I write songs

Listen up.

On the right, you’ll see a Soundcloud playlist of some of my songs. These are songs that are available to purchase (in high quality WAV. files)! So, if you like what you hear, go to my BandCamp page. Buy a song or two! Tell your friends! I’ll be posting more soon and, if you “follow” me on Bandcamp, you can be the first to know when the song drops! Buy a song, help support an artist, and get some great music. Click here!

Time for another story from my music career…

If you read the “About” page, you may remember me writing about how I was discovered by John Hammond, the legendary Columbia A&R man and civil rights advocate. Like I also wrote on that page, I was recording in the studio with Mr. Hammond when he had a massive stroke right there in the studio. The week prior to Mr. Hammond’s stroke, he had asked me to come to his office for a meeting but hadn’t announced the reason. That meeting is what this story is about.

Mr. Hammond was my producer and acting as my de facto manager, but, as my recording contract moved forward, that was untenable. So, he enlisted the famous concert promoter and talent manager, Bill Graham to be my manager. Bill Graham produced concerts at the famous Filmore and Filmore East venues, where some of the greatest concerts in rock history were staged. He also managed acts like Santana, Jefferson Airplane, and many others.

When I walked in the office that day, I knew I recognized the man sitting across from John Hammond. But in the moment, I couldn’t place the face.

HAMMOND Ned , come right on in.
NED Thanks, Mister Hammond!
HAMMOND (to Bill Graham) I can’t get him to stop calling me “Mister Hammond.”
NED Sorry, Mister Hammond.
HAMMOND (to Graham) See what I mean? (to Ned) Ned , I’d like you to meet someone.
GRAHAM Hello, Ned. Bill Graham.
NED Bill Graham? The greatest concert promoter in the history of rock music? The Bill Graham?
GRAHAM Thank you, Ned.
NED The Fillmore, Winterland, Live Aid producer, Bill Graham? The Bill Graham?
GRAHAM The word “the” is not a part of my name. Call me Bill.
NED Okay, Mister Graham.
GRAHAM Call me Bill.
NED Okay, Mmmm...Bill.
GRAHAM Thank you. Now, the reason I’m here today, Ned , John has played me some of your initial demos. And may I say, you, you are an artist. You see, some acts in this business, they’re just entertainers. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. You need entertainers. For example, I manage Eddy Money, and Eddy is not an artist, he’s an entertainer, and I don’t think he’d mind me saying that. I mean Eddy has used his success to buy an automotive dealership. Right? He sells albums and he sells cars. I don’t see you doing that. Do you know why, Ned?
NED Why?
GRAHAM Because you are an artist.
NED Okay.
GRAHAM And I’d like to be your manager.
NED What?
GRAHAM Ned, I want to be your manager.
—-an excerpt from the musical, FOUR MESSAGES, by Ned Hartford

So, for one week, John Hammond was my producer and Bill Graham was my manager.

A week later, John Hammond had that stroke. My deal with Epic Records was kiboshed. And without a record deal pending, Bill Graham had no further interest in managing me.

Whoa! Shit can change on a dime, eh?

It was a rough time, but here I am, 35 years later. I am very stubborn and resilient. Some might use other descriptive terms. One of the glories of going through so many amazing ups and downs, is that I don’t care so much anymore about “ups” or “downs.” I tend to just feel grateful to be here, grateful to have the chance to keep going, and grateful that you are here spending some time with me on this amazing journey I’m having!