John Cowan Hartford was an influential American folk, country, and bluegrass musician and songwriter. He is best known for his signature song, "Gentle on My Mind," which became a major hit for Glen Campbell and won four Grammy Awards. Hartford was also an accomplished steamboat pilot, an interest that deeply influenced his music and lyrical themes. A multi-talented instrumentalist, he was a master of the fiddle, banjo, and guitar, leaving behind a unique and eclectic body of work that continues to inspire artists.