John Hartford

John Cowan Hartford was an American folk, country, and bluegrass composer and musician known for his mastery of the fiddle and banjo, as well as for his witty lyrics, unique vocal style, and extensive knowledge of Mississippi River lore. His most successful song is "Gentle on My Mind", which won three Grammy Awards and was listed in "BMI's Top 100 Songs of the Century". Hartford performed with a variety of ensembles throughout his career, and is perhaps best known for his solo performances where he would interchange the guitar, banjo, and fiddle from song to song. He also invented his own shuffle tap dance move, and clogged on an amplified piece of plywood while he played and sang.

30 December 1937

Born on the same birth date (30 December 1937): Gordon Banks • Jim Marshall (defensive end) • Paul Stookey

Born on the same birth day (30 December): A. J. Pierzynski • C. S. Lee • Camila Giorgi • Dita Indah Sari • Empress Dowager Bian • George Newbern • James Kahn • June Anderson • Lars Boom • Lloyd Kaufman • Lucio Agostini • Michelle McGann • Patrick Kerney • Robert Quine • Roy Calne

Born in the same month (December 1937): Art Neville • Brian Hayes (broadcaster) • Calvin Waller • Edward Ruscha • Jane Fonda • Jim Harrison • John Kennedy Toole • Maung Aye • Max Baer Jr. • O'Kelly Isley Jr. • Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga • Wayne Huizenga