Freddie Hart, born Frederick Segrest, was an American country musician and songwriter known for his honky-tonk and country-pop fusion style. He gained fame in the 1950s and 1970s, with his most significant contribution to music history being the hit song "Easy Loving," which won the Country Music Association Song of the Year award in 1971 and 1972. Hart's distinctive baritone voice and heartfelt songwriting, often centered on themes of love and loss, played a crucial role in shaping the sound of mid-century country music. Despite his Southern roots, he infused his music with elements of pop, broadening the audience for country music during his active years.