Ongoing History of New Music

Ongoing History Daily: Phil Hartman’s album covers

We remember legendary Canadian comedian Phil Hartman as part of the Saturday Night Live cast, appearing on the show Newsradio as well as providing the voice for characters like Lionel Hutz and Troy McClure on The Simpsons. But he was also a graphic designer who created album cover art, thanks to a university degree in graphic arts.

And some of those covers are iconic. For example, he came up with the Aja artwork for Steely Dan in 1977 and Poco’s Legend album from 1978. He even won a Grammy for album art. Plus he was also the person who designed the Celtic-looking logo for Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.

Phil Hartman's album covers
Phil Hartman's album covers
Phil Hartman's album covers

Monday’s post was on Chris Cornell.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39665 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

2 thoughts on “Ongoing History Daily: Phil Hartman’s album covers

  • Phil Hartman did not design the cover art for the Aja album by Steely Dan.

    Reply

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