The Boston Globe called Jack Hardy "one of the most influential figures in defining the American folk song."

Known primarily as an accomplished writer, Jack was the recipient of the 1997 Kate Wolf Memorial Award and may be the least-known subject of a tribute album (Songs of Jack Hardy: Of the White Goddess - BCN 10136-2). His songs have been covered by such well-known performers as Dave Van Ronk, The Roches, Lucy Kaplansky, Lui Collins, Anne Hills and Cindy Mangsen.

Jack's influence stems not only from his own songwriting, but from nurturing such young, talented artists as Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin and The Roches. His weekly Songwriter's Exchange and The Fast Folk Musical Magazine (which Jack founded and edited for many years) provide artistic support and exposure for up-and-coming artists in the songwriting community and has taught a generation of songwriters how to take their work seriously.

Jack's independent spirit coupled with an uncompromising insistence on full artistic control and integrity make him stand out in this era of corporate music. Although he's been offered many, he has never signed a U.S. record deal, choosing instead ot license masters overseas once they were completed. In the U.S., his albums were available only by mail-order from his own Great Divide label. In this sense, jack is the forerunner of such artists as Ani DiFranco who want respect, but on their own terms.

The Passing, released in 1997 on Fifty Fifty Music/Prime CD, is Jack Hardy's eleventh album, but the first to be nationally distributed in the U.S. His previous releases, on his own label and several European labels, have been hard to find -- and most only as imports. In 1998, Fifty Fifty Music/Prime CD released Jack Hardy: The Collected Works, containing Jack's entire recorded catalog

"It's stunning to me that more people are not familiar with his work. As is the case with many influential artists, it remains an unfortunate truth that many of Jack's disciples are better known than he is on the club and festival circuit. Despite the significant shadow his songs and work have cast, his independent nature and uncompromising approach have worked against him."
SING OUT MAGAZINE

"Jack Hardy was the first person I met who really worked at writing songs, who took it seriously and went after the songs rather than waiting around for them to show up."
John Gorka

"I was involved in Fast Folk since the beginning. Jack came up to me one day and said he was thinking of starting a magazine with a record included. I was skeptical. He saw it as a journal of the scene as it was at the time - he was interested in catching what was out there and documenting it, not in creating a finished work of art in these records. I think he pulled it off."
Suzanne Vega

As a special bonus track, Jack's 2000 album, Omens, includes an interview with Jack Hardy conducted by his long-time friend, SUZANNE VEGA. Anyone who has wondered about Jack's songwriting process and where he gets his inspiration will find many clues in this candid sonic portrait.

Jack's Website: jackhardy.com