Absolutely one of the all-time most beautiful songs, both lyrically and musically. There’s something about this combination of both voices, and the addition of Banjo. 🙂💕
Not a criticism mind you! Wonder why the producers didn’t spend any effort with microphone selection and placement. Is that a steel music stand seperating the two instruments. You sure hear a m wetalic timbre
This is not just a song - it's poetry. The imagery here is so vivid it conjures up movies in your mind. It makes you see, hear, smell, taste, feel - like no song I can think of. And the words are music in themselves; just to speak them or read them creates rhythm and melody and harmony - everything. "I dip my cup of soup back from a gurgling, crackling cauldron in some train-yard; my beard a rustling coal pile, and my dirty hat pulled low across my face." Ah, goose bumps! It's pure genius.
I agree with you, inky960. John Hartford had a poet's heart. I love this song, too. When I was a teenage boy I would restlessly wait for the hour each week when I could watch the opening of the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour on tv. This song opened the show and revealed John Hartford in the audience singing and playing Gentle On My Mind with his banjo. I swear, it was close to a mystical experience for me.
Always thought it would be impossible to pick one song as my favorite, but I think this one is it.... it inspired me to learn the banjo as a teenager in 1968, and now all these years later my wife of 29 years who lost her battle with cancer 5 years ago is always "Gentle On My Mind"
In 1969 I had tickets to a taping of The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour at CBS-TV in Los Angeles. I took my girlfriend even though she didn’t have a clue about his music. I tried to explain John Hartford’s “Gentle on My Mind” and how Glen would introduce himself in a high-pitched voice. We had front row seats. The show started and at the end of the first line, “Hi, I’m Glen Campbell.” She lost it, laughing uncontrollably, and they had to stop tape. We were evicted from the theater. Thanks Nanci, wherever you are! LOL Years later I had the pleasure of being around Glen numerous times as Kenny Rogers' Road Manager.
....I had a crush on,. " a thing " for John Hartford, from the first time I saw him perform.... It's like you can see the window to his Soul, through his eyes when he is singing....I'm not sure of a way to explain it ( in the way I always saw it ...). He was just 63 when he passed away in 2001.... but his Legacy of Songwriting/ Singing and Bluegrass Music will live on. Thank you. John, and Glen, for this beautiful song, ..I hope you smile from Heaven each time it's played. 🙏🏻✨️💫🤍
I really enjoyed my time with Glen Campbell and his band. The tour with John Hartford, Jim Stafford and Nicolette Larsen was a lot of fun and one of the funniest things was that John walked around with dental floss in his teeth after he'd eat. Good dental hygiene! He and his wife had t-shirts for sale with alot of funny saying about banjos on them. Just shows he didn't take himself too seriously. Great times and memories.
On this day in 1968 {September 14th} "Gentle On My Mind" by Glen Campbell entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; eventually it peaked at #39 and spent 9 weeks on the Top 100. It was originally released by Mr. Campbell a year earlier in 1967, at that time it reached #62. In 1969 Dean Martin covered it; his version peaked at #2 in the United Kingdom. Was composed by John Hartford, his recorded version won him a Grammy Award for 'Best Folk Performance'. May God bless & watch over Mr. Campbell.
I remember watching the Glen Campbell Good time Hour in the summer of 1969. I was 11 years old about to turn 12. He was the summer replacement for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Show. I want to thank you for posting this. NO one and I mean NO ONE can play the guitar like Glen As my Daddy would say, "he's got the gift."
