John Hartford was not at the top of my list of performers, but perhaps he should have been. He was fortunate to write "a big one" that produced royalties, but that song is not what John was about. John clearly grew from the roots of American music and never forgot them. He was a fine writer, but he also enjoyed "the old songs." He was also an excellent performer. He was the first acoustic act I saw with broadcast microphones and instrument jacks. He used this modern technology to get close to his audience, that is, right in the middle.

To my way of thinking, John Hartford represents what "folk music" is all about. I'm happy to hear from folks who knew him, that he was in private the same man he was in public. The world is diminished and I am sadder without him. May he rest in peace.

Roger in Baltimore