It was written by John Hartford, one of the most amazing musicians this country has ever produced. It seems to be about a hippie and his one true love (wherever she is).
Hartford says he wrote it in about 15 minutes, after seeing the movie "Doctor Zhivago", which triggered some memories for him. I can't see how they connect, but that's how things go.
Someplace I read that, shortly after he first wrote it, a female friend visited them, and his wife suggested he play it for her. When he was finished, she was in tears, and said it was the prettiest thing she had ever heard, or words to that effect.
It's simply brilliant.
John Hartford died a few years ago, and I still think it's a crime that he got so little recognition for his musical contributions. But as somebody told me at the time, those of us that know him appreciate what he did, and that's enough. And now Glen Campbell is fading away, having just released what he says is his last album, given his failing health (Alzheimers).
@historygeek I had heard that version before. One comment JH made that stuck in my mind was how that 1 hit made it possible to do whatever he wanted to do as far as music went. I remember him from The Smothers Brothers as well.
@historygeek I had heard that version before. One comment JH made that stuck in my mind was how that 1 hit made it possible to do whatever he wanted to do as far as music went. I remember him from The Smothers Brothers as well.
I agree that he was one of the most significant artists (as well as a steamboat captain) America's produced. I was fortunate to see him twice. Both times in small venues.
I agree that he was one of the most significant artists (as well as a steamboat captain) America's produced. I was fortunate to see him twice. Both times in small venues.
He eventually died from cancer.
The Rolling Stone did a good article about him. I still listen to his music often.
He eventually died from cancer.
The Rolling Stone did a good article about him. I still listen to his music often.
@historygeek When Johnny Cash died I said "the world doesn't seem right without him." I said it again when John Hartford died. When Glen Campbell died, I pulled my car into a gas station and wept uncontrollably. Triple Sigh
@historygeek When Johnny Cash died I said "the world doesn't seem right without him." I said it again when John Hartford died. When Glen Campbell died, I pulled my car into a gas station and wept uncontrollably. Triple Sigh
It was written by John Hartford, one of the most amazing musicians this country has ever produced. It seems to be about a hippie and his one true love (wherever she is).
Hartford says he wrote it in about 15 minutes, after seeing the movie "Doctor Zhivago", which triggered some memories for him. I can't see how they connect, but that's how things go.
Someplace I read that, shortly after he first wrote it, a female friend visited them, and his wife suggested he play it for her. When he was finished, she was in tears, and said it was the prettiest thing she had ever heard, or words to that effect.
It's simply brilliant.
John Hartford died a few years ago, and I still think it's a crime that he got so little recognition for his musical contributions. But as somebody told me at the time, those of us that know him appreciate what he did, and that's enough. And now Glen Campbell is fading away, having just released what he says is his last album, given his failing health (Alzheimers).
Sigh.
@historygeek I had heard that version before. One comment JH made that stuck in my mind was how that 1 hit made it possible to do whatever he wanted to do as far as music went. I remember him from The Smothers Brothers as well.
@historygeek I had heard that version before. One comment JH made that stuck in my mind was how that 1 hit made it possible to do whatever he wanted to do as far as music went. I remember him from The Smothers Brothers as well.
I agree that he was one of the most significant artists (as well as a steamboat captain) America's produced. I was fortunate to see him twice. Both times in small venues.
I agree that he was one of the most significant artists (as well as a steamboat captain) America's produced. I was fortunate to see him twice. Both times in small venues.
He eventually died from cancer. The Rolling Stone did a good article about him. I still listen to his music often.
He eventually died from cancer. The Rolling Stone did a good article about him. I still listen to his music often.
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/john-hartford-dead-after-cancer-battle-20010605...
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/john-hartford-dead-after-cancer-battle-20010605
@historygeek When Johnny Cash died I said "the world doesn't seem right without him." I said it again when John Hartford died. When Glen Campbell died, I pulled my car into a gas station and wept uncontrollably. Triple Sigh
@historygeek When Johnny Cash died I said "the world doesn't seem right without him." I said it again when John Hartford died. When Glen Campbell died, I pulled my car into a gas station and wept uncontrollably. Triple Sigh