What sort of bloke knows and sincerely appreciates musicians as diverse as John Hartford, Karen Carpenter, and rock artists? A guy who knows unknown talents from backwaters as well as big name musicians. An extremely open-minded, knowledgeable bloke. That is the owner of this channel. In an Internet full of troll denigration, he is a breath of fresh air.
Fil does as they should be appreciated. Because most of these are generational talents, from Glen to Karen to David Gates, to John Denver. He shows me what my ears have known for decades, these are otherwordly talented people.
Nice, Fil! When John Hartford died, on his back porch they found a library card catalog cabinet full of songs, fragments of songs never finished, and songs that should have been recorded, but weren't. Songwriter's songwriter. I saw him 70's. Amazing to see someone play banjo, harmonica in a rack, and do percussion by dancing on a mic'ed sheet of wood. RIP John and Glen. Thanks.
I saw John Hartford do the same act as you have described in Atlanta GA. Absolutely fascinating to be sitting in the presence of genius!! I consider myself lucky to have seen him in person.
I grew up in that house and I can attest to the fact that he had more amazing unrecorded songs than most people could ever imagine 💙 That was my PepPaw and the man who raised me so I was blessed to have had a amazing life and got to do more by 12yrs old than most people ever get to do. He was such an incredible person and one of the most amazingly talented musicians to ever walk this planet 💙 I love him with all my heart and miss him every single day but have so many great memories that he and I shared and I don’t have a proper word to express how grateful and how much I loved him. Miss you Everyday my PepPaw 💙😔
Omg omg I just found this. We used to watch Glen Campbell when I was little, and you knw who I had the BIGGEST Crush on? John Hartford. Must be the Banjo. I love that Glen always gave John Hartford credit.
Gentle on my Mind is possibly one of the greatest songs ever. Of the many versions of this song I can truthfully say that I have never heard a bad one. Glen always had a lot of respect and deep profound gratitude to John for this great song. Here we have both the writer and the singer who made it a world hit, but hearing them both performing it together is just out of this world. In a hundred years time when a lot of songs will be forgotten Gentle on My Mind will still be performed. This song will always be a evergreen and forever be on our minds.
I went to see John Hartford at a crafts fair in West Virginia in 1982. Most people there early were there for the crafts fair. I was there only for John Hartford. He had set up in a field about 50 yards from where the crafts fair was set up. I saw him and walked over just as he began playing. No one else was there. John, his banjo, his mic'ed plywood plank and me. I walked over about 10 yards from him and he played several numbers for his audience of one, including Gentle on My Mind. I was standing there smiling, amazed at the turn of events. As he played he looked off into the distance, but every now and then he'd look at me and wink or smile. After a while, some other people started wandering over. Amazing experience.
What a unique experience, John was a close friend to my older sister and she had so many wonderful experiences with him. She spoke at his memorial as well as John helped her out on a couple of obscure albums that honoured the mountain dulcimer. He played and sang with on them and was absolutely thrilled to participate and make some old classics for posterity. A one of a kind.
Thanks again FIL for your willingness to keep these older generations of people that played when I was a kid and I used to watch Glenn Campbell do his thing and control the room and yes Glenn Campbell was a class act telling that john wrote the song
Thanks much for this one. Hartford was a brilliant song writer. I've been a Hartford fan for years, but you've pointed out some things I never noticed.
Glen only played and sang his hits... but it’s Glen!! He turns these songs into gold, Wichita lineman is one of the most radio played songs in history. It’s written by Jimmy Webb...
Richard Harris made two albums exclusively comprised of Jemmy Webb songs. "A tramp Shining" and "The Yard went on Forever". I also consider these two albums classics.
Your knowledge of all types of music, and understanding of the sutilties that make certain players masters is phenomenal. Your reviews are the best on RUclips!
Glen is an amazing guitar player, and forever will he be remembered for that. But what a truly beautiful voice he had aswell, magnificent. And thank you John for the wonderful song, much appreciated
Multi-talented guy. He was on the Smother's Brothers TV show, then moved to Glen Campbell's Summer Replacement show. Yeah, I'm that old to remember. His live shows included fiddling with soft shoe tapping the rhythm. There are vids of his old shows. He collected old songs and called himself a librarian. Later he became a Mississippi River Steamboat captain.
John was my Grandfather and he raised me from the time I was about four until he passed away in ‘01. Actually if you want to get into specifics John Hartford is my father because he adopted me and gave me a life that was amazing considering I spent a lot of my childhood on the tour bus going with him and my Grandmother to all his gigs and hell before my 13birthday I had been to 48states and have seen more things that most people don’t get to see in a lifetime. But I have to say that he was just My PepPaw and I miss him every day. So I wanted to thank you for this video and for all of the wonderful little things that he did while playing that unless you love and know music would never notice or appreciate it. So from a man who was blessed to have spent more time with him and watching him play more shows than I ever could count and to see him coming off the road he would sit at our dining room table with his fiddle,dat machine, and Tape Recorder and watch him play into the recorder and then listen to it back and then he would do that for more time than anyone would think a 3 time Grammy winner and well respected musicians would spend his spare time practicing his music because it was his passion and love. So once again thank you so very much for being so knowledgeable about him and his playing 😊❤
Thanks for getting more people to know about john Hartford , I found him thur Billy Strings < All FALL DOWN cover > and have been a fan ever since ! thanks again and my all your dreams be carried on a steam powered Aereo plane
I saw John Hartford in Milwaukee many years ago. One man show. He danced on a piece of plywood to make a rhythm while he played banjo or fiddle or guitar. Just great
I came to the Glen Campbell game late. When I learned all about the wrecking crew I really started paying attention to Glen and especially his amazing guitar playing. Love that Ovation 12 string guitar. Wound have loved to see Glen go nuts with that in solo. I had never seen this video, good job!
