I don't know about most influential, but the title couldn't be bestowed on a nicer fellow. He's done a lot of good solid work in renewing interest in older songs, done his lyrical homework as well. There's nothing objectionable in anything from Steeleye to Waterson:Carthy that would diminish his light. That, and his cover of Heartbreak Hotel made me laugh, cry, and laugh again. He's headed out here in February, and I can hardly wait. So what if the picking ain't what it used to be, who's is? We're guaranteed to have a lovely show, and I'll have to agree, he'd be dead embarassed to see any of this ;-) Elle