Tim Hardin, one of the top folk singers and songwriters

Tim Hardin (b. 23-12-1941, d. 29-12-1980) arrived in New York following a tour of duty with the US Marines. He initially studied acting, but dropped out of classes to develop his singing and songwriting talent. By 1964 he was appearing regularly in New York's Greenwich Village cafés, where he forged a unique blend of poetic folk/blues. 

Hardin’s first recordings were made in 1964 although the results of this traditional-based session were shelved for several years and were only issued, as This Is Tim Hardin, in the wake of the singer’s commercial success. His debut album, Tim Hardin 1, was a deeply poignant affair, wherein Tim’s frail, weary intonation added intrigue to several magnificent compositions, including ‘Don't Make Promises’, ‘Misty Roses' (sensitively covered by Colin Blunstone) and 'Hang On To A Dream’ (which became a regular part of the Nice’s live performances) as well as the much-covered ‘Reason To Believe’. 

Tim Hardin 2, featured his original version of 'If I Were A Carpenter', an international hit in the hands of Bobby Darin and the Four Tops, which confirmed Hardin's position as a writer of note. However, the artist was deeply disappointed with these releases and reportedly broke down upon hearing the finished master to his first selection. 

Hardin’s career then faltered on private and professional difficulties. As early as 1970 he was experiencing alcohol and drug problems. A conceptual work, Suite For Susan Moore And Damion reclaimed something of his former fire but his gifts seemed to desert him following its release. Hardin’s high standing as a songwriter has resulted in his work being interpreted by many artists over the past decades, including Wilson Phillips and Rod Stewart (‘Reason to Believe’) and Scott Walker (‘Lady Came From Baltimore'). 

As Hardin’s own songs grew less incisive, he began interpreting the work of other songwriters. Beset by heroin addiction, his remaining work is a ghost of that early excellence. Tim Hardin died, almost forgotten and totally underrated, in December 1980, of a heroin overdose. Over the past few years Hardin's work has received a wider and more favourable reception.