"Gentle on My Mind" is one of the absolute best songs (lyric and music together) I've heard in my life (I'm 61). But then I'm a man of words. Thanks for this.
Glad you posted this. I met John Hartford in Bristol, TN back in the early 70's at a Bluegrass Festival. Yeah, Glenn made it famous, but John wrote a lot of great songs. Johns favorite song for me was Steam Powered Aeroplane. The NewGrass Revival covered and recorded an awesome version of this song. I love how you do some Americana music.
Another absolutely delightful video; I am very grateful that a young cat like you is recognizing Glen & John in this way. Your eyes convey so much joy and wonderment.
So pleased to discover that you already did an analysis of John Hartford and one with him and Glenn Campbell. I think they helped each other getting themselves noticed in the music world. For me the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour which was fun to watch with lots of good music. And I noticed John's banjo getting louder and softer with the singing. Musicians didnt always have technology. They had to learn how to do it through the use of their hands. Glen Campbell did a lot for bringing attention to great song writers and other musicians. Thank you!
I bought the sheet music for this back in the late 70s and its still in pristine condition. The song is too! Bro, don't you get any rest? Thanks for your efforts. Your a good man. 👍
Good point. Fil IS A Good Man! I don't think he ever rests. Well then , does he have an Android phone? Is Fil actually a robot? Nah, robots can't ENJOY the MUSIC like Brother Fil Does!!! WE LOVE YOU FIL!! ( just don't run away to a English talent show & do a strip)! HA HA. HA
I absolutely love this guy an accomplished musician himself and very intelligent. He has so much respect generosity for all the people he's looking at. I'm certain Glenn and Johnny are very classy guys but so is he. Gentle on my mind is one of my favorites.
I really enjoy your videos. You catch things I never even thought of. I don’t know which I enjoy the most -watching the performances, or seeing how much you’re loving the moments of greatness.
Yup, the song was so good when it came out in the 60s that it was startling. It stuck out like some of Leonard Cohen's writing and Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now", even during that time of one massive, boundary-pushing song after another by bands in every corner of the musical landscape.
John is so disgustingly talented as a songwriter. His albums "The Love Album" and "Housing Project" are criminally unknown. Some of my favorite lyrics of all time comes from those albums. I recomend songs such as "A Simple Thing As Love", "I'm Still Here", "I Didn't Know The World Would Last This Long", "This Eve of Parting".
You are correct sir, not only was Glen not classically trained, he couldn't read music. All that is by ear. On this song though, the Lyrics just slay me. The story it tells, you can visualize theses Hobos " riding the rails" ( hopping the freight cars) from one town to another. Gathering up in a Hobo Camp,...."I dip my cup of soup up from a crackling, gurgling cauldron in some freight yard". Beautifully phrased. He's bringing me along with him in his story. Bravo Mr. Hartford! Thnx Fil, Shaka Bro'🤙
Fil, love that you are loving these classic players. Glen, Chet, Jerry Reed, Roy, just to name a few, were way beyond their years. Huge players who influenced so many people. One person who was also is phenomenal player is James Burton. Check him out. Love your channel, bro.
I think the musicians from this era just loved performing together and it wasn't the competition it is today. I get the impression today's singers are more interested in putting on the big show and the fancy costumes than the actual performance itself. It's somehow not as relaxed as I'd expect. Ah well ...I'm old wth do I know.. Thank you for this Fil. Two of my heroes here.🎼🖤
Well hats off to the River Boat Captain. I've been a John Hartford fan since the Mid 70's. They had a Chanel in California on FM called KFAT. That played real music. And I got my education there. It was actually a channel my Mom always had on. But I loved John Hartford and his version hands down on Gentle on my mind. If you watch other videos where he is by himself singing that it's like he is singing about himself. Where as You can't get that from Glen Campbell from this song!!!! Keep bringing me more great stuff glad I found your channel.
KFAT and KPIG were a fixture of life in my hometown of Santa Cruz. Gilroy supplied me with all the alternative non- commercial music long ago, a staple at many of the construction jobs I was working at. This particular song has lyrics that are so powerful. John Hartford obviously had a thoughtful heart full of life’s happiest and saddest themes
@johnbonnell5463 I lived over the hill in San Jose. KFAT introduced me to alot of great music. I loved things from the old blue grass to Flaco Jimenez.
The #1 bassist for The Wrecking Crew - was Carol Kaye - a woman. She was initially a jazz guitarist - but one day, the bassist didn't show, so she offered to sub in . . . and the rest is history. The bass intro on The Beachboys' "Good Vibrations"?!? That's Carol. The bass line to the them song for "Hawaii Five-0"?!? that's Carol, also. Sonny & Cher's "The Beat Goes On"?!? Carol. She wrote books on bass playing, and was one of my heroes, all my life as a working Musician. Glen Campbell was a member of The Wrecking Crew - as was Leon Russell. All those guys - they backed everyone from Frank Sinatra, to The Beachboys, to Sonny & Cher . . . and played on most of the theme songs of most TV shows from the late '60s and onwards. They were amazing . . . (Guess who the guitarist was on "The Champs" recording of "Tequila"?!?
I really enjoy how you inform us listeners about the various things we may not be aware of ie: who actually wrote the song, why they tone down playing or singing etc. The way you impart this information is extremely well done. It's informative but not with a " listen up because I know " tone. I'm very pleased that I found your postings & will continue to look forward to other posts.
