Memories of Dan Hartman

Liner Notes from Keep the Fire Burnin' - Larry Flick

The secret to Dan Hartman's longevity and success was always in his willingness to shine a light on every corner of his creative psyche.

Instead of comfortably inhabiting a specialised musical niche that kept the hits and cash flowing freely, Hartman continually challenged himself. In doing so, the scope and breadth of his career was constantly expanding, and it was astonishingly exclusive. Whether you are a headbanger or disco disciple, there is little doubt that at least one Dan Hartman composition tickled your fancy. On a palette so rhythmically diverse, the common denominators were always purity of soul and a warm, inviting spirit.

Hartman's career spanned more than two decades, and it included a glorious and eclectic sting of tunes that ranged in style from rhythm rooted pop to jazz, with razor sharp rock guitars or lush new age keyboards sewn into the fabric for good measure. His lyrics were almost always urgently anthemic and full of the kind of unabashed hope that makes the heart melt. Whether it was fraught with masculine aggression, as on "Free Ride" with the Edgar Winter Group, or wriggling with the night life glitter, as on "Relight My Fire," Dan could make you believe everything would be just fine tomorrow. All ya needed was a little love.

In addition to an illustrious performing career that glistens with gems like "Instant Replay" and "We Are The Young," Hartman was also revered for his work as a writer and producer of countless hits for other artists. For example, a keen ear can detect Dan's magic touch on Tina Turner's pop radio staple, "The Best." "Dan produced Tina's "Foreign Affair" album, and I think it is probably the best album we have made to date," says Roger Davies, Turner's manager. "Dan taught me a lot about production. He had a great ear for commercial songs, and was fantastic with arrangements."

But that wasn't where he stopped. Hartman then directed his attention toward motion picture scores and soundtracks, earning a deservedly sterling reputation for his work on Fletch, Krush Groove, Bull Durham, Down and Out In Beverly Hills and Ruthless People. Among his crowning achievements was penning and producing "Living In America," the Grammy-nominated, James Brown-sung theme to Rocky IV, and his own worldwide smash, "I Can Dream About You," from the cult film Streets Of Fire. The latter comes as close to perfection as a song can get, and is likely to attain status among the pop standards of this generation.

With such a diverse résumé, it hardly comes as a surprise that Hartman would once again completely shift musical gears at the height of his reign over the Hollywood movie-music scene. In 1989, he unveiled "New Green Clear Blue", which was easily one of his most adventurous efforts. Of the enchanting, ambient collection of plush instrumentals, he once said, "This music is meant to be something that helps people connect with their subconscious. It is intended to be played at very low levels in a tranquil environment. It's a platform for the imagination."

Before his untimely passing in March 1994, Hartman had set out to reclaim his crown as the king of dance floors by recording an album of pop and dance music. Sadly, he died before the project was completed. While in the studio during 1993, he noted that "So many things have changed in terms of social and political issues, as well as the need for love and personal relationships. All of these things are the reasons why writing and recording new material is most meaningful to me."

Those words resonate during the two new tunes on this retrospective, "Keep The Fire Burnin' (Duet starring Loleatta Holloway)" and "The Love In Your Eyes." The former reunites Dan with Loleatta Holloway, the diva who fronted his much-sampled classic composition "Love Sensation." That latter showcases Dan's evocative tenor range, as well as his ability to transform simple love prose into a profound statement.

While chatting with the people who populated his life, it becomes clear that Hartman was as romantic, spontaneous, and energetic as his music. "I remember when we met in '78," says Nona Hendryx, one of his closest friends. "He just showed up on my doorstep one day, flashed the brightest smile, and asked me to write with him. I'd never spoken with him before. But he had the kind of personality and warmth that allowed him to do something like that. We were best friends from that very moment."

Veteran A&R executive Nancy Brennan, who signed Hartman to his first major publishing deal with CBS Music in 1981, has similar memories. "Dan's dedication to his craft was unmatched and unequaled, as evident on the first 'job' I got him. I sent him to Denmark to produce an English album for the Danish equivalent of Simon and Garfunkel, Rugsted and Kreutzfeld. Before Dan would go he insisted on going to a crash Berlitz class, just so he could walk into their studio and chit-chat in Danish - even though they spoke English. We're still getting covers on those songs Dan wrote in English for R&K over ten years ago."

The touching tales and fond memories of Hartman's creative impact could fill volumes. But as you listen to his music, we ask that you keep the simple words of his longtime writing partner, Charlie Midnight, in mind: "Two thousand years ago a Roman poet named Marcus Tullius Cicero wrote,

'The real friend is, as it were another self.'

Gotta have a celebration. Rock my soul."

In the end, we believe, that Dan Hartman would have most wanted to be remembered as a great friend who touched many. The fire will never dim.

Larry Flick
Dance Music Editor
Billboard

Many thanks to Larry Flick for allowing these notes from Keep the Fire Burnin to be reproduced. Used with permission.

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