In the twenty-three years since Bluegrass and Americana titan John Hartford’s passing, the witty, vibrant tunes of the Grammy-winning, river and steamboat-obsessed, flatfoot dancing legend have taken on a life of their own, creating an entire sub-genre of the American music canon. That’s thanks to not only Hartford’s pure, funny, and virtuosic catalog, but also to the family and friends attending to the late banjo and fiddle player’s legacy.

There is an entire side of the bluegrass universe that owes its existence to John Hartford. Hartford’s name is a focal point of the bluegrass and newgrass canon and his musicianship, on both the banjo and fiddle, has now been the object of fascination for generations.

John Hartford, whose birthday we celebrate today, was not just a musician; he was a visionary who deeply influenced the fabric of Americana music. His work extended far beyond the boundaries of traditional folk and bluegrass, infusing these genres with a unique blend of storytelling, musicianship, and innovation. His influence on today's musical landscape is profound and multifaceted, touching artists across various genres.

International Bluegrass Music Hall of Famer Sam Bush is releasing “Radio John,” the only original track off his upcoming tribute album Radio John: Songs of John Hartford. The full LP will be available on November 11th via Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.

On November 11, International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame member Sam Bush will pay tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator John Hartford on Radio John: Songs of John Hartford.

My heart was torn when I read that the John Hartford Memorial Festival would be in Springville, Indiana, not Bean Blossom, IN at the Bill Monroe Music Park. I love my little cabin in the woods at the Bill Monroe Music Park (BMMP). It has served us well for many adventures at the John Hartford Memorial Festival (JHMF). And it was reserved and paid for from June 1-5, 2022. ‘My’ cabin has beds, an air conditioner, mini fridge, microwave and sleeps four. We know how to set up to suit our tastes and keep dry.

We’re tickled to announce the initial lineup for the 2022 festival taking place June 1-4 in Springville, IN. We’ve put together a superlative lineup that features many of the acts that were booked (and never performed) at the 2020 festival. We know this diverse lineup will appeal to bluegrass, newgrass, jamgrass and old time fans. At the center of our booking philosophy is the concept of putting together a roster of talent that is as eclectic and varied as the music of our festival namesake, John Hartford.

While post-pandemic etiquette is on a lot of folk’s minds, John Hartford Memorial Festival goers are a little different. 2020 ticket holders were refunded if they wanted but so many gave up the cost of their tickets to donate to the organization that 2021 turned into a modest camp out complete with 12 bands for free. Miles of silence and long days of dreary COVID but the faithful keep coming back to Bean Blossom.

Though they’re acclaimed as masters of contemporary bluegrass, the Lonesome River Band issue a reminder of their long-standing appreciation for old-time string band music with a new Mountain Home Music Company single, “Cumberland River Shore.” And though it’s not about him, the song, from its writing to recording, is suffused with the spirit and sound of the late and legendary John Hartford.