We banjo pickers are a different breed...we don't call them 'sequences'. They are called 'rolls'...and, banjos do not have tuning machines. Banjos have pegs. We'll let it slide...THIS time! LOL! Hartford is one of my all-time favs. THanks, Fil.
It's really kind of you to highlight John Hartford's talent. He's something of a forgotten hero. I was just a child when this music came out but my folks were into EVERYTHING. Coming from a family where we ALL played multiple instruments and sang, as a group, we'd always wind up playing and singing songs like these which are deceivingly simple-sounding but hard to nail. it flexes your muscles. I love that you cared enough to post this & that you give props to Glen Campbell for being a superlative interpreter of other writers' lyrics and melodies. It's what made him popular across musical genres and got him his own variety TV Show. I think about Wichita Lineman, and the ONLY other singer/player who ever came as close to GC was maybe Dwight Yoakam on his Under The Covers CD. He takes a totally different path, but he had to because GC will own that song forever. Thanks for covering Country. I'm more of a straight Rock person myself, but growing up as part of a sibling Folk act gives one an appreciation for Country which is just a half-step away from Soul, really.
Hartford grew up just a few miles from where I did in St. Louis. I never got to meet him, but we had some intersections in our lives. Once he had some musical and financial success, he decided to follow another passion in his life and become a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers in the 70's. About the same time, I was working a boat on the Illinois as a cook and a deckhand. Later, my mandolin instructor and mentor, Curtis Buckhannon, told me that Harford was just one of the musicians in the area when he was growing up and he jammed with him a fair amount. Stil later, I took some workshops from another mandolin great, Mike Compton, who used to be in bands that Hartford led. Hartford had an incredible concept that I think every band should try. It is described in the liner notes of the Hartford CD "The Speed of the Old Long Bow." Hartford called it the "window concept." Every 8 bars in a tune, all the instruments in the band change roles, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, percussion, bass lines, etc. Harford lists like 12 different possibilities. But here's the thing: It's all spontaneous. Nobody knows what anyone else is going to do when the change happens. If someone sounds wrong, they have to adjust immediately. It's a way to get a band really tight and listening to each other. And the music that can come out of it is completely unique. It was like a fusion of jazz and American old-time stringband music. I asked Compton about it at a workshop in Bloomington, Indiana and he said doing windows with Hartford was one of the most mind-blowing things he's ever done as a musician. A few of us at the workshop got to try it with Compton. It was incredible!
Hartford is thought of mostly as a banjo player, but he was a fine fiddler also. Linked is a performance of Harford and Mike Compton of the old-time tune "The Squirrel Hunters." The title of the tune refers to a group of citizen soldiers who came together on short notice and successfully defended Cincinnati, Ohio during the Civil War against the Confederates after the regular Union Army had been defeated. The tune is deceptively hard to play. Also FWIW, in addition to Hartford, Compton was a protege' of Bill Monroe, the father of Bluegrass. You can definitely hear that in his lead break starting at 1:05. I have always thought Compton was smoother than Monroe, though. ruclips.net/video/gV98pfwsM3k/видео.html
mmmm. Love this so much. I commented before, but hard not to pay homage each time I pass through. Thanks for such thoughtful commentary on two incredible musicians. Hartford, beloved. Glenn Campbell, always always a class act.
Thanks Fil for these amazing videos. I learned so much. You are able to pick out such incredible things in these great musicians. Simply cause you are one of them. (In your case), It takes one to know one. You are great!
I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure that the little three-note riff that Hartford threw in at the end was a quote from the "Twilight Zone" theme, and was, in the context of this kind of music, a canny bit of "outside [to use the jazz term]", or even Debussyian, ornamentation. But, more importantly, Hartford is a treasure to be sure, and Campbell was a quintessentially American virtuosic original on the level of Earl Scruggs or Doc Watson. I was a twelve-year-old in junior high school when this show was first aired on American TV, and even then, I intuitively sensed that the much-touted anarchic and petulantly "rebellious" trends of the late sixties were being tempered by a venerable musical inheritance that was steeped in tradition and time-honored craftsmanship, and that this "archaic" grounding prevented much of the music of that time from coming apart at the seams.
As a banjo player and John Hartford fan, I'd also like to point out that he also moves his right hand closer to the fingerboard to give the banjo a rounder, more mellow sound on the vocal part. He moves towards the bridge to get a sharper tone to stand out between them. Subtle, but important. That guy was an endless library of right hand patterns.
Another great analysis on two great musicians. Every time I watch one of your videos I get more inspired to try harder at my own playing which is amateurish at best. You Rock Bro best channel ever.
Just brilliant!! Two amazing accomplished musicians making it look so easy!!!! I was so lucky that my mother loved these guys and gave me the availability to appreciate how legendary they are!!!!! Great vid Fil !!!!!
Fil..i really dig your wide range of interest...and recognizing the people who have left us with memories of great music..sounds good today as it did 40 years ago!
Thank you for these terrific vids honoring true masters. There's so much to say about Glen and John Hartford, but the poetry and beauty of John's lyrics here is absolutely sublime.
Discovered John Hartford when I watched the Down from the mountain dvd after Oh Brother Where Art Thou. It was pretty obvious everyone held him in high regard, so spent a few years obsessing on his music. So sad he is gone, but such a fascinating life.
You're truly a fantastic musician, Fil! Your explanation of Glen and John's playing style is truly just brilliant! You made me understand a different facet of John as a musician. I'm not a musician at ALL, so I only appreciated him on one level before. Now I will begin to listen to him in a new light, and I thank you for that! Well done!!!