As a kid I remember watching the Glen Campbell show with my mom and dad every week and loving it ! I always loved John Hartford ! What an awesome song he wrote and performed with Glen. ❤
It's knowin' that your door is always open And your path is free to walk That makes me tend to leave my sleepin' bag Rolled up and stashed behind your couch And it's knowin' I'm not shackled By forgotten words and bonds And the ink stains that are dried upon some line That keeps you in the backroads By the rivers of my memory It keeps you ever gentle on my mind It's not clingin' to the rocks and ivy Planted on their columns now that bind me Or something that somebody said Because they thought we fit together walkin' It's just knowing that the world will not be cursing Or forgiving when I walk along some railroad track and find That you're movin' on the backroads By the rivers of my memory And for hours you're just gentle on my mind Though the wheat fields and the clotheslines And the junkyards and the highways come between us And some other woman's cryin' to her mother 'Cause she turned, and I was gone I still might run in silence, tears of joy might stain my face And the summer sun might burn me 'til I'm blind But not to where I cannot see you walkin' on the backroads By the rivers flowing gentle on my mind I dip my cup of soup back from a gurglin' Cracklin' caldron in some train yard My beard a rough'nin', coal pile And a dirty hat pulled low across my face Through cupped hands 'round the tin can I pretend to hold you to my breast and find That you're waitin' from the backroads By the rivers of my memories Ever smilin' ever gentle on my mind
I have to disagree, John's voice has mesmerized since the first time I heard him sing or speak. LOVE LOVE LOVE John Hartford . One of the MOST under appreciated artist there ever was, both as composer & performer . R.I.P. John
I remember watching this when it first aired and was captivated by John Hartford looking directly at the camera while he sang his own his own song with Glen. No one had ever done that before! I believe this still is the most powerful transfer of emotion from a songwriter to a TV audience.
Over a period of time, this has become one of my all time favourite songs. Lyrically complex, heart warming. Been done by many fine artists, but nobody killed it quite like Glen. The world is a better place with stuff like this in it
I actually remember watching this when it aired way back when. I loved Glen's show for the talent it showcased, not to mention his own. John played with him every week.. Mostly at the opening, and at other times with other performers .. I saw him later on in the late 70's on his own.. He was always great. Tall buildings is a favorite .. Anyway, as to Glen.. As preveily
I was walking around Summerfest in Milwaukee hears a banjo on a stage and decided to sit a while. John Hartford was singing and dancing a rythm on a micd up piece of plywood, derby hat and all. Sun shining, cold beer. What a memory and bit of luck
This song reflects the era nicely.There is loads of stuff out there like this,Bobbie gentry is cool,takes you back to a time that will never come again,the spirit is in the music,nothing will take that away.
@MrSonny119 Can't agree more! That was an era when music and lyrics were something special. I am so glad that I was a part of that time. It's very sad that John Hartford is no longer with us and Glen Campbell is suffering from Alzheimer's. Thank goodness for youtube postings of a great time in pop music history.
Wow… this is definitely what I’d consider the best version (out of *MANY* different versions) I’ve ever heard of this beautiful song. A duet between the man who wrote and first recorded it, and the man who made it a massive hit. Perfect.
I first heard this song around 1967 or so when I was in the Army. Some friends had guitars and a banjo and I figured out the chords on both and the lyrics in about twenty minutes. I cannot read music so it took me a bit longer. One of the guys already knew the guitar chords and we played that song all night and many times after that. I still love the song and still play at it but arthritis in my hands is a killer. My son plays steel guitar and he lets me play from time to time. It is a bit easier for me. So far my legs are ok so I can manage the pedals and levers. beautiful song.
“It’s not clinging to the rocks & ivy, planted on their columns now that bind me...it’s just knowing that the world will not be cursing or forgiving as I walk along some railroad track and find...that for hours you’re just gentle on my mind.”
@ChicagoSouthDan Also, this song makes me think of my mother who died four years ago at age 91. About 35 years before her death, she was involved in caring for an elderly lady who had gone blind. The night telephone operators would call the lady to see how she was doing and to talk with her. After the lady's death, Mom wrote a complimentary letter about the operators that was printed in their employee newsletter. Mom said the ladies would always be "gentle on my mind".
The writer, John Hartford, did not have the best voice but his playing and laconic singing gave an extra soulfulness to this version. Glen Campbell changed his attack on this song from his recorded version yet gave it new dimension. Glen truly had a SOULFUL approach, the nuances in his voice were a special kind of Arkansas "hillbilly" SOUL. His voice surpasses many country-western singers who affect a country inflection but do not come by it honestly, as Glen Campbell did and does. Greatness.
