneering spirit. He seeks no glory for his unique music style, he merely records songs that he would enjoy hearing, and hopes that others like it as well. It just so happens that he hears music as no one else, and others do like his unique style. The style has no name, but anyone who has heard John sing, pick the banjo, saw the fiddle or dance on plywood knows what it sounds like.
On his second album, John recorded a song about freedom and individuality called "Gentle On My Mind" that has become a classic in every sense of the word. It was made famous by Glen Campbell and used as the theme of his TV show. Since then, it has been recorded over 433 times and played on the radio over 5 million times!
The success of the song allowed John to stay true to the music he loved. He could have given in to the record industry, but he has stood strong and continues to record the music he hears in his head , believes in his heart, and feels in his fingers.
Although John has never achieved the popularity that many in the music industry cherish, he has maintained a large following over the years. He has continued to write meaningful songs that people can identify with. And now, at 59 years old, he feels that he is writing and playing the best music of his career, and it is difficult to argue with him. He seems to improve in some way or another with each song he writes and performs.
It seems that the demon has had mercy on John, and his fans seem grateful that he has recorded all of his ideas to be enjoyed through the years.
Here's to 30 years of wonderful music, and many yet to come...
Sincerely,
David Schenk
Tech-knowledge
Publishing
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