John Hartin - South Plains College - Musician/Educator

[Gordon Hartin]

On Thursday January 29th 2026, my dad, John Hartin passed away at 83.

He was a life-time guitarist, and also started playing steel in the late 1980s.

In 1975, he started the first progam in the United States where a student could get an associates degree in Country and Bluegrass music, and over the years the program grew into a 26,000 square foot progam, where students could also study Sound Technology, Commercial Music, Video Production and more. Many students went on to great careers, playing the Grand Ole Opry and many other accolades.

In the late 80s he started a instructions video company called Texas Music & Video, which released over 150 video for Guitar, Banjo, Pedal Steel, Drums, Mandolin...And for years he had a both at both the Dallas and St Louis Steel guitar shows.

He was an awesome Husband/Father/Friend and I will miss him for the rest of my life.

Here is a bit more information that the news station in Lubbock did for him.
https://www.kcbd.com/2026/01/31/musicia ... hn-hartin/

Gordon Hartin

[Craig Stock]

My condolences to you Gordon and your family, having gone to Texas Tech, in nearby Lubbock, along with both of my daughters, I was aware of the program at SPC, and knew that it was exceptional.

Didn't know about your dad, but from the video he was a monster player and person to boot.

Looks like his legacy with go on for a long time, you must be proud of him!

[Daniel Dickie]

Hi Gordon
I'm sorry to hear about your dad passing away.
That was a wonderful tribute on the local news channel.
He has really done something so great with his life for the local community which is to be commended.
It is great also that you and your family are carrying his musical traditions on too.