I was raised on folk music and classical. The folk stuck. I can say I've seen an opera twice and feel no need to do so again. When I bought a guitar I learned songs from the Phil Ochs songbook and learned anything I could from him, Tom Paxton, Eric Andersen, etc. I later got bit by the traditional song bug and tend to measure newer songs by how they stack up to those these days. I think that reflects more on a change in my attitude than a change in the quality of songwriting. Pivitol moments for me would be hearing John Roberts and Tony Barrand sing "The Twa Magicians" on the Studs Terkel show on WFMT when I was in high school, first hearing Martin Carthy singing and playing "The Famous Flower of Serving Men," and seeing Richard Thompson doing an acoustic show back in 1982 (the songs, the tune arrangements, and before the effects sounds). I could go on, but will stop at this point. Thanks for asking.--Phil Cooper