Memories of Dan Hartman

Neil Sedaka

Dan Hartman was a dear friend of mine. He had charm, personality, and wit. A true perfectionist.

We were neighbors in Westport, Connecticut during the 70's & 80's.

We had a great mutual respect for each other. Besides getting together musically, we socialized both in Connecticut and New York. My wife Leba and I used to go to dinners and parties with Dan and his partner Glenn (who we still see in Los Angeles).

His studio was in his home in Westport, which made it a very comfortable place to record. His sudden illness and death was a shock to all who loved him. I was proud to have recorded two LP's with him. Now and Come See About Me. The latter was a collection of old Rock and Roll songs from the 50's & 60's. He was so respected that he was able to get such luminaries as Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, Mary Wilson, Ashford & Simpson, and Gary U.S. Bonds to join me on several duets.

Dan Hartman with Neil Sedaka

I loved working with him. He played, sang, wrote, mixed, mastered...he did it all! I would call him a genius. I went through all the trails and tribulations of I Can Dream About You with him.

We spent some great times in each other's homes both in New York and Connecticut. He was an icon to the R&B world, with his work with James Brown & Tina Turner. I remember writing some songs in a Greek Style, which I called "Bazuki Rock". He loved them and we recorded a couple together. He wasn't afraid to take chances musically.

I think of him often and smile!

Neil Sedaka

http://www.neilsedaka.com

June 2006

Special thanks to Robert Cotto

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