Yes, Harry, musically it was an amazing time to be young. And yes, the "Beliebers" have no clue. How very sad that they don't know the impact of great lyrics.
Absolutely Wayne! If the lyrics to "Rock and Roll Heaven" are any indication, then yes, "you know they've got a hell of a band". And for sure, the 60s and 70s, definitely the golden era of pop music.
Fantastic song. Terrific musicians. Wonderful performance. And voices to die for. I really don't think it gets any better than this.... Thank you for posting.
John Hartford looks like a male version of Bobbie Gentry, like they could be bro and sis. I remember driving home one night and the radio announcing that John Hartford had died. I felt so sad, thinking how I used to listen to Gentle On My Mind as a child. What a great song.
They both did great here.. Notice how Glen sings it differently than the studio version .. Sliding effortlessly into the harmony on the last verse. These two always brought a smile to my heart.. John's gone, and when Glen leaves us.. It will be a sad day indeed. Great news though.. Just heard last week that Glen will be coming out with another album this summer.. Keep an ear out!
Absolutely one of the all-time most beautiful songs, both lyrically and musically. There’s something about this combination of both voices, and the addition of Banjo. 🙂💕
The songwriter has the song in his eyes. You can tell it belongs to him.
Sherie Tazelaar This is so true. What a great tribute you pay to Hartford. What would my generation have done without John Hartford and Glen Campbell.
I have always felt that these are the best lyrics ever written of any song I have ever heard. Always manages to bring a tear.
Not a criticism mind you!
Wonder why the producers didn’t spend any effort with microphone selection and placement. Is that a steel music stand seperating the two instruments. You sure hear a m wetalic timbre
This is not just a song - it's poetry. The imagery here is so vivid it conjures up movies in your mind. It makes you see, hear, smell, taste, feel - like no song I can think of. And the words are music in themselves; just to speak them or read them creates rhythm and melody and harmony - everything. "I dip my cup of soup back from a gurgling, crackling cauldron in some train-yard; my beard a rustling coal pile, and my dirty hat pulled low across my face." Ah, goose bumps! It's pure genius.
I agree with you, inky960. John Hartford had a poet's heart. I love this song, too. When I was a teenage boy I would restlessly wait for the hour each week when I could watch the opening of the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour on tv. This song opened the show and revealed John Hartford in the audience singing and playing Gentle On My Mind with his banjo. I swear, it was close to a mystical experience for me.
The most profound love song ever written. This is a beautiful version.
This is what a good song sounds like....
Actually this is what one of the 25 greatest songs sounds like.
balladeer45 no no
Not only a great musical talent, John Hartford was a licensed river boat captain. He captained the Julia Belle Swain out of Peoria, IL.
On the mighty Miss a sip?
Always thought it would be impossible to pick one song as my favorite, but I think this one is it.... it inspired me to learn the banjo as a teenager in 1968, and now all these years later my wife of 29 years who lost her battle with cancer 5 years ago is always "Gentle On My Mind"
And you, Danny Banks, are no doubt still gentle on her mind as well!
Wonderful to see songwriter and John form such a great duet. John is an ace banjo player, and gives the song such a wonderful accompaniment.
That's the Glen Campbell everyone wants to remember.
In 1969 I had tickets to a taping of The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour at CBS-TV in Los Angeles. I took my girlfriend even though she didn’t have a clue about his music. I tried to explain John Hartford’s “Gentle on My Mind” and how Glen would introduce himself in a high-pitched voice. We had front row seats. The show started and at the end of the first line, “Hi, I’m Glen Campbell.” She lost it, laughing uncontrollably, and they had to stop tape. We were evicted from the theater. Thanks Nanci, wherever you are! LOL Years later I had the pleasure of being around Glen numerous times as Kenny Rogers' Road Manager.
....I had a crush on,. " a thing " for John Hartford, from the first time I saw him perform....
