James Timothy Hardin, known as Tim Hardin, was an influential American folk and blues singer-songwriter born on December 23, 1941, in Eugene, Oregon. Raised in a musical family, his mother was a classical violinist, and his father was a jazz bassist. Hardin's early life was marked by a lack of interest in formal education, leading him to drop out of South Eugene High School and join the U.S. Marines at the age of 18. It was during his military service in Southeast Asia that he first encountered heroin, an addiction that would trouble him for the rest of his life.

After his discharge from the Marines, Hardin moved to New York City in 1961, immersing himself in the vibrant Greenwich Village music scene. He briefly attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before dedicating himself to music, performing in local bars and coffeehouses. His unique blend of folk, blues, and jazz, combined with his distinctive voice, quickly gained him recognition.

Hardin's career took off with his signing to Verve Forecast in 1966, releasing his critically acclaimed debut album "Tim Hardin 1," which featured songs like "Reason to Believe" and "Misty Roses." His follow-up album, "Tim Hardin 2," included the iconic "If I Were a Carpenter," a song that became a hit for several artists, including Bobby Darin and Johnny Cash. Despite his success as a songwriter, Hardin struggled with stage fright and substance abuse, which affected his live performances.

In 1969, Hardin performed at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, although his set was marred by his addiction and anxiety. Throughout the 1970s, he continued to create music but faced ongoing challenges due to his heroin dependency. Hardin's personal life included his marriage to actress Susan Yardley Morss, with whom he had a son named Damion.

Tim Hardin's life was tragically cut short when he died from an accidental heroin overdose on December 29, 1980, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 39. Despite his struggles, Hardin's legacy endures through his timeless compositions, which have been covered by a wide range of artists, affirming his lasting impact on the music world.