John Hartford (1937–2001) was an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and steamboat enthusiast, best known for his influential work in folk, bluegrass, and country music. He wrote the classic song "Gentle on My Mind," which became a major hit for Glen Campbell and earned multiple Grammy Awards. Hartford was known for his unique blend of traditional and progressive bluegrass, as well as his quirky stage presence. He was a skilled banjo, fiddle, and guitar player, and often performed solo using his feet as percussion. His albums like Aereo-Plain helped pioneer the "newgrass" movement of the 1970s. Beyond music, Hartford was also a licensed steamboat pilot, which often inspired his songs and persona.