I believe that Gentle On My Mind was the first record I actually bought. I remember seeing this when it was on Glen's show around 1968. The feeling I had watching this as an almost teenager, I would later recall, in 1995, as I sat in the audience of the Grand Old Opry, listening to a friend of mine in a band on stage. Like being home. And this, as you described was the utmost of class. I wish we had a video of Glen singing These Days.
Hello Fil - You are truly a breath of fresh air on RUclips. Your keen musical insight and obvious love for all things musical is very apparent in each of your videos. I am amazed that a rocker, and young guy such as yourself has a such a pure, kind, and very old soul. Thank you for posting all of your videos - All of these musicians are my mentors and heroes when I was growing up as a beginner guitar player in the 60s. I'm hooked and I have to watch at least one or two of your videos each nigh before I go to bed. Keep up the good work!!
A short version of "Gentle" was played at the start of The Glen Campbell Show as a theme song. Here, Glen's intro refers to the fact that they had done a number of shows already without a full version and they were getting mail requesting a live full version.
In addition to being one of America’s foremost bluegrass pickers, John studied to become a Mississippi and Tennessee riverboat pilot: easily one of the most challenging skills to which one could aspire. His song, “Kentucky Pool,” is excellent commentary on the mixture of his two loves: banjo and riverboat piloting.
It is not really my kind of music, but who can not be charmed by that melody played so exquisitely. I really appreciate you including some Django Rheinhard, Glenn Campbell etc.. Top players of any style deserve their kudos and deserve to serve as an inspiration.
Know the song, heard John's name before. Never had a face or voice to add. Glen is giving his due and proper, a habit that will add years to his career. Really good. There is a sense of ease, a natural warmth of familiarity; the song takes you in and embraces you. Some of my 1st memories (late 60's early 70's..yup) ridin' with my dad in the Bronco hearing this song on the radio and others that were similar in the simplicity and style. Brings back really good memories...Thanx Fil! ROCK!
I must also add it's nice that since I became a subscriber you have really begun to showcase and analyze different genres, you may have already been doing so but it is great to see and hear your analysis of great guitar players regardless of what genre it is!
John was also a river boat captain, paddle wheeler on the Big Muddy. He was always fascinated as a kid. If I remember correctly it came from reading Mark Twain.
Was not a big country fan but they played this on the station I listen to Back Then they played every type of music on the same radio station Soul country rock R&B and you got to hear every type of music on a 4 Hour show and learned to appreciate it all good music is good music and you explain it so well Phil and talent is Talent
Just noticed that your subscribers has really climbed, GOOD FOR YOU FIL. Hope you get lots more, I sometimes wish that you would slow down your explanations for us dummies that don't play, but the more I listen the more I get out of it. Thanks for your videos buddy.
I did some sessions with John Hartford at Amy Bell Studios in New York. Most of the stuff we did was never released, just a few things with Bill/Barbra Amesbury.
What sort of bloke knows and sincerely appreciates musicians as diverse as John Hartford, Karen Carpenter, and rock artists? A guy who knows unknown talents from backwaters as well as big name musicians. An extremely open-minded, knowledgeable bloke. That is the owner of this channel. In an Internet full of troll denigration, he is a breath of fresh air.
Thanks!
Fil always amazes me, too. His incredible bank of knowledge is mystifying.
Facts that’s why I always come back always mind blown at the wide diverse reviews done it’s so awesome
Fil does as they should be appreciated. Because most of these are generational talents, from Glen to Karen to David Gates, to John Denver. He shows me what my ears have known for decades, these are otherwordly talented people.
@wingsofpegasus because you are Fil, so refreshing and insightful. I could not say it better than the comment here.
Nice, Fil!
When John Hartford died, on his back porch they found a library card catalog cabinet full of songs, fragments of songs never finished, and songs that should have been recorded, but weren't. Songwriter's songwriter. I saw him 70's. Amazing to see someone play banjo, harmonica in a rack, and do percussion by dancing on a mic'ed sheet of wood.
RIP John and Glen. Thanks.
Amen.
Yes JH fantastic picker and written. "Back in the good days"
they are actually releasing a book of his fiddle tune sheet music
Hartford's mammoth collection, seek it out
I saw John Hartford do the same act as you have described in Atlanta GA. Absolutely fascinating to be sitting in the presence of genius!! I consider myself lucky to have seen him in person.
I grew up in that house and I can attest to the fact that he had more amazing unrecorded songs than most people could ever imagine 💙 That was my PepPaw and the man who raised me so I was blessed to have had a amazing life and got to do more by 12yrs old than most people ever get to do. He was such an incredible person and one of the most amazingly talented musicians to ever walk this planet 💙 I love him with all my heart and miss him every single day but have so many great memories that he and I shared and I don’t have a proper word to express how grateful and how much I loved him. Miss you Everyday my PepPaw 💙😔
Omg omg I just found this. We used to watch Glen Campbell when I was little, and you knw who I had the BIGGEST Crush on? John Hartford.
Must be the Banjo.
I love that Glen always gave John Hartford credit.
Gentle on my Mind is possibly one of the greatest songs ever. Of the many versions of this song I can truthfully say that I have never heard a bad one.
Glen always had a lot of respect and deep profound gratitude to John for this great song.
Here we have both the writer and the singer who made it a world hit, but hearing them both performing it together is just out of this world.
In a hundred years time when a lot of songs will be forgotten Gentle on My Mind will still be performed.
This song will always be a evergreen and forever be on our minds.
It is a very, simple, full song, the first record I ever bought. It was a 45. I love the song.
