Glen D. Hardin (b.1939) of Wolfforth, Texas, arranged and performed music with Elvis Presley and The Crickets.
Born in Wellington, Texas, Hardin grew up with two of the original members of The Crickets, Jerry Allison and Joe B. Mauldin. After leaving the Navy in 1959, his career as a musician began when he started playing in the North Hollywood Palomino Club, the most prominent country music club on the West Coast. Hardin joined The Shindigs, the highlighted band of ABC Network’s variety show, Shindig! (1964-1966). He wrote his first hit song, “Count Me In,” for Gary Lewis & the Playboys in 1965 and this quickly led to his reputation as a highly requested studio pianist. During this time, he recorded with Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Nancy Sinatra, Dean Martin, and dozens more. In 1970, Elvis Presley specifically requested Hardin join his TCB Band. Hardin toured and recorded with Presley until 1976, arranging several hits during that time such as “I Just Can’t Help Believin’.” Hardin has since worked with countless country music legends, including a performance on the Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night (1988) TV special and work with Emmylou Harris and her Hot Band. Following Buddy Holly’s death in 1959, The Crickets, who he had played with numerous times, named Hardin an honorary band member. He continues to collaborate and perform today.
Glen D. Hardin was inducted into the West Texas Walk of Fame in 1995.
