Glen D. Hardin
Glen started playing piano at age 8, after his neighbors gave his parents a permanent “loan” on an upright piano they no longer had room for in their home. One day a gospel piano playing friend came over and played in front of young Glen, who was deeply impressed by the sound, and so began his pursuit of becoming a piano player.
Glen took a few lessons, but was largely self-taught. He was more intent on playing the hits of day which he could pick out by ear.
While stationed in Long Beach, California with the Navy, Glen got a well paying local gig, which further encouraged him to go professional. His Idol was Ray Charles
After getting out of the Navy in 1959, Glen began his musical career. He migrated from his home state of Texas to California, eventually joining the house band at The Palamino Club, A club in North Hollywood, that was an important venue for west coast country acts.
From 1964 to 1966, Glen was house keyboardist with the Shin-diggers, the backup group on the popular television show Shindig, which featured performances by many of the rock and pop performers of the day
He was a mainstay session musician for several years, and recorded with dozens of top name artists including Merle Haggard, Marty Robbins, Ricky Nelson, George Jones, and The Everly Brothers
At the recommendation of guitarist James Burton, Glen got to audition for Elvis at MGM studios. He would be replacing Larry Muhoberac (who didn’t want to tour anymore) in Elvis Presley’s TCB band, and got the job in 10 minutes! He was with Elvis for 6 years, arranging, recording, and touring with The King
Glen wrote songs for Gary Lewis and the Playboys, including the hit “Count Me In” which was his first success as a songwriter
Played on Emmy Lou Harris’ first album in 1974, and a subsequent tour
Nice compilation that shows Glen’s versatility Tune in at 3:25 for some hot keyboard