Not very deep. I bought records (and now CDs) when I could afford to and the opportunity hit. Same with books about the subjects. And I kept asking questions and kept my eyes and ears open. It all comes along unpredictably.
The one thing is you have to get out and see things live, and poke around. One night I went to the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley and saw John Cohen play. It was really a good show and on the break he sold me various albums in the men's room, some of them bootlegs of 78s, plus the immortal 45rpm EP by "The New Lost City Bang Boys" called "Dirt is Dirt" ("Bang Away Lulu, My Sweet Farm Girl", others).
Ask questions, Jeri. I've been correctd on a few things here on the Mudcat and it's been ok.