A lot of times we hear critics and rants but not often do we mention the people who
had a profound and positive effect on our lives. It seems to me appropriate that we acknowledge those who encouraged us and helped us in our lives and careers.

I'll start. I had a wonderful reading teacher in the 3rd grade who because of her patience with me, encouragement to me made me a life-long lover of reading. Mrs. Bussard helped me to pronounce words, gave me the positive you-can-do-it attitude and brought to her teaching a warmth and compassion. Sometimes you are lucky to run across a gifted teacher like this.

When I first started singing folk songs, Will Geer, the great actor, encouraged my pursuit.
He did it with a gentle humor. I was just a kid and I sang Sam Hall. He thought that was terrific and introduced me to some folks with whom I would later associate, Pete Seeger,
Cisco Houston, Ronnie Gilbert, and Fred Hellerman.

Waldo Salt, the great screenwriter for Midnight Cowboy and Serpico was an active progressive during the McCarthy era. He encouraged me to play at left-wing events.
We called them "bookings" in those days.

Wendell Corey, the actor used to call the radio station KGIL in San Fernando Valley and request my performances. I was just a kid but to have some one like that as a fan played an indelible role in shaping my life.

Bess Lomax Hawes introduced me to traditional folk music. She opened the door for me to hear more and eventually helped me to become a teacher of folk singing and playing.

Bob McAllester was an ex-boxer who loved to help young boys. No, he wasn't the least weird. He taught boxing at the Los Angeles Atheletic Club for kids. I needed a male parent figure and he used to take me to see prize fights. He would explain to me the difference between a "boxer" and a "fighter", the former having footwork and technique.
I never liked to fight but I always cherished his giving to a young kid who need that.

Pete Seeger has helped and encouraged so many people in the folk singing field. His generosity is legendary.

Sam Hinton, a renaissance man, folksinger, folklorist, educator, biologist, oceanographer,
calligrapher, and a great performer in the San Diego area presented me in my first concert in 1952 at San Diego State College. What an amazing time for me.

These are just some examples of the wonderful people who have impacted on my life for the better.

I'd like to hear yours.

Frank Hamilton