Hurdy Gurdy Man (song)

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"Hurdy Gurdy Man" is a song by Scottish musician Donovan. It was written and recorded in late 1967 and released in 1968 where it was received with great success. The song was written for Donovan's old friend and guitar mentor Mac MacLeod. MacLeod was in a Danish band at the time called Hurdy Gurdy.[1]

Contrary to popular belief, neither Jimmy Page nor John Bonham played on the song. However, on page 7 of the 40-page booklet that came with Donovan's 1992 double CD, Troubadour: The Definitive Collection 1964-1976 lists Allan Holdsworth & Jimmy Page as the electric guitar players and John Bonham & Clem Cattini as playing the drums on "Hurdy Gurdy Man." According to John Paul Jones, who arranged and played bass on the track (he also booked the session players), Clem Cattini played the drums and Alan Parker played the electric guitar.[2]

The song was an anthem for free-spirited hippies and beatniks at the time due to its extremely psychedelic sound. It has been covered by many musicians over the years, a recorded cover by the Butthole Surfers and live covers have surfaced. The song was also sampled by rap group the Beastie Boys in their song "Car Thief."

"Hurdy Gurdy Man" was most recently used David Fincher's 2007 film Zodiac, in the film Man of the Year (2006), starring Robin Williams,in the 2002 independent film Spun, in Michael Cuesta's 2001 film L.I.E., and in Barry Levinson's 1996 film Sleepers.