John Hartford wrote a song.
`` Gentle on My Mind '' is a song written by John Hartford , which won four 1968 Grammy Awards . Hartford himself won the award for Best Folk Performance and Best Country & Western Song ( Songwriter ) . John Cowan Hartford ( December 30 , 1937 -- June 4 , 2001 ) was an American folk , country and bluegrass composer and musician known for his mastery of the fiddle and banjo , as well as for his witty lyrics , unique vocal style , and extensive knowledge of Mississippi River lore . His most successful song is `` Gentle on My Mind '' which won three Grammy Awards and was listed in `` BMI 's Top 100 Songs of the Century '' .