While I'm flattered to be mentioned (and I confess, I opened the thread to see if I would be) and by someone, who I think is Dan Milner (aka Liam's brother), I must disclaim much of the credit for Sam Henry. Others too have been involved. Gale Huntington, Lani Herrmann, The University of Georgia Press, all those singers and the various correspondents who encouraged others to send songs to Sam Henry, the newspaper and its owners, who let the song series run for sixteen years.

If I'm to live up to the reputation for being thought provoking, let's consider the appropriateness of this concept of "famous" in the context of the co-operative (albeit, accidentally co-operative) effort which sustains traditional song and music. In my view, the adulation of some performers and the neglect of others - some of whom may have played a part in the creation of the songs the "famous" have made well known - is an impediment. But what can be done about it in a world which is increasingly individualistic, competitive and where capitalist concepts get in everywhere?