It's like you can see the window to his Soul, through his eyes when he is singing....I'm not sure of a way to explain it ( in the way I always saw it ...). He was just 63 when he passed away in 2001.... but his Legacy of Songwriting/ Singing and Bluegrass Music will live on.
Thank you. John, and Glen, for this beautiful song, ..I hope you smile from Heaven each time it's played. 🙏🏻✨️💫🤍
I, too, had such a crush on John from day one. I can relate to everything you wrote. Such a gentle soul.
They were so young. Just a beautiful version.
I really enjoyed my time with Glen Campbell and his band. The tour with John Hartford, Jim Stafford and Nicolette Larsen was a lot of fun and one of the funniest things was that John walked around with dental floss in his teeth after he'd eat. Good dental hygiene! He and his wife had t-shirts for sale with alot of funny saying about banjos on them. Just shows he didn't take himself too seriously. Great times and memories.
John has a little Cash in his voice amd his phrasing. I can'rt get enough of these videos since Glen's passing. RIP Glen
This truly is the most beautiful song. Hartford's lyrics and tune are simply priceless. This is the kind of love song that makes you smile.
together again rip Glen and John
On this day in 1968 {September 14th} "Gentle On My Mind" by Glen Campbell entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; eventually it peaked at #39 and spent 9 weeks on the Top 100.
It was originally released by Mr. Campbell a year earlier in 1967, at that time it reached #62.
In 1969 Dean Martin covered it; his version peaked at #2 in the United Kingdom.
Was composed by John Hartford, his recorded version won him a Grammy Award for 'Best Folk Performance'.
May God bless & watch over Mr. Campbell.
I remember seeing this when it was first broadcast. Glad to have discovered it here
Glen lived about a mile from us in Phoenix. My dad would frequently see him at the golf course
I remember watching the Glen Campbell Good time Hour in the summer of 1969. I was 11 years old about to turn 12. He was the summer replacement for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Show. I want to thank you for posting this. NO one and I mean NO ONE can play the guitar like Glen As my Daddy would say, "he's got the gift."
black and white TV over here with those metal rabbit ears so long ago with mom & dad watching this
You must mean 1968 because TSB show was canceled in 1969 and The GC became a weekly series in January of that year.
Hello Kay, how are you doing today?
As a kid I remember watching the Glen Campbell show with my mom and dad every week and loving it ! I always loved John Hartford ! What an awesome song he wrote and performed with Glen. ❤
This is one of Glen Campbell‘s best songs. I just love it. It’s so cool.😎😁💖🎸
This is what America can, and should be.
It's knowin' that your door is always open
And your path is free to walk
That makes me tend to leave my sleepin' bag
Rolled up and stashed behind your couch
And it's knowin' I'm not shackled
By forgotten words and bonds
And the ink stains that are dried upon some line
That keeps you in the backroads
By the rivers of my memory
It keeps you ever gentle on my mind
It's not clingin' to the rocks and ivy
Planted on their columns now that bind me
Or something that somebody said
Because they thought we fit together walkin'
It's just knowing that the world will not be cursing
Or forgiving when I walk along some railroad track and find
That you're movin' on the backroads
By the rivers of my memory
And for hours you're just gentle on my mind
Though the wheat fields and the clotheslines
And the junkyards and the highways come between us
And some other woman's cryin' to her mother
'Cause she turned, and I was gone
I still might run in silence, tears of joy might stain my face
And the summer sun might burn me 'til I'm blind
But not to where I cannot see you walkin' on the backroads
By the rivers flowing gentle on my mind
I dip my cup of soup back from a gurglin'
Cracklin' caldron in some train yard
My beard a rough'nin', coal pile
And a dirty hat pulled low across my face
Through cupped hands 'round the tin can
I pretend to hold you to my breast and find
That you're waitin' from the backroads
By the rivers of my memories
Ever smilin' ever gentle on my mind
A sad day for music. A great talent. Condolences to his family and to those who were fortunate enough to have been part of his amazing career.
