Best Live Performance of GENTLE ON MY MIND by John Hartford (1977)

This is inspiring. A definitive video of John Hartford performing his own song. Reposted in order to get more views and better recognition.

[@gordeauxd]

I went to a craft fair in West Virginia in 1982 to see John Hartford, his banjo and his micced wooden plank based on my love of Aereoplane. Oddly, everyone else was too interested in the crafts, so I was essentially a one person audience. He did about 15 numbers, including this one. When we made eye contact I just kinda grinned at him, but was afraid to go talk to him. An amazing performer.

[@dannilaser16]

gordeaux d lucky you. I would give thousands to have been in your shoes that day.

[@001Geoff]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, this is probably one of the greatest songs of all time.

[@jeffreyfarmer8030]

Great poetry!

[@angelocoviello286]

@@jeffreyfarmer8030 p

[@emilyjohnston9674]

Indeed.

[@aaa-fv3xk]

one of?

[@diamondsprince]

don't ever stop saying it, it is the greatest song of all time

[@sartainja]

Just a man with his two feet, a banjo, and a simple song. That simple song went on to be one of the most covered recordings in the entire world. The song rings true in so many languages.

[@wproct11]

I like the quote of John saying that "he really wanted to be a river boat captain, but music got in the way."

[@jaysky2000]

Yet it was the never ending money he earned from this song that allowed him to become a riverboat captain and live his dream.

[@markteague8889]

I think the fact that his performance could captivate a disco era audience speaks volumes about the timeless value of his song.

[@fmfetish]

They seem more puzzled than captivated.

[@donaldcook3112]

@@fmfetish. . . That is why ‘puzzeled’ young people are clapping along in time - and stomp their appreciation alongside their enthusiastic applause.

[@haikat4]

It's got a dance beat! It's like banjo club music haha. I just saw this on instagram the other night and now I'm in love with this guy.

[@JohnSmith-dh4gw]

This ain't disco and he ain't Travolta. I hope they walked out of there thinking "Damn, that was cool." Because it was.

[@akrukowski1964]

Between 1971 and 1979 my dad and I listened to John's 'John Hartford Looks at Life' every Saturday morning. That album and his words define who I am. When dad passed in 2009, I did 'Today' in his honor on at his service on a Saturday morning on the banjo. John's music has been a wonderful part of my life and my life with my dad.

[@lilac408]

No-one sings this song like John Hartford. So pure!

[@eny68]

The most precious part of John was that he wanted to become part of you rather than take a part of you. He shared and uplifted with all he played with and played for. Such a blessed man, and I am thankful for the threads of colour his music continues to spread throughout life.

[@bluesborn]

There's something very poetic and dream like to me about this performance.He's like a character out of a book of American folktales.

[@dannilaser16]

bluesborn I’ve always felt the same way. Hauntingly beautiful stuff.

[@joeherald7319]

Agree I could easily see him sitting at a table swapping colorful stories with Mark Twain or Will Rogers.

[@ixlr8677]

a beutiful song but that tap dancin is a hoot. like goin to a job interview an stat fartin.

[@davenorcross4307]

I think because it has been played so often, covered by so many artists, that we sometimes forget what a beautiful song this is. "That you're moving on the back roads by the rivers of my memory And for hours you're just gentle on my mind"

[@ExodusPessoa]

It's such beautiful poetry.

[@mikeinfla2006]

I have a small ach in my stomach when I watch this and remember John is no longer with us. I take consolation in his music and videos such as this.

[@sartainja]

I think his song will live on for many ages.

[@susiem44]

Honey, when you go to Heaven, it will be your idea of what Heaven should be. That's why it's called Heaven. Have faith, do your best to get thru this Earth experience, and when it's over, you will go to your Heaven. Have faith. It's very tough here, but Heaven is MORE REAL ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@JohnSmith-dh4gw]

This man, this music, lyrics you can understand and that make sense...with "disco" on the wall...just freaking great.

[@capspalding8349]

I'm 83 and still enjoy J.H. as much as I did back in the early days.......

[@pyroglasstic]

Some folks can sing,some can sing and play the banjo.This man does them both and adds in the fancy footwork.Awesome performance! RIP John.

[@WhoGAShit]

John was a musicians musician, a songwriters songwriter. We all know how great he was. RIP John

[@judymcvey9005]

Highly under rated artist! RIP John!

[@bernardmeyre]

Yes, very impressive The complexity of it all: the banjo playing, foot percussion, dense lyrics...

[@brianwilson9828]

Cloggin' to his OWN song! AMAZING AND BEAUTIFUL!

[@flamindigo]

That is the best live version. He's doing sort of bluegrass in a disco venue and has the crowd right where he wants them . The man was a master of his craft. He was a true entertainer.

[@michaelrb1955]

What a song. One of the finest ever written. Lyrics that have touched millions, and music that I have never tired of in the 40+ years since I first heard this song. God bless John Hartford for his gifts to us all, and Glen Campbell for making this song famous.

[@billkeys6733]

John did this performance at a street festival in Asheville, NC in the 70s. He came out into the audience with a wireless mic during the song and mingled with the crowd. Wonderful talent, wonderful memories.

