When people hear the name Randy Sparks, the first thing that comes to mind is The New Christy Minstrels. When I first met him, around 1959, he was doing a solo act as a folk singer/balladeer.

Another from my old area, Fresno, CA, was the late George Cromarty who, along with his partner, Ed Rush, performed as The Goldcoast Singers. They were the original composers of "Plastic Jesus." I believe they only made one album.

Two local Fresno State college professors, Peter Everwine and the late Gene Bluestein, were fine performers and noted folk historians. Gene's son, Emo, still performs in the area. Peter has become better known for his award-winning poetry.