I've admired Joe for as long as I've been alive, and always found him to be a kind, encouraging, and generous person. It's very sad to hear such terrible news.

Only a few months ago Joe gave a wonderful performance at the Washington Folk Festival. Now I'm so glad that I heard him sing one more time.

One story to share - Joe has always had an ear out for good music, and never limited himself to the best known folks. At a FSGW Mini-Festival one year, we were chatting as we walked and he stopped at one room in which a mini-concert was getting underway. "I have to go hear these women," he said, "They're one of my favorite groups - have you heard them?" And he walked into the room in which my mother's trio was singing.

Thanks, Joe - for everything. We love you.

Dan Schatz