[@dannilaser16]

It makes me so sad that this man died so young. He had so much to offer to mankind. Could watch his videos all day long. Glen Campbell as well. Greatest song lyrics of all time, in my opinion.

[@majorbarbara1]

Saw him at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach in the 70's. He was so talented and switched from the banjo to the violin all the time making rhythm with his feet. I never forgot the impact of seeing such musical magician.

[@rosewanstall4668]

+Margaret Humphreys heard him at Pete Seeger concert in Nyack, NY and again at Red Rooster in Nanuet, NY. He was do great.

[@catherinegeldart6999]

Margaret Humphreys Yes

[@majorbarbara1]

That's great! I heard about John Hartford in a class I was talking in the history of country music. I bought his album Aero-Plain after hearing it played in class. Anyone have any favorite albums of his?

[@davisrogers5014]

This is hypnotic.

[@ycoz5814]

One of the best songs ever. Aretha loved this song.

[@tyroneslothrop3698]

"I still might run in silence, Tears of joy might stain my face, And the summer sun might burn me 'til I'm blind ..." This song cuts all the way to the ecstasy in every moment, not easy in the world of Top 40.

[@tomokra]

yeah, that's the best part, for sure, right?

[@rumblefish8265]

what an amazing musician!

[@edbardoe2195]

A wonderful memory of a truly talented man.

[@MeachamLearning]

I love that we can hear his foot keeping time.

[@donaldbarrier5806]

Wow. Special and exceptional song, writer, singer and performance.

[@aaa-fv3xk]

there's something about hypnotic about this performance; i feel as if i'm in a trance. i love glen's version and his live versions with his virtuosic soloing, but this is certainly the best performance of this song.

[@Madamsfl]

He was a musical genius. They don't make them like this anymore.

[@rosewanstall4668]

+Madamsfl I agree.

[@kyh2652]

Pure poetry! Love this version!

[@difa2ol]

If I could like a hundred times, I would.

[@DSASpecial]

Perfect all-in-one.Poet, song writer, composer, player, tap dancer and ever gentle on our minds.

[@sidensvans67]

Fantastic . Timeless and wonderful .

[@okeyproctor4564]

I first heard him in the long ago of my youth, about 73 or 74. My cousin was learning banjo and I wanted to learn fiddle and to clog like Hartford. He made it look so easy. Watching / listening to him here is like slipping on an old, and very comfortable pair of shoes.

[@ClarenceHW]

The direct gaze at the camera (1:48) for an extended time...... the man is fearless you can see it in the eyes.

[@EnoVarma]

I think he just knows in his heart that he is better than everyone else (but will not brag about it.)

[@daviddaniels3073]

Great lyrics, musicianship, what's not to like. Man is a giant!

[@leesorenson1]

An awesome American Songwriter and Performer! Always and Forever!

[@MSYNGWIE12]

I LOVE this song. To be the sort of person who inspires such a love song...a much missed man...terrific musician...Namaste from Canada ( I put on my bowler hat and sing it out when I feel blue!)

[@MsRAnnuncy]

Had the pleasure of seeing and listening to him at a concert back in the early 80s in Telluride. Great talent.

[@Charon58]

He was an amazing solo act

[@azcharlie2009]

A great song and wonderful performance by a legend. Rick Tucson

[@rosewanstall4668]

+azcharlie2009 SO SORRY OF HIS DEATH.

[@sartainja]

Amen.

[@14921960]

One of a kind. Much missed.

[@gado184]

Saw him with the Earl Scruggs Review in Knoxville around 1972. Great performer, artist and song writer.

[@bigpeach]

I am green with envy that you saw JH that long ago. What a genius; anyone who loves Americana music owes him a lot.

[@brendahennessee7346]

Introduced to me by Glenn in my youth... love it forever in appreciation of the genius John. Thank you!

[@basscremora]

The song that never needed a chorus. Truly remarkable and unique. Strikes images of emotive memories at every turn

[@josephkenny77]

Ronnie McCoury called this "the greatest song ever written in the history of written music." RIP, John, we miss you so much.

[@majorbarbara1]

It is a great song that sticks in my mind. I also love "Riding on the City of New Orleans" as a song from that period.

[@dannilaser16]

Joseph Kenny I agree with that. This song has stayed with me for decades. I bet that this song has been on my mind at least once a week since I first heard it.

[@josephkenny77]

@@majorbarbara1 You have good taste!

[@greghall51]

The Best. I saw him do this exact performance in Bozeman with an unknown comedian named Steve Martin.

[@mikedalton2845]

Check out some of Steve's songs such as Pretty Little One with the Steep Canyon Rangers. Just perfect.

[@TheBuzz222]

The magic is in the music as sung by it's creator. "AWESOME AS ALWAYS"

[@Imhissweetestsin]

Well said

[@mreaglewoman1]

Every time I saw him it was pure magic..

[@galaxy2012]

He was a wonderful song writer.

[@cliberg]

Wonderful, saw him several times at Merlefest and sure miss him. Fancy footwork at 1:40 !

