I agree with that, Jerry, which is why I made the comment about just encouraging young folks to learn the old songs, and write the new songs. I was not saying that one has to be dead, or the author unknown.

The thread title isn't esoteric. It is asking a clear question. In true Mudcat form, indeed true folk form, the conversation is veering from what was asked to what folks want it to say. The thread didn't ask me what my opinion is on young folk performers, or my opinion on what folk music I like, or if I think I am a folk singer. It asked, very specifically, what is 'TRADITIONAL' Folk Music. It is my opinion that all the 'TRADITIONAL' Folk Music has been written. Same as all the 'TRADITIONAL' shanties have been written. That isn't to say that others won't write new songs in the style of shanties, that will be sung in the traditional style. Same with 'TRADITIONAL' Folk Music. I don't think we are going to find many more Frank Proffit's singing songs previously unknown on a mountain cabin porch. That isn't to say that the "flowing stream" won't go on. That doesn't mean that new folk singers won't find new ways to interpret the music. That doesn't mean that new songwriters won't write in the style. It just means that the era of 'TRADITIONAL' Folk Music is over. We don't discover songs or mountain singers, or little known musical communities anymore.

I hope I am making the distinction properly here.

Mick