As a record collector, I went out and hunted down a lot of my favorites but obviously came nowhere near getting them all. These are some of the favorites that I didn’t own at the time.
I heard “Don’t Leave Your Records in the Sun” by American folk and bluegrass musician, John Hartford, for the first time last week (11/23) on the Jukebox Diner on Sirius/XM. It was released June of 1976 on his Mark Twang Lp. The album was recorded all acoustic in the studio with Hartford by himself on all instruments and vocals.
John Hartford (1937–2001) was best known for his contributions to the genre and his iconic hit “Gentle on My Mind” made famous by Glen Campbell. Born in New York City, Hartford was a multi-talented artist, mastering various instruments such as the banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin. His innovative approach to traditional bluegrass, incorporating elements of country, folk, and rock, set him apart in the music scene. Hartford’s career spanned several decades, and he earned numerous accolades,
including Grammy Awards and the title of “Bluegrass Entertainer of the Year.” In addition to his musical talents, Hartford was a skilled riverboat pilot and a passionate advocate for traditional river culture. His impact on American music and bluegrass, in particular, remains significant, influencing generations of musicians. Hartford’s legacy lives on through his timeless recordings and the enduring popularity of his compositions.
The songs, as usual, run from sentimental to strange, from the romantic to the weird… Mark Twang may not be the first stopping place for the new Hartford fan, but for those already familiar with his unique talent, it’s a must have.
Ronnie D. Lankford – Allmusic critic
“Don’t Leave Your Records in the Sun” was written by John Hartford and produced by Mike Melford[1]. It was released on Flying Fish Records. It was recorded at the Sound Shop[2] which was located on Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee. As his popularity grew, he moved to the West Coast, where he became a regular on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, and The Johnny Cash Show.
"Don't Leave Your Records in the Sun" written by John Hartford
Alright, this is a song, about phonograph records
Don't leave your records in the su-hu-hu-n
They'll warp and they won't be good for anyone
Don't leave your records in the su-hu-hu-n
They'll get all wavy and they just won't run
They just won't play, just won't play, just won't play, just won't play,
just won't play, just won't play, just won't play, just won't play,
just won't play, just won't play, just won't play no more
(Chuckle)
Well I had this record that I really did like
It was the last one they had in the store
I left it laying on the car back seat
And now it just won't play no more
Don't leave your records in the su-hu-hu-n
They'll warp and they won't be good for anyone
Don't leave your records in the su-hu-hu-n
They'll get all wavy and they just won't run
They just won't play, just won't play, just won't play, just won't play,
just won't.... (MAKES SOUND OF NEEDLE SCRATCHING RECORD SURFACE)
... No more
(More record scratches sounds)
(Banjo playing, then plays mocking hung-up groove)
Footnotes
- Mike Melford is a session mandolin player primarily out of Nashville, Tn. with production and technical credits. He produced several John Hartford albums as well as working as his management and co-writer on some. [Back]
- The Sound Shop was an American former recording studio located on Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee. Originally known as Nashville Audio Recorders, The Sound Shop was founded in 1971 when Buddy Killen, Bob Montgomery, Bobby Goldsboro and Kelso Herston bought the facility from Danny Davis. Killen became sole owner in 1975. It was later renovated and operated by Mike Bradley and Don Cook who became owners in 1999 and eventually sold The Sound Shop to a Christian music production company Riverbend Media in 2008. The studio remained in operation until October 2014, the building was ultimately demolished on January 28, 2015. [Back]
Further Reading
Sources
- “Mark Twang” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Twang
- “Don’t Leave Your Records In The Sun” https://madmusic.com/song_details.aspx?SongID=3247
- “The Sound Shop” https://www.discogs.com/label/366137-The-Sound-Shop
- “John Hartford – Mark Twang” https://www.discogs.com/master/621094-John-Hartford-Mark-Twang
- “John Hartford” https://www.discogs.com/artist/406954-John-Hartford
- “John Hartford” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hartford