I went to see John Hartford at a crafts fair in West Virginia in 1982. Most people there early were there for the crafts fair. I was there only for John Hartford. He had set up in a field about 50 yards from where the crafts fair was set up. I saw him and walked over just as he began playing. No one else was there. John, his banjo, his mic'ed plywood plank and me. I walked over about 10 yards from him and he played several numbers for his audience of one, including Gentle on My Mind. I was standing there smiling, amazed at the turn of events. As he played he looked off into the distance, but every now and then he'd look at me and wink or smile. After a while, some other people started wandering over. Amazing experience.
What a unique experience, John was a close friend to my older sister and she had so many wonderful experiences with him. She spoke at his memorial as well as John helped her out on a couple of obscure albums that honoured the mountain dulcimer. He played and sang with on them and was absolutely thrilled to participate and make some old classics for posterity. A one of a kind.
Beautiful memory.
How lucky you were to have experienced that.
A wonderful experience!
Wow that is amazing! Those type of situations are so magical
I Love the diversity of your musical interests and tastes.
Thanks for sharing them with us!
You Must be a Great teacher because your enjoyment SHOWS!!
No problem!
I too like how open minded fil seems to be on his analysis good job fil
Thanks again FIL for your willingness to keep these older generations of people that played when I was a kid and I used to watch Glenn Campbell do his thing and control the room and yes Glenn Campbell was a class act telling that john wrote the song
Thanks much for this one. Hartford was a brilliant song writer. I've been a Hartford fan for years, but you've pointed out some things I never noticed.
No problem!
Ditto on Hartford
Glen only played and sang his hits... but it’s Glen!! He turns these songs into gold, Wichita lineman is one of the most radio played songs in history. It’s written by Jimmy Webb...
Richard Harris made two albums exclusively comprised of Jemmy Webb songs. "A tramp Shining" and "The Yard went on Forever". I also consider these two albums classics.
Your knowledge of all types of music, and understanding of the sutilties that make certain players masters is phenomenal. Your reviews are the best on RUclips!
Thanks!
Glen is an amazing guitar player, and forever will he be remembered for that. But what a truly beautiful voice he had aswell, magnificent.
And thank you John for the wonderful song, much appreciated
Multi-talented guy. He was on the Smother's Brothers TV show, then moved to Glen Campbell's Summer Replacement show. Yeah, I'm that old to remember.
His live shows included fiddling with soft shoe tapping the rhythm. There are vids of his old shows. He collected old songs and called himself a librarian. Later he became a Mississippi River Steamboat captain.
I used to watch that show! I discovered John Hartford on that show!!
I might be wrong but it seems to me that John played this song first on tv, was a long time ago for sure😂
Two wonderful giants of music that will live on. Thank you Fil for this video.
John was my Grandfather and he raised me from the time I was about four until he passed away in ‘01. Actually if you want to get into specifics John Hartford is my father because he adopted me and gave me a life that was amazing considering I spent a lot of my childhood on the tour bus going with him and my Grandmother to all his gigs and hell before my 13birthday I had been to 48states and have seen more things that most people don’t get to see in a lifetime. But I have to say that he was just My PepPaw and I miss him every day. So I wanted to thank you for this video and for all of the wonderful little things that he did while playing that unless you love and know music would never notice or appreciate it. So from a man who was blessed to have spent more time with him and watching him play more shows than I ever could count and to see him coming off the road he would sit at our dining room table with his fiddle,dat machine, and Tape Recorder and watch him play into the recorder and then listen to it back and then he would do that for more time than anyone would think a 3 time Grammy winner and well respected musicians would spend his spare time practicing his music because it was his passion and love. So once again thank you so very much for being so knowledgeable about him and his playing 😊❤
👍!
Thanks for getting more people to know about john Hartford , I found him thur Billy Strings < All FALL DOWN cover > and have been a fan ever since ! thanks again and my all your dreams be carried on a steam powered Aereo plane
Glen left his stamp of approval ,like it was his own song. amazing talent
I saw John Hartford in Milwaukee many years ago. One man show. He danced on a piece of plywood to make a rhythm while he played banjo or fiddle or guitar. Just great
Nice!
I came to the Glen Campbell game late. When I learned all about the wrecking crew I really started paying attention to Glen and especially his amazing guitar playing. Love that Ovation 12 string guitar. Wound have loved to see Glen go nuts with that in solo. I had never seen this video, good job!
Spot on comments about Hartford. Both were totally classy musicians. Thanks.
"Gentle on My Mind" is one of the absolute best songs (lyric and music together) I've heard in my life (I'm 61). But then I'm a man of words. Thanks for this.
It's just a perfectly crafted song. Melodically and lyrically.
Glad you posted this. I met John Hartford in Bristol, TN back in the early 70's at a Bluegrass Festival. Yeah, Glenn made it famous, but John wrote a lot of great songs. Johns favorite song for me was Steam Powered Aeroplane. The NewGrass Revival covered and recorded an awesome version of this song. I love how you do some Americana music.
Cool!
Love your analysis,Glen Campbell was an awesome talent ,as was John Hartford !
I remember watching this on 📺 with my parents…..two outstanding musicians 👏👏👏👏👏
Glen hosted a musical variety TV show from 1969 - 1972. John was a regular member of the cast and Gentle On My Mind was used as the show's theme song.
Another absolutely delightful video; I am very grateful that a young cat like you is recognizing Glen & John in this way. Your eyes convey so much joy and wonderment.
Thanks!
So pleased to discover that you already did an analysis of John Hartford and one with him and Glenn Campbell. I think they helped each other getting themselves noticed in the music world. For me the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour which was fun to watch with lots of good music. And I noticed John's banjo getting louder and softer with the singing. Musicians didnt always have technology. They had to learn how to do it through the use of their hands. Glen Campbell did a lot for bringing attention to great song writers and other musicians. Thank you!