I have to disagree, John's voice has mesmerized since the first time I heard him sing or speak. LOVE LOVE LOVE John Hartford . One of the MOST under appreciated artist there ever was, both as composer & performer . R.I.P. John
Hello friend, how are you doing today?
Had a teen age crush on John Hartford... got to see him at Valley View Park in central PA in the late 70's... he was awesome. RIP
The lyrics to this are amazing, such a gift to be able write something like this. To think, also, that it only took him 15 minutes to write !
Be thankful that this still exists. I remember watching it when I was a kid.
I remember watching this when it first aired and was captivated by John Hartford looking directly at the camera while he sang his own his own song with Glen. No one had ever done that before! I believe this still is the most powerful transfer of emotion from a songwriter to a TV audience.
A pair of talented guys. RIP John. Keep Glen in your prayers.
Over a period of time, this has become one of my all time favourite songs. Lyrically complex, heart warming. Been done by many fine artists, but nobody killed it quite like Glen. The world is a better place with stuff like this in it
Great !!!! Song ! / sad about John gone now that/ Glen on his way too. Both artists were a blessing to this old world.
I actually remember watching this when it aired way back when. I loved Glen's show for the talent it showcased, not to mention his own. John played with him every week.. Mostly at the opening, and at other times with other performers .. I saw him later on in the late 70's on his own.. He was always great. Tall buildings is a favorite .. Anyway, as to Glen.. As preveily
I was walking around Summerfest in Milwaukee hears a banjo on a stage and decided to sit a while. John Hartford was singing and dancing a rythm on a micd up piece of plywood, derby hat and all. Sun shining, cold beer. What a memory and bit of luck
Met JH one time. I was but a kid. He had a denim jacket on, was very nice and definitely a cool breeze. Miss him. RIP John.
2 dislikes , really. Oh well you just can't make people appreciate truly soulful music.
Absolutely outstanding- nobody could ever beat .
What a fine set of lyrics. John Hartford was an incredible talent and a truly fine performer. Sure do miss him.
Amazing lyrics - real poetry put to a beautiful tune !
This song reflects the era nicely.There is loads of stuff out there like this,Bobbie gentry is cool,takes you back to a time that will never come again,the spirit is in the music,nothing will take that away.
I am crying. You guys, you are just gentle on my mind.
Hello friend, how are you doing today?
Thanks for all the Music Glen!
a one-in-a-million perfect blend of songwriter and artist in a tune that I will never get tired of listening to
@MrSonny119 Can't agree more! That was an era when music and lyrics were something special. I am so glad that I was a part of that time. It's very sad that John Hartford is no longer with us and Glen Campbell is suffering from Alzheimer's. Thank goodness for youtube postings of a great time in pop music history.
Wow… this is definitely what I’d consider the best version (out of *MANY* different versions) I’ve ever heard of this beautiful song. A duet between the man who wrote and first recorded it, and the man who made it a massive hit. Perfect.
Happy Birthday Glen Campbell! R.I.P. John Hartford. Thanks for all the great music.
A mighty performance. Brilliant song and delivery.
Hello friend, how are you doing today?
A perfect union of songwriter and artist.
can bring a tear to a grown man's eyes *nostalgic*
I had a crush on John Hartford back in the day. Great song, thanks.
I first heard this song around 1967 or so when I was in the Army. Some friends had guitars and a banjo and I figured out the chords on both and the lyrics in about twenty minutes. I cannot read music so it took me a bit longer. One of the guys already knew the guitar chords and we played that song all night and many times after that. I still love the song and still play at it but arthritis in my hands is a killer. My son plays steel guitar and he lets me play from time to time. It is a bit easier for me. So far my legs are ok so I can manage the pedals and levers. beautiful song.
So true. John was the best. He made Glen Campbell's music.
Its a Great old Classic by John Hartford and Glen Campbell.
Absolutely magnificent. WOW
“It’s not clinging to the rocks & ivy, planted on their columns now that bind me...it’s just knowing that the world will not be cursing or forgiving as I walk along some railroad track and find...that for hours you’re just gentle on my mind.”
