The Life and Legacy of Hagood Hardy
The Life and Legacy of Hagood Hardy
Early Life
Hugh Hagood Hardy was born on February 26, 1937, in Angola, Indiana. His roots in Canada were deep, with his great-uncle, Arthur Sturgis Hardy, serving as Ontario’s fourth premier from 1896 to 1899. Hardy’s family moved to Brantford, Ontario when he was an infant, and eventually settled in Oakville, where he studied piano with Edna Lawrence and Ellen Scott. He began playing the vibraphone in his teens.
Education and Early Career
While earning a BA with a double major in political science and economics at the University of Toronto, Hardy took private music lessons with Gordon Delamont and performed in local jazz clubs and on CBC Television. He led his own group from 1957 until 1961, when he went to the US and played vibes for bandleader Gigi Gryce, flautist Herbie Mann, and pianists Martin Denny and George Shearing. Hardy would later credit Shearing as a major influence.
Commercials and Composing
Upon returning to Toronto in 1968, Hardy founded Hagood Hardy Productions, which eventually specialized in commercial jingles for companies such as Kelloggs, General Motors, London Life, and Canadian Pacific. Also that year, Hardy formed a jazz trio with Ian Henstridge on bass and Ricky Marcus on drums. With the addition of singers Stephanie Taylor and Carrie Romano in 1969, the group became The Montage.
The Homecoming
In 1975, Hardy revised and recorded “The Homecoming,” which he originally composed in 1972 as a jingle for Salada Tea. Released by Hardy on his Isis Records label as a single off the album of the same name, the song became an international hit. Hardy received Juno Awards in 1976 for Composer and Instrumental Artist of the Year, and was also named instrumental artist of the year by Billboard magazine.
Film and Television Scores
Hardy wrote the scores for the 1982 film Mazes and Monsters, the 1985 film Anne of Green Gables and the sequel, Anne of Avonlea. His work on these films further cemented his reputation as a versatile and talented composer.
Recognition and Later Life
In 1992, Hardy was made a Member of the Order of Canada. In the 1995 provincial election, he was the candidate for the Ontario Liberal Party in the riding of York South and faced local MPP and Premier of Ontario Bob Rae. The Ontario Liberals faltered in the election, and Hardy lost to Rae.
Death and Legacy
Hardy died from lymphoma on January 1, 1997, in Hamilton, Ontario, at the age of 59. He left behind a rich musical legacy, having had a successful jazz career, composed extensively for film and television, and had gold and platinum records as an easy listening artist. He is perhaps best-known for his hit single “The Homecoming,” which continues to be enjoyed by audiences today.
- “The Homecoming” – This is perhaps Hardy’s most famous composition, originally written for a Salada Tea commercial in 1972. It was later released as a single in 1975 and became an international hit.
- “I Won’t Last a Day Without You” – This is a cover of The Carpenters’ song, showcasing Hardy’s ability to interpret and add his own touch to popular songs.
- “My Elusive Dreams” – Another cover, this time of a song by Billy Sherrill & Curly Putman. Hardy’s version is a beautiful rendition that highlights his skill as a performer.
- “Jennifer’s Song” – This is an original composition by Hardy, demonstrating his talent as a songwriter.
- “You and Me Against the World” – A cover of a song by Helen Reddy, this track showcases Hardy’s versatility and ability to make any song his own.
- “Travellin’ On” – An original composition by Hardy, this song is a testament to his talent as a composer and performer.
- “Balloons” – Another original composition, this song showcases Hardy’s ability to create beautiful and memorable melodies.
- “Clouds” – This is a cover of a song by David Gates, demonstrating Hardy’s skill in interpreting other artists’ work.
- “Cold on the Shoulder” – A cover of a song by Gordon Lightfoot, this track showcases Hardy’s ability to interpret and add his own touch to popular songs.
- “Wintertime” – An original composition by Hardy, this song is a testament to his talent as a composer and performer.
