Ah! At last a topic about something dear to my heart. Thanks Standing Bear! I have become addicted to the political threads of late and this is a welcome change (some might argue it is not a change, given the fact that many folk songs are political). It's good to break away for a change.

Actually, the first time I heard Burl Ives, I had no idea he was singing "folk music." I was too young to understand any of that. I just remember my dad singing several songs, including "Old Dan Tucker," and "Jimmy Crack Corn." As I grew, so did my interest in folk music. Sure, I had a crack at rock and roll, but I kept coming back to songs that either had a purpose and a thought behind them, or kept my interest by telling a story about people. The harmony of the Weavers and then later, the Kingston Trio caught my attention as well. I loved the instruments -- I knew I just had to learn to play the guitar.

Later came heros like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, then much later came local heros (to me) of countless numbers, who sang beautifully and played a number of instruments. I had always sung, now I knew I had to play an instrument (or two, or three). Like so many, I learned about harmony in the youth church choir. My interest in folk music has grown over the years. I love to hear others sing and play, but more than anything, I enjoy singing and playing myself, whether alone or with others. The greatest blessing from all of this is the great friends I've made over the years. I hope you will have that same blessing.

Jim