← Back

John Hartford

John Hartford

Born: 1937-12-30 • New York City, New York, USA

John Cowan Hartford was an American folk, country and bluegrass composer and musician known for his mastery of the fiddle and banjo, as well as for his witty lyrics, unique vocal style, and extensive knowledge of Mississippi River lore. Hartford performed with a variety of ensembles throughout his career, and is perhaps best known for his solo performances where he would interchange the guitar, banjo, and fiddle from song to song. He also invented his own shuffle tap dance move, and clogged on an amplified piece of plywood while he played and sang.

Filmography
Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music poster
Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music
2019 • Self (archive footage)
Down from the Mountain poster
Down from the Mountain
2001 • Self
Nanci Griffith: Other Voices, Other Rooms poster
Nanci Griffith: Other Voices, Other Rooms
1993 • Self
Banjoes, Fiddles & Riverboats: John Hartford and the General Jackson poster
Banjoes, Fiddles & Riverboats: John Hartford and the General Jackson
1991 • Himself
The Return of the Beverly Hillbillies poster
The Return of the Beverly Hillbillies
1981 • Fiddle Player