My father and John Hartford were good friends, when I was super young John Hartford had the farting preacher (AKA pastor gas) on a VHS cassette and we watched it on his tour bus, one of the funniest things I've ever seen and one hell of a way to remember a friend of my fathers. RIP
What a talent John was, this is a classic example of a way underrated musician/songwriter, he's a true piece of the American landscape. I love his playing, singing, the way he dressed and his clogging was out of this world delicious to listen to.
I hope everyone watching appreciates how difficult this is to do, much less doing it and making it sound as sweet as this. When it came to talent there was John Hartford and then there was everybody else.
Yes, i cant believe how good he is at everything. Such a talent! Multi- instrumentalist and the foot percussion over anything, while singing or soloing!! Incredible! But so much more than that, he has such a kind engaging thoughtfulness about himself. I wish I could have met him
I wouldn't mind how good he sounds, also his songwriting & performing, BUT, to also soft shoe shuffle at the same time is just rubbing it in! Loved listening to him, sorely missed.
I just found this tonight but have been a fan of John's since 1983. I was lucky enough to see him perform about 6 times live. Truly an amazing and talented man! I have been on a hunt for more of his videos. I was happy to find quite a few including 3 full concerts. Keep in touch on here and I will send you the links if you don't have them.
That would be greatly appreciated Trey, is there any footage of his shuffle on this rhythm? Ive seen the gumtree canoe vid in the living room which is a great recording, but i'd love to see his feet in this!
Re: some of the discussion below This song actually written by Allen Reynolds, producer of records by Don Williams, Crystal Gayle, Kathy Mattea, and Garth Brooks. Allen's mentor was Cowboy Jack Clement who was partnered with Hartford for the album GUM TREE CANOE, which contains "Wrong Road Again"
Awesome lyrics, awesome music, especially to anyone that has dealt with a situation like he is singing about. Im on the path of that road right now and it's not a smooth way but when you love someone you take the chance.
Great song here written by Allen Reynolds that was big hit for Crystal Gayle. I like to think one could insert other destructive behaviors besides a doomed relationship with other destructive bad behaviors and the lyrics would have the same meaning. (Alcoholism, drug abuse or other self destructive behaviors)
@Taylor510ceL9 The song "Wrong Road Again" was written by Allen Reynolds and released in 1974 as a single by Crystal Gayle under the United Artists label.
yes, but live it didn't sound so much like a "swish" or a "scratch" it was a lot more "ca-thunk." Also, watching this clip, it occurs to me how much he approached the guitar as if it was a banjo.
Hartford was a serious talent!
Unbelievable talent. Today's performers can't hold a candle to him!!
You have been gone 18 years - and we are still listening to your great music! You were one in a million!
hear! Hear!
My father and John Hartford were good friends, when I was super young John Hartford had the farting preacher (AKA pastor gas) on a VHS cassette and we watched it on his tour bus, one of the funniest things I've ever seen and one hell of a way to remember a friend of my fathers. RIP
What a talent John was, this is a classic example of a way underrated musician/songwriter, he's a true piece of the American landscape. I love his playing, singing, the way he dressed and his clogging was out of this world delicious to listen to.
won't be another like him
Always loved this guy and his great music. This is so good.
This man was truly an entertainer. And one of my favorite banjo pickers and song writers of all time. Thanks for sharing this with us!!
your music and soul are eternal. thank you Mr. Hartford
I hope everyone watching appreciates how difficult this is to do, much less doing it and making it sound as sweet as this. When it came to talent there was John Hartford and then there was everybody else.
Yes, i cant believe how good he is at everything. Such a talent! Multi- instrumentalist and the foot percussion over anything, while singing or soloing!! Incredible! But so much more than that, he has such a kind engaging thoughtfulness about himself. I wish I could have met him
Without a doubt the finest solo performer ever in this music.
Amen.
I wouldn't mind how good he sounds, also his songwriting & performing, BUT, to also soft shoe shuffle at the same time is just rubbing it in! Loved listening to him, sorely missed.
A thousand of these views must me mine alone.. great job on this one John 👏
I just found this tonight but have been a fan of John's since 1983.
I was lucky enough to see him perform about 6 times live. Truly an amazing and talented man!
I have been on a hunt for more of his videos.
I was happy to find quite a few including 3 full concerts.
Keep in touch on here and I will send you the links if you don't have them.
That would be greatly appreciated Trey, is there any footage of his shuffle on this rhythm? Ive seen the gumtree canoe vid in the living room which is a great recording, but i'd love to see his feet in this!
He was amazing...That dancing wow...Rip.
Really one of the most unique, individualistic musicians I've ever heard.
Here I go
I had the HONOR to see JOHN in the late 70's at Calvin College, in GR,MI. God had blessed him with a wonderful talent....RIP JOHN
Mr. Hartford is a true Original! Americana music at it's finest! See ya on the other side John...You Pal, you haven't even met, yet -- Rodeo
A great musician and a steamboat Captain as well.
John Hartford was one of my favorites
John was a class act so underrated!
I guess it comes from his five-string banjo technique and dexterity, but Hartford's guitar break on this song is amazing - flatpicking without a pick!
He was one of my favorites, and he is sorely missed.I believe that he did write the song.
fabulous
thanks so much john
Re: some of the discussion below
This song actually written by Allen Reynolds, producer of records by Don Williams, Crystal Gayle, Kathy Mattea, and Garth Brooks. Allen's mentor was Cowboy Jack Clement who was partnered with Hartford for the album GUM TREE CANOE, which contains "Wrong Road Again"
John used to take a piece of 3/4" plywood on every gig, and it was miked so that the audience could hear him clogging. Which is what you hear.
Awesome lyrics, awesome music, especially to anyone that has dealt with a situation like he is singing about. Im on the path of that road right now and it's not a smooth way but when you love someone you take the chance.
Sublime.
I am glad that you like it. There are several more Hartford clips on my channel, and there are more coming.
i agree- his phrasing is very banjoesque- makes me want to pick up my guitar and learn his riffs - they are great
jeez- this guy is awesome- i love his style- he doesnt have a band and he goes on pickin just the same-
Mesmerizing.
Wonderful.
5 stars!
Thank you Taylor for sharing these, hope all is well in life?
Great song here written by Allen Reynolds that was big hit for Crystal Gayle. I like to think one could insert other destructive behaviors besides a doomed relationship with other destructive bad behaviors and the lyrics would have the same meaning. (Alcoholism, drug abuse or other self destructive behaviors)
Thanks for posting this vid! I am a huge fan.
Superb talent
Hello !!
@Taylor510ceL9 The song "Wrong Road Again" was written by Allen Reynolds and released in 1974 as a single by Crystal Gayle under the United Artists label.
Wonderful song, and John can sure sing it
He piloted the Julia Belle Swain on the Illinois River and played banjo while clogging
on some river excursions. See the PBS video here on UA-cam.
Puts the so called new artists in their place ...Esp some of these new country...Haha .
yes, but live it didn't sound so much like a "swish" or a "scratch" it was a lot more "ca-thunk." Also, watching this clip, it occurs to me how much he approached the guitar as if it was a banjo.