[@lobo81865]

Sadly I wasn't exposed to his music until after his death, but wouldn't have liked this sort of music when I was younger. It's ironic how our musical tastes can broaden when we age.

[@MarkMaysey]

What a great performance and a lovely song.

[@PHOTOGRAPHYBYDEREK1]

No easy task to tap his feet like that and play and sing at the same time.

[@MarkSmith-nw4os]

And he's chewing gum.

[@Thomas1954]

I miss your music every day.

[@michaelrose4444]

Great stuff!!

[@tysonsrose1]

John Hartford is Great!!! He put Glen Campbell on the map.

[@KingOfMusic3577]

Such a beautiful song.

[@MrWeedpatch]

He certanely was one of a kind........

[@nantague]

STILL miss this man and his music.

[@betsymoran666]

I saw him at The Main in Evanston, IL around 1979-80, and will never forget it. Same kind of small venue, we could sit wherever we wanted (mostly on the floor), and he had a board under his feet to tap on, which was all he needed. He was one of the greats.

[@dannilaser16]

Betsy Moran “you a a very lucky woman.” Wish I was there.

[@markteague8889]

Thanks for sharing this rare recording of the songwriter performing his own song.

[@smellygoatacres]

very talented man.

[@difa2ol]

Love this.

[@noteverton]

I've never seen this before, what a performance!! One of the truly great songs of all time. How old was John when this was shot?

[@MindandQiR1]

Magical!!!

[@musiclover9361]

It's quite something that he's singing, playing and tapping, simultaneously. Very impressive and a simply stunningly good song! It holds a very special place in my own memory.

[@ModGirl-nu1xk]

Sweet memories of seeing him perform live several times. I loved John.💛

[@Lewisjls]

Very Very GOOD.

[@mikeflanagan825]

What a Jewell!!!

[@thomasmarinovich5672]

Something very special

[@chrisamadon279]

This is Americana. Memorizing

[@jhgibby]

Love always, brother. continued always and forever.

[@emilieeverly5102]

How I miss this. How I miss seeing him at his dining table overlooking the river, just fiddling and tapping away. He would stare into my eyes the entire time. I still wonder what he was trying to tell me. I was so young but I still understood there was something happening. Anyways, I love this video and this performance. Thanks for posting!

[@SpringfieldGuy]

He was probably trying to tell you ... he'd like to get to know you better...

[@thejamnasium6447]

This is DISCO baby!

[@bikeboatski5692]

Just discovered he had died when investigating Vasser Clements. I sometimes wondered what had happened to him. But it makes sense. A guy with his talent would still be in the public eye if he were living!

[@rosewanstall4668]

+bikeboatski I am so sorry to hear of his death.

[@stevemarconett7838]

I saw john in 1978 in lafayette in I'll never be the same I miss him

[@ilovemypugdog]

Wow!

[@Excertitus]

Multi tip toe tasking long before its been named 😎

[@johnhotze]

Come join us at the John Hartford Memorial Festival May 31-Jun 2, 2012 at Bean Blossom, Indiana to celebrate John life & his music.

[@largemarge1603]

Fabulous lyricist!

[@garypetersen9943]

No one but john can do this

[@vincenzo6162]

Guy plays the banjo, sing and doing tap dancing like it was nothing. Amazing!

[@Papoose18]

🪕 #JohnHartford 🪕 🕊 #RestInPeace 🕊 ⒼⓄⓄⒹ ⓃⒾⒼⒽⓉ ⒼⓄⒹ 🙏

[@A.Iunderserf]

absolutely sick wateva dat instrument dat is, its absoluteli sick, and he plays it well

[@sjduskin]

Yep, his best version.

[@ZafarIqbal-hx8ww]

Beautiful performance. Elvis recorded this song aswel, just as wonderful.

[@prebenstray3270]

Super

[@dynasticlight8706]

John ,is not just singing an incredible lyric which is not easy . Playin that Banjo and percussion w/ feet ,heels and toe. Try this today if You can find the one.

[@falungongboy]

Thanks for uploading this. But really, the best version of this song was in the band setting from his All in The Name of Love album. Benny Martin's rambling fiddle intro, John's singing uptempo. I've heard John do this song many times, but that is the best. Benny Martin was an influence on John when he played with Earl Scruggs.

[@hichambenaissa3163]

That's almost the same voice like Campbell's. I have no words to comment on such a great performance in live solo with just a banjo.

[@Redneck_productions08]

Play it on 1.25 it sounds great

[@davidsgarand4709]

Danke

[@TedhamPorterhouse1]

AWesome

[@kathykalyn2666]

Would like to know more about a John Hartfotd! RIP!

[@ReallyFilthyToad]

This is from the very popular german TV Show DISCO, hosted by strange Ilja Richter.

[@debbiedunn3779]

Ya, very sad that most people think Glen Campbell wrote this ......Just to be clear he did not . This wonderful song was written by John Harford ......I can't believe the number of posting of this song that DO NOT give John Hartford credit ........

[@spankyx8606]

wow