Happy Holidays to all.
One of my students was remarking this week that my collection of records, tapes, CDs and books (thousands of each) was very heavy on music and artists that he was completely unfamiliar with. (I'll do my best to change that, as I do with anyone who shows an interest)
I was just curious how many catters, and especially the newer and younger ones (welcome..by the way) have interest in, or knowledge of the more traditional areas of folk music. I don't just mean ballads or broadsides, but would include early recorded old-time country, or blues (or jazz, or bluegrass for that matter)
I've always had contemporary singer-songmakers, and revivalist artists (lots of 'em) in my collection over the years, but by the 80s I was listening to old music probably five to one over new releases. In the last 10 years I've been blown away by very few new (to me) writers,(Bob Coltman, and Jerry Rassmussen for example) but have discovered a great many traditional artists who had been around for years (most, long dead, actually) and who I had somehow missed. Gathering information on their lives, times, and techniques, as WELL as their music, continues to be a huge kick.
I'd probably break my collection down this way:
Traditional British Isles based: 20%
American old time country: 30%
Acoustic Blues, and early jazz: 20%
Singer songmakers and political,(Dylan, Paxton, Ochs etc: 20%
Classical: 10%

Sheesh! I need another 20 percent's worth. I'd forgotten about the Beatles, Kinks, Stones, Buddy Holly and all that Rockabilly! Oh well...math ain't my strong point.
Any feedback will be interesting. Thanks.

Rick