Hugh Hagwood Hardy

Hugh Hagood Hardy (b. Angola, Indiana, February 26, 1937 – d. January 1, 1997) – Pianist, vibraphonist, and composer. Although born in Indiana with an American mother, Hugh Hagood Hardy was a highly regarded Canadian musician who became a member of the Order of Canada in 1992 because of his generous contributions to society. Hardy was partly responsible for establishing the Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers of Canada, and he served as the director for the Performing Rights Organization of Canada. After completing a B.A. at University Trinity College of the University of Toronto in the 1950s, he played vibraphone with a number of American groups in the 1960s. Among the leaders he played under were George Shearing, Herbie Mann, Martin Denny, and Gigi Gryce. He is also known for writing a popular instrumental selection called “Homecoming” in 1975. “Homecoming” reached #41 on the U.S. pop charts and #6 on the Easy Listening charts.