Memories of Dan Hartman

The following article has been adapted from a message left by Edgar on the Ultimate Edgar Winter Fan site messageboard in March 2005. In the message Edgar writes about Dan Hartman:

With thanks to Kirk Munchhof

I have never spoken a great deal about Dan , and this seems like a good opportunity.

Dan was a true genius and a musical visionary, though in a style very different from my own. He loved pop music. The Carpenters were one of his favorites. Pop music is all to frequently dismissed as somehow shallow, lacking in depth or integrity. There is great pop music (just as there is great rock or blues).Dan made GREAT pop music, as well as rock and R&B.

I think "Diamond Eyes" is the best song Dan and I ever wrote together. It was definitely Dan 's idea. He had the title and the music for the chorus. When I asked him what it meant to him, he said, "you know ... looking for the beauty in life ... seeing the world as better, fresher, brighter than it is--like when we were kids." So I suggested, "We are children." He already had "Looking at the world through diamond eyes." And we were off.

We worked out the verses together, but the rhyme scheme is definitely an Edgar thing. I call these internal rhymes (we live so fast our life goes past before we ever know it), and I have a real penchant for rhymes like (magic rainbows and where the rain goes). As an example, take my song "What Do I Tell My Heart" (the ladies tease and taunt--I act so nonchalant--though I'm crying inside I keep trying to hide what I want) or (I look so debonair--but I don't have a prayer--though I'm nearing my end I appear to pretend I don'tc are).

While I'm on the subject of co-writing I might as well mention one little known fact (little known because I've never mentioned it). As most of you know, Dan had already written "Free Ride when I met him. But when we recorded the song, I wanted to be sure them essage was understood as a "Free Ride" in the "Spirit" of self discovery. So I came to have the honor of penning the last lines (We've got to do better, It's time to begin--you know all the answers must come from within--so). Of course, I never asked for or expected any credit for such a small change; but I know lots of people out there who would have demanded co-writing (just for something like that). I,m just proud that the lines are in the song, which is such a CLASSIC! By the way, that IS Dan playing the signature guitar chord lick (not Ronnie or Rick), and I've never heard ANYBODY play it withe xactly the same feel as Dan !

When I think of Dan Hartman , I will always think of "Paradise/Sides". For me, this is his supreme masterwork. It is entirely his own creation, and is uniquely Dan . Sides is so deeply personal and yet so universal, the beauty of it makes me cry. You sense he is talking about the pain of lovers in a relationship, and at the same time, the senseless misunderstandings between people of differing ideologies around the world. And the question is so profound, why must we take sides?

As much as I love some of the individual songs on the last (EWG) album, for me, it just didn't feel like a real group effort. It didn't have that intangible group spirit. As the leader, my main concern was to give everybody equal time ando pportunity to display their talents. I had hoped to keep the band together by making it a democratic situation and splitting the song writing as evenly as possible. We followed this formula, but it still felt somehow unbalanced and unfocussed. Dan and I were still writing together, but Rick's songs were all his alone. And there were no three way songs at all.

Don't get me wrong. I'm still very proud of this album, and I think everybody did an incredible job (especially Dan ). We're talking about matters of degree and personal taste here. My opinion is obviously subjective and influenced by my personal feelings. We were all disappointed by the lack of interest in the album, and I was rather sad--feeling the group was nearing an end.

And that brings us to the question, why was this album overlooked? In my opinion, it had nothing to do with the quality of the music. After Clive Davis left CBS things were never the same. Our manager, Steve Paul, had formed his own custom label, and we were releasing our records on Blue Sky. So technically, we were on our own label--yet depending on CBS distribution and expecting promotional support from their people in the field. I just don't think CBS had the same incentive and enthusiasm as when we were on EPIC. Well, that's my take on it. In any event, it is heartwarming and gratifying to hear how much you all care about this work.

Now, back to the original question of comparative success. Of course, the group would never have been the same without Dan . I had a very definite vision of the band and would have found someone with similar tastes and musical inclinations. But who that could have been, we'll never know.

As to my success, there is one important point that no one brought out. "Free Ride" was our first choice as a single, and was released when the album first came out. Unfortunately, it got no airplay and was never heard. It was only AFTER "Frankenstein" made it to #1 that "Free Ride" was rereleased ands ubsequently became a hit.

"Frankenstein" started getting airplay onc ollege underground FM stations. It was a real grass-roots movement, so requested that it was eventually demanded by AM radio. So, I guess you could say that if anyone was responsible for the success of the Edgar Winter Group, it was YOU--the people. I can only say, it was a great pleasure and a privilege to work with each member in the band, especially Dan , who contributed the most.

Dan and I remained the best of friends after the group disbanded. He was especially close to Monique (Edgar's wife). "Instant Replay" was the first song Dan recorded after the break-up, and I was touched when he asked me to do the sax solo. Monique knew everybody at Studio 54. I'll never forget the night we took it in and Monique had the DJ play it for the first time. We knew it was an "Instant Hit", and Dan was destined for great things.

I can't say enough about Dan , what an inspiration he was and how much his friendship and support meant to us over the years. We never lost touch and continued to do things together. On one trip to California, Dan did a session where I got to trade sax licks with Stevie Wonder's harmonica on the song "Hands Down" which was a real thrill and a great honor. On another, he invited me to solo on Tina Turner's "Simply the best", another great experience.

We last saw Dan shortly before he passed away. He came to LA for a visit. We had red wine with Moniques special pasta, which was Dan 's favorite. He had brought us a copy of "New Green Clear Blue, along with several books for Monique (they had a unique, spiritual bond--and loved to share philosophy). There was music, dan cing, and deep conversation. We will always treasure this memory of the last time we spent together.

I felt that "New Green Clear Blue" marked a new evolutionary step in Dan 's writing. It is PURE music of the spirit with no commercial intentions--meditative, peaceful, and serene. For anyone who hasn't heard it, this CD reveals an entirely new and different side of Dan . I know it came straight from his heart and was a beautiful parting gift to us all. I can't help but wonder what he would have done next!

Aside from his amazing talent, the thing Monique and I admired most about Dan was his character as a person and his beautiful spirit. He was a steadfast, true, and loyal friend for life. He has our undying love, admiration, and respect. Though he has passed on to the other side, Dan has shown us all the way to "Paradise" where there are no "Sides". We all love and miss you, Dan . We shall meet again.

Peace and Love,

The Winters
Edgar and Monique

Top

All Trade names, service marks, trademarks or other registered trademarks used on this page are trademarks of their respective owners. All copyrights are acknowledged.

Dan Hartman Discussion Forum

Dan Hartman Home

Back to top