Galt MacDermot (born December 18, 1928 in Montreal, Quebec) is a Canadian pianist, composer and writer of musical theatre. Educated at Upper Canada College and Bishop's University (Sherbrooke, QC) he was trained in music in South Africa and made a study of African music his specialty, although he is best known as co-author of the groundbreaking 1960s rock musical Hair, which ran for nearly 2000 performances in both London and New York, won a Grammy Award in 1969, and was made into a film in 1979.
MacDermot is also popular amongst collectors of jazz, funk and film soundtracks, for the scores he created to minor productions such as Woman is Sweeter and Rhinoceros. Working with high-calibre jazz musicians such as Bernard Purdie, Jimmy Lewis and Idris Muhammad, Macdermot created tight, rhythmical soundtrack pieces which effectively prefigured the funk material of James Brown. Consequently, MacDermot's work from this period has been sampled by hip-hop musicians including Busta Rhymes (who borrowed "Space" for "Woo hah! Got you all in check!") and Handsome Boy Modelling School (who sampled "Coffee Cold"). Also, on August 8th, 2006, Oh No released an album made entirely of Galt MacDermot samples on Stones Throw Records entitled Exodus into Unheard Rhythms.
American Montage is currently in production with "EAR OF THE HEART: The Music of Galt MacDermot".
A documentary of Galt MacDermot's life and musical career, as well as a performance of many of his songs.
Click below to see the Preview.>>
Galt MacDermot Video - Poco Valor from the album Purdie as a Picture.
Dear Galt, i want to thank you sooooo much for writing the music for Hair! I discoverd it 16 years ago when i was nineteen, and nowadays i am still addicted to it. There seems to be a special kind of receipt in your music, that 'll always make me happy. And can you ask James when the Broadway musical will come to Europe again? Sometimes there are playing other versions here, but they suck, compared to the original version. Galt, everytime i play Hair you bring rainbows & sunshine in my heart! I guess it will always stay my favourite music. Love, Agnes.
Thank you Mr. MacDermot for adding me onto your friend's selection. I didn't expect you were the one who'd directed Aquarius. The first time I'd heard the song was on the episode of the Simpsons and I'll admit that's the first time I'd heard your production, ever. Anyone who's a producer can branch off a lot of new productive ideas while listening to your materials. Well, thanks again.
Galt, good seeing your page here & enjoyed your promo video. I have many duplicate vinyl copies of all your show recordings. I didn't know Kilmarnock was your label, 'you know who' from OC Records lives by me & I've sold a few copies to him via Ebay!..
Galt, Thanks for the add. After hearing the first tune the others immediately took me back to the sound of the time of Hair, without reading the profile. After reading, it made all the sense in the world. It's in the writing; your writing that says it all. It is an honor to meet you. Your music was a major part of a revolution that I remember as a younger kid. It made a real statement. Although I wasn't quit in my teens I knew and felt the impact. Thank you for all you've done. Sincerely. Peace, Teddy