When they sing together in harmony, you can see the mutual admiration.
"Tears of joy might stain my face". That line just amazes me everytime!
What a perfect blend of songwriter and artist!! :)
A simpler time, so beautiful - these two were so great together. Thank you.
@ChicagoSouthDan Also, this song makes me think of my mother who died four years ago at age 91. About 35 years before her death, she was involved in caring for an elderly lady who had gone blind. The night telephone operators would call the lady to see how she was doing and to talk with her. After the lady's death, Mom wrote a complimentary letter about the operators that was printed in their employee newsletter. Mom said the ladies would always be "gentle on my mind".
The writer, John Hartford, did not have the best voice but his playing and laconic singing gave an extra soulfulness to this version. Glen Campbell changed his attack on this song from his recorded version yet gave it new dimension. Glen truly had a SOULFUL approach, the nuances in his voice were a special kind of Arkansas "hillbilly" SOUL. His voice surpasses many country-western singers who affect a country inflection but do not come by it honestly, as Glen Campbell did and does. Greatness.
Loved this -- thanks -- that was one of the best variety shows of all time -- he had great guests -- good music.
Glen was always amazing.....thanks for the share redbaron...!!
Hello friend, How are you doing today?
ABSOLUTELY!! Lynn, you are so right!!
We love you! Rest in Peace Glen!
Love banjo music.
John's style and talent is the best I've heard.
Glen is my favorite musician and singer.
Two of the most talented people ever born.
What a time this was to be young! Sorry Justin Beiber generation, you'll never understand.
Yes, Harry, musically it was an amazing time to be young. And yes, the "Beliebers" have no clue. How very sad that they don't know the impact of great lyrics.
Absolutely Wayne! If the lyrics to "Rock and Roll Heaven" are any indication, then yes, "you know they've got a hell of a band". And for sure, the 60s and 70s, definitely the golden era of pop music.
How great to feature the person who wrote the song.
holy crap this is a great performance
Terrific song, wonderful performance.
Fantastic song. Terrific musicians. Wonderful performance. And voices to die for. I really don't think it gets any better than this.... Thank you for posting.
That was freaking fabulous. Love the banjo.
What families watched together Saturday night, once upon a time.
I love how John adds a riff from Wichita Lineman at the very end.
Both of them---AWESOME....LEGENDS!!!!!
Glen was an incredible story teller. One of the best of all time!
One of the Greatest to be ever written.
Priceless music history here...
Stunning to this day...
John Hartford looks like a male version of Bobbie Gentry, like they could be bro and sis. I remember driving home one night and the radio announcing that John Hartford had died. I felt so sad, thinking how I used to listen to Gentle On My Mind as a child. What a great song.
They remained friends for life.
I remember seeing that live when it first aired marveling at the awesome harmonies in this version. Timeless. Thanks so much for posting!
The man is a legend what else can I say about him that hasn't already been said.
2 VERY talented guys....
Beautiful ❤
Big memories!!!
Wish I could have met John Hartford.
Damn, that was a beautiful version! Glen's singing is truly a world wonder--thanks for sharing.
They both did great here.. Notice how Glen sings it differently than the studio version .. Sliding effortlessly into the harmony on the last verse. These two always brought a smile to my heart.. John's gone, and when Glen leaves us.. It will be a sad day indeed. Great news though.. Just heard last week that Glen will be coming out with another album this summer.. Keep an ear out!
One of the greatest songs ever written.
Memories of the cold winter of my Frosh year @ Middlesex Co. College, Edison NJ
This is just beautiful. Thank you.
I remember watching this on TV when it aired.
John Hartford, Jerry Jeff Walker, Leo Kottke, Dave Bromberg, such music!
Four great ones.
Simply....Magical.
just magic, john greatest banjo player america ever had
I watched this show first run! They taught me how to play guitar.
MAJOR THANK YOU FOR POSTING!!!
Perfectly stated and completely on!