I thought this thread was worth reviving once again. With James Frey in the news these days, I started thinking about all the controversy that has surrounded folk song over the years.

Whether "authentic" or not, the work of John Jacob Niles deserves more attention.   There are now two additional CD's available in addition to the CD that Dick mentioned earlier.

One is an import CD, which I have not actually heard. It is called "My Precious Live in the Public Domain" and it is available through the Collectors Choice catalog.

The other is called "Tradition Years: I Wonder as I Wander" and it can be purchased through the "official" JJN website - www.john-jacob-niles.com

By the way, the record company that issued the latter CD is Music Empirewerks. They have put together some exceptional re-issues of folk revival artists including Paul Clayton, Ewan MacColl and Odetta. They are a very eclectic independent label that appears to be doing some good work!

Also, I have been in touch with John Jacob Niles son and hope to have him on my radio show this spring to discuss his father and his music.