Actually I slipped past Captain B's reference to manufactured folk performers