Memories of Dan Hartman

We have been fortunate enough to be able to ask Chuck Ruff about his memories of Dan Hartman:

Chuck Ruff

Chuck Ruff
Edgar Winter Group
1971-1976

Q. What was it like working with Dan in the Studio? How did the songs evolve?

A. It was always a joy to work with Dan in the studio. He was always in a good mood and very helpful. The songs were always pretty much in finished form with a few exemptions.

Q. What was it like on the road with Dan? Did he enjoy playing live?

A. Dan was always up for having a good time when we were out on the road. A natural born practical joker. When we were on stage he was a powerhouse of energy and enthusiasm. Constantly moving around and giving eye contact to every one in the band.

Q. What was the song writing collaboration between Dan and Edgar Winter like?

A. Sometimes they would write one on one, and other times the would come up with an idea and go into separate rooms to see how they would do things differently.

Q. Did Dan change in terms of the way he worked- over the course of the three albums the EWG recorded...?

A. No, Dan never changed per se. He did however improve a lot with each project.

Q. How about memories of living at the estate in Long Island with Dan and Edgar-and recording Jasmine Nightdreams..?

A. We had great fun during the recording of "Jasmine Nightdreams". When Dan did his guitar solo on "Keep on Burnin'" he actually played with his teeth just like Jimi Hendrix. It was fun to watch him work and play. We also had several guest appearances such as Johnny Winter and Rick Marotta who is an excellent drummer. As a mater of fact he was playing drums for Edgar when I first met him.

Our house on Long Island was a palace. 47 rooms, private beach, tennis court, salt water swimming pool, about 2 acres of lush grounds to walk around on. Needles to say we were spoiled to death. Did I mention Dan's 24 track studio? He had it hard wired in to every room in the house including the bathrooms.

Q. Were you ever at The School House of Multilevel Studios? Were they owned and setup by Dan?

A. No I never had a chance to see the Schoolhouse. Yes, it was all owned and operated by Dan Hartman.

Edgar Winter Group, 1972

Q. What were Dan's other interests, apart from music?

A. Dan loved to go shopping in New York City. He also loved the Theater, Plays and Musicals.

Q. Dan's father appeared on the "Images" album, his brother was with him in the "Legends", what have they done since?

A. I don't know much about Dan's family life. I never had the pleasure of meeting his brother, but I did meet his Mom, Dad and little sister once backstage in Harrisburg, Pa.. They seemed like very nice people.

Q. What inspired Dan to experiment with so many different types of music?

A. I think it was his natural musical ability. He loved to try anything new.

Q. What were Dan's musical tastes re other artists and bands?

A. Dan always listened to Motown and The Beatles, but he liked all types of music.

Many thanks to Chuck Ruff for his contribution. More about Chuck Ruff here.

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