John Hartford (1937-2001) was a songwriter and composer of Bluegrass, Country, Folk/Rock and Novelty songs who made Glen Campbell famous by writing "Gentle On My Mind". He also became a licensed Mississippi Steamboat Pilot, just because he loved the Mississippi and Steamboats. Two of my favorites of his, besides "Gentle on my Mind" are "California Earthquake" and "Good Old Electric Washing Machine". (Junior Seniors won't remember the sounds of the old time washing machines, but it sure brings back memories for me!) Go to YouTube and select "John Hartford Songs". Hal
Perked my interest, Hal. So I got a video of the washing machine song. It came out about 1943. I wonder if he's talking about this kind.
Thanks for importing that video, Nancy! The machine you included does not represent the one in the song, which uses an oscillating-type agitator, which does a half-turn to the left, then to the right, like doing the twist. The machine you included has a plunger-type agitator which forces the water up and down through the clothes. Also, the man demonstrating the machine doesn't know how to operate the wringer. You position the wringer so it drops the wrung-out garments into a basket alongside the washing machine. Thanks, Nancy! Hal
We had one something like this. As a little kid, I got my fingers caught in the wringer once, and hit that red bar with a vengeance. Thought I was going to lose my arm. The whole top of the washer came apart. Sorry, now back on topic... John Hartford.
My brother (three years older) flattened his right hand in ours once. I think he broke some bones in his hand. I'm not sure why, but I thought it was funny at the time.
@Nancy, I'm really delighted that you found those John Hartford songs interesting enough to import to the Forum! There are several others that I'm sure you would like: "Front Porch" This is about a man who secretly loves the woman next door, but he just pines for her over the years, and never does anything about it! Excellent Banjo accompaniment by Hartford! "The Six O'Clock Train and the Girl With Green Eyes" This is about a guy nervously waiting for the 6 o'clock train to arrive at the underground railroad station. "How Come You're Bein' So Good To Me?" It's ridiculous how much this guy's wife waits on him! "Untangle Your Mind" A guy fears that his woman is going to shoot him! Oh yeah, and don't forget "Bakin' Soda" and all its uses! I'll bet others would get a kick out of these, too! Thanks again, Nancy! Hal
He was a unique, talented musician. Always made people smile and had fun playing a forgotten style of music.
A Request for Nancy: @Nancy, since you've shown some interest in my John Hartford thread, I want to ask you, as a favor to me, to go to YouTube and play Hartfords "Front Porch". The lyrics and Hartford's Banjo playing are so sweet that I just wanted to share the song with you! Hal
John Hartford is best remembered for his composition "Gentle On My Mind", which was a big success for singer Glenn Campbell. He wrote many Folk, Country, Novelty, and Bluegrass songs, as well as earning a Steamboat Pilot's license for operation on the Mississippi River. I happen to like "The Girl With Green Eyes", "Washing Machine", "Baking Soda", and "Front Porch", especially the simple but meaningful lyrics of the latter, with John's banjo playing. I'll try to download "Porch" for you now. It didn't work...no PASTE to click on....please transfer this video for me... Thanks, Hal
It seems that nobody is interested in hearing some of John Hartford's songs, which is too bad, because they are so interesting, whimsical and witty. Some of the funny ones are: "Washing Machine" "Left-Handed Woman" "Baking Soda" How about going to YouTube and giving Hartford a try? Hal