I bought the sheet music for this back in the late 70s and its still in pristine condition. The song is too!
Bro, don't you get any rest? Thanks for your efforts. Your a good man. 👍
Good point. Fil IS A Good Man! I don't think he ever rests. Well then , does he have an Android phone? Is Fil actually a robot? Nah, robots can't ENJOY the MUSIC like Brother Fil Does!!! WE LOVE YOU FIL!! ( just don't run away to a English talent show & do a strip)! HA HA. HA
Haha yeah I'm sure I must do at some point! 😅
I absolutely love this guy an accomplished musician himself and very intelligent. He has so much respect generosity for all the people he's looking at. I'm certain Glenn and Johnny are very classy guys but so is he. Gentle on my mind is one of my favorites.
Blessings to you
Such a fantastic era of music.
Thanks for being so astute in pointing out the subtleties that are easy to miss , even if you're a musician.
Thank you for bringing us a fresh perspective to "Gentle" as well as to these two great masters!
No problem!
I really enjoy your videos. You catch things I never even thought of. I don’t know which I enjoy the most -watching the performances, or seeing how much you’re loving the moments of greatness.
Thanks!
Yup, the song was so good when it came out in the 60s that it was startling. It stuck out like some of Leonard Cohen's writing and Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now", even during that time of one massive, boundary-pushing song after another by bands in every corner of the musical landscape.
Thanks so much. Always loved John Hartford.
John is so disgustingly talented as a songwriter. His albums "The Love Album" and "Housing Project" are criminally unknown. Some of my favorite lyrics of all time comes from those albums. I recomend songs such as "A Simple Thing As Love", "I'm Still Here", "I Didn't Know The World Would Last This Long", "This Eve of Parting".
these where 2 of my heroes when I was a boy, we never missed a show
Cool!
I adore banjo, always wanted to play one it must feel amazing. Thanks for another great analysis 😸
Get one. I think it's easier than guitar.
No problem!
I'm definitely planning on it! Fil, find me on messenger, Itsrek Sgninnej. That's my handle 😁
Nice to see you liking and paying tribute to the classic musicians!!
Another top analysis. You are the best at this Fil. I drop by your channel daily, looking forward to the next analysis.
I also love how completely effortless the harmonies are.... Fantastic, the first time I've seen this one, thanks Fil!!!
No problem!
You are correct sir, not only was Glen not classically trained, he couldn't read music. All that is by ear. On this song though, the Lyrics just slay me. The story it tells, you can visualize theses Hobos " riding the rails" ( hopping the freight cars) from one town to another. Gathering up in a Hobo Camp,...."I dip my cup of soup up from a crackling, gurgling cauldron in some freight yard". Beautifully phrased. He's bringing me along with him in his story. Bravo Mr. Hartford! Thnx Fil, Shaka Bro'🤙
Amen, the lyrics are like poetry!
How many times do I watch your old videos? Not enough. Taking a break from live streams? You do you. i'll support you.
Fil, love that you are loving these classic players. Glen, Chet, Jerry Reed, Roy, just to name a few, were way beyond their years. Huge players who influenced so many people.
One person who was also is phenomenal player is James Burton. Check him out.
Love your channel, bro.
I think the musicians from this era just loved performing together and it wasn't the competition it is today. I get the impression today's singers are more interested in putting on the big show and the fancy costumes than the actual performance itself. It's somehow not as relaxed as I'd expect. Ah well ...I'm old wth do I know.. Thank you for this Fil. Two of my heroes here.🎼🖤
Well hats off to the River Boat Captain. I've been a John Hartford fan since the Mid 70's. They had a Chanel in California on FM called KFAT. That played real music. And I got my education there. It was actually a channel my Mom always had on. But I loved John Hartford and his version hands down on Gentle on my mind. If you watch other videos where he is by himself singing that it's like he is singing about himself. Where as You can't get that from Glen Campbell from this song!!!! Keep bringing me more great stuff glad I found your channel.
Thanks!
KFAT and KPIG were a fixture of life in my hometown of Santa Cruz. Gilroy supplied me with all the alternative non- commercial music long ago, a staple at many of the construction jobs I was working at. This particular song has lyrics that are so powerful. John Hartford obviously had a thoughtful heart full of life’s happiest and saddest themes
@johnbonnell5463 I lived over the hill in San Jose. KFAT introduced me to alot of great music. I loved things from the old blue grass to Flaco Jimenez.
The #1 bassist for The Wrecking Crew - was Carol Kaye - a woman. She was initially a jazz guitarist - but one day, the bassist didn't show, so she offered to sub in . . . and the rest is history. The bass intro on The Beachboys' "Good Vibrations"?!? That's Carol. The bass line to the them song for "Hawaii Five-0"?!? that's Carol, also. Sonny & Cher's "The Beat Goes On"?!? Carol. She wrote books on bass playing, and was one of my heroes, all my life as a working Musician. Glen Campbell was a member of The Wrecking Crew - as was Leon Russell. All those guys - they backed everyone from Frank Sinatra, to The Beachboys, to Sonny & Cher . . . and played on most of the theme songs of most TV shows from the late '60s and onwards. They were amazing . . . (Guess who the guitarist was on "The Champs" recording of "Tequila"?!?
I have a friend who worked on the road with Glen Campbell and has said the same about him, he had class, kindness and character.
I really enjoy how you inform us listeners about the various things we may not be aware of ie: who actually wrote the song, why they tone down playing or singing etc. The way you impart this information is extremely well done. It's informative but not with a " listen up because I know " tone. I'm very pleased that I found your postings & will continue to look forward to other posts.
I watched this performance live when I was a kid.💕👵🏻
Cool!
Fil your videos are so awesome keep it up please
Thanks!
Hear hear!
We banjo pickers are a different breed...we don't call them 'sequences'. They are called 'rolls'...and, banjos do not have tuning machines. Banjos have pegs. We'll let it slide...THIS time! LOL! Hartford is one of my all-time favs. THanks, Fil.
Haha no problem!
It's really kind of you to highlight John Hartford's talent. He's something of a forgotten hero. I was just a child when this music came out but my folks were into EVERYTHING. Coming from a family where we ALL played multiple instruments and sang, as a group, we'd always wind up playing and singing songs like these which are deceivingly simple-sounding but hard to nail. it flexes your muscles. I love that you cared enough to post this & that you give props to Glen Campbell for being a superlative interpreter of other writers' lyrics and melodies. It's what made him popular across musical genres and got him his own variety TV Show. I think about Wichita Lineman, and the ONLY other singer/player who ever came as close to GC was maybe Dwight Yoakam on his Under The Covers CD. He takes a totally different path, but he had to because GC will own that song forever. Thanks for covering Country. I'm more of a straight Rock person myself, but growing up as part of a sibling Folk act gives one an appreciation for Country which is just a half-step away from Soul, really.
Amen.
Hartford grew up just a few miles from where I did in St. Louis. I never got to meet him, but we had some intersections in our lives. Once he had some musical and financial success, he decided to follow another passion in his life and become a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers in the 70's. About the same time, I was working a boat on the Illinois as a cook and a deckhand. Later, my mandolin instructor and mentor, Curtis Buckhannon, told me that Harford was just one of the musicians in the area when he was growing up and he jammed with him a fair amount.
Stil later, I took some workshops from another mandolin great, Mike Compton, who used to be in bands that Hartford led. Hartford had an incredible concept that I think every band should try. It is described in the liner notes of the Hartford CD "The Speed of the Old Long Bow." Hartford called it the "window concept."
Every 8 bars in a tune, all the instruments in the band change roles, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, percussion, bass lines, etc. Harford lists like 12 different possibilities. But here's the thing: It's all spontaneous. Nobody knows what anyone else is going to do when the change happens. If someone sounds wrong, they have to adjust immediately. It's a way to get a band really tight and listening to each other. And the music that can come out of it is completely unique. It was like a fusion of jazz and American old-time stringband music.
I asked Compton about it at a workshop in Bloomington, Indiana and he said doing windows with Hartford was one of the most mind-blowing things he's ever done as a musician. A few of us at the workshop got to try it with Compton. It was incredible!
Cool!
Hartford is thought of mostly as a banjo player, but he was a fine fiddler also. Linked is a performance of Harford and Mike Compton of the old-time tune "The Squirrel Hunters." The title of the tune refers to a group of citizen soldiers who came together on short notice and successfully defended Cincinnati, Ohio during the Civil War against the Confederates after the regular Union Army had been defeated. The tune is deceptively hard to play.
Also FWIW, in addition to Hartford, Compton was a protege' of Bill Monroe, the father of Bluegrass. You can definitely hear that in his lead break starting at 1:05. I have always thought Compton was smoother than Monroe, though.
ruclips.net/video/gV98pfwsM3k/видео.html
I love that you are doing these artists, I grew up on these guys and they so influenced the way I listen to music. All music.
mmmm. Love this so much. I commented before, but hard not to pay homage each time I pass through. Thanks for such thoughtful commentary on two incredible musicians. Hartford, beloved. Glenn Campbell, always always a class act.
Remember watching this on TV when I was a kid
"Don't Leave your Records in the Sun" is a great song by John Hartford. 🙂
Thanks Fil for these amazing videos. I learned so much. You are able to pick out such incredible things in these great musicians.
Simply cause you are one of them. (In your case), It takes one to know one.
You are great!
Thanks!
The lyrics to this song and the mental imagery is just amazing. Glen Campbell knew how to pick all the right tunes to sing.
Found your videos and subscribed! Love them all. These guys were true musicians and true pros.
Thanks!
I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure that the little three-note riff that Hartford threw in at the end was a quote from the "Twilight Zone" theme, and was, in the context of this kind of music, a canny bit of "outside [to use the jazz term]", or even Debussyian, ornamentation. But, more importantly, Hartford is a treasure to be sure, and Campbell was a quintessentially American virtuosic original on the level of Earl Scruggs or Doc Watson. I was a twelve-year-old in junior high school when this show was first aired on American TV, and even then, I intuitively sensed that the much-touted anarchic and petulantly "rebellious" trends of the late sixties were being tempered by a venerable musical inheritance that was steeped in tradition and time-honored craftsmanship, and that this "archaic" grounding prevented much of the music of that time from coming apart at the seams.
As a banjo player and John Hartford fan, I'd also like to point out that he also moves his right hand closer to the fingerboard to give the banjo a rounder, more mellow sound on the vocal part. He moves towards the bridge to get a sharper tone to stand out between them. Subtle, but important.
That guy was an endless library of right hand patterns.
Beautiful display of dynamics from the Banjo.
Another great analysis on two great musicians. Every time I watch one of your videos I get more inspired to try harder at my own playing which is amateurish at best. You Rock Bro best channel ever.
I meant every word I said you in my mind have the best channel going.
That banjo playing by John Hartford sounds awesome and glen is in fine fine form vocally and we all know what a master guitarist he is.
Just brilliant!! Two amazing accomplished musicians making it look so easy!!!! I was so lucky that my mother loved these guys and gave me the availability to appreciate how legendary they are!!!!! Great vid Fil !!!!!
I remember seeing this on the TV back in the day. The progression is mainly simple, but then some 7ths and dims and descending bass for variation.
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Another great video. Glad John Hartford got some coverage. Keep up the awesome work, very educational and fun!
Thanks John!
It was nice to see that clip with John Hartford and Glen Campbell again. Ever smilin ever gentle on my mind. RIP John and Glen.
Fil..i really dig your wide range of interest...and recognizing the people who have left us with memories of great music..sounds good today as it did 40 years ago!
Thanks!
Thank you for these terrific vids honoring true masters. There's so much to say about Glen and John Hartford, but the poetry and beauty of John's lyrics here is absolutely sublime.
Discovered John Hartford when I watched the Down from the mountain dvd after Oh Brother Where Art Thou. It was pretty obvious everyone held him in high regard, so spent a few years obsessing on his music. So sad he is gone, but such a fascinating life.
Amen.
My dad was a huge John Hartford fan back around that time.
Cool!
You're truly a fantastic musician, Fil! Your explanation of Glen and John's playing style is truly just brilliant! You made me understand a different facet of John as a musician. I'm not a musician at ALL, so I only appreciated him on one level before. Now I will begin to listen to him in a new light, and I thank you for that! Well done!!!
Thanks! No problem!
I believe that Gentle On My Mind was the first record I actually bought. I remember seeing this when it was on Glen's show around 1968. The feeling I had watching this as an almost teenager, I would later recall, in 1995, as I sat in the audience of the Grand Old Opry, listening to a friend of mine in a band on stage. Like being home. And this, as you described was the utmost of class. I wish we had a video of Glen singing These Days.
ruclips.net/video/fHOViCpkirs/видео.html
Hello Fil - You are truly a breath of fresh air on RUclips. Your keen musical insight and obvious love for all things musical is very apparent in each of your videos. I am amazed that a rocker, and young guy such as yourself has a such a pure, kind, and very old soul. Thank you for posting all of your videos - All of these musicians are my mentors and heroes when I was growing up as a beginner guitar player in the 60s. I'm hooked and I have to watch at least one or two of your videos each nigh before I go to bed. Keep up the good work!!
Thanks!
One of the finest songs ever written.
Hartford was a genius, a brilliant musician and a better human being
It's truly a beautiful song. 2 of the best musicians ever.
nice of you to notice publicly you best musicians singing for the song. Be well. To all, sometimes your music keeps us steady in living our lives..
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Very Cool!.....all three guys in this video,
A short version of "Gentle" was played at the start of The Glen Campbell Show as a theme song. Here, Glen's intro refers to the fact that they had done a number of shows already without a full version and they were getting mail requesting a live full version.
Cool!
In addition to being one of America’s foremost bluegrass pickers, John studied to become a Mississippi and Tennessee riverboat pilot: easily one of the most challenging skills to which one could aspire. His song, “Kentucky Pool,” is excellent commentary on the mixture of his two loves: banjo and riverboat piloting.
Cool!
"Kentucky Pool" is excellent!
It is not really my kind of music, but who can not be charmed by that melody played so exquisitely. I really appreciate you including some Django Rheinhard, Glenn Campbell etc.. Top players of any style deserve their kudos and deserve to serve as an inspiration.
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banjo is my favorite string instrument love the sound i can listen to earl & lester all day
Know the song, heard John's name before. Never had a face or voice to add. Glen is giving his due and proper, a habit that will add years to his career. Really good. There is a sense of ease, a natural warmth of familiarity; the song takes you in and embraces you. Some of my 1st memories (late 60's early 70's..yup) ridin' with my dad in the Bronco hearing this song on the radio and others that were similar in the simplicity and style.
Brings back really good memories...Thanx Fil!
ROCK!
another great vid fil,,,, both guys are incredible, they are top notch.
I must also add it's nice that since I became a subscriber you have really begun to showcase and analyze different genres, you may have already been doing so but it is great to see and hear your analysis of great guitar players regardless of what genre it is!
As a songwriter, I appreciate your take on this. I have enjoyed the analyses this week...great is great, no matter the genre.
Thanks Julia!
John was also a river boat captain, paddle wheeler on the Big Muddy. He was always fascinated as a kid. If I remember correctly it came from reading Mark Twain.
Glen and John's Harmony Vocal --- totally sweet !
Another nice job. I'm sure you noticed John and Glen played it in C but in Glen's later years he did it in D as in the great TNN solo on Gentle.
Yeah I think this was John's preferred key.
Love john
Was not a big country fan but they played this on the station I listen to Back Then they played every type of music on the same radio station Soul country rock R&B and you got to hear every type of music on a 4 Hour show and learned to appreciate it all good music is good music and you explain it so well Phil and talent is Talent
Elvis did a killer version during his Jan/Feb 1969 “From Elvis In Memphis” Comeback sessions, Dark and Moody but effective
This is music to sit back and chill. To close your eyes and let the skill and mastery wash over you.
Great songwriter/consummate musician/tap dancer, etc. in John Hartman... and Glenn so great of course...
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Just noticed that your subscribers has really climbed, GOOD FOR YOU FIL. Hope you get lots more, I sometimes wish that you would slow down your explanations for us dummies that don't play, but the more I listen the more I get out of it. Thanks for your videos buddy.
Thanks! Yeah it's difficult to judge as some people say to make the videos shorter!
I did some sessions with John Hartford at Amy Bell Studios in New York. Most of the stuff we did was never released, just a few things with Bill/Barbra Amesbury.
Cool!
John would play sing while clog dancing. Itwas awesome.