Hagood Hardy

Who was Hagood Hardy?

Hugh Hagood Hardy, CM was a Canadian composer, pianist, and vibraphonist. He is best known for the 1975 single, "The Homecoming" originally created as music to a 1972 TV commercial for Salada tea, and for his soundtrack to the Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea films.

Born in Angola, Indiana, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Trinity College in the University of Toronto. He also studied music privately in Toronto with Gordon Delamont. In the 1960s he played vibraphone in the bands of Martin Denny, Gigi Gryce, Herbie Mann and George Shearing.

He is best known for his phenomenal performance with Herbie Mann at the latter's Live, At The Village Gate. The session includes the jazz standard Comin' Home Baby & the Gershwin classic, Summertime. This version of Summertime was later "covered" by the 90's rock group Sublime in their hit song "Doin' Time."

In 1992, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada.

In the 1995 provincial election he was the candidate for the Ontario Liberal Party in the riding of York South and faced local MPP and Premier of Ontario Bob Rae. The Ontario Liberals faltered in the election, and Hardy lost to Rae.