“John Hardy was a desperate little man…”

So begins the classic folk ballad of the life, times, and ultimate end of a convicted murderer. This folk song has many variations and has been covered by the likes of Clarence Ashley in the 20’s, Leadbelly accompanying himself on the accordion, the Carter family in 1928, all the way to Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead in San Rafael, CA in May, 1987. First recorded by Eva Davis in 1924, this has become both a bluegrass, blues, jazz, and old-time favorite.

Here’s Doc and Earl in an unrehearsed version of this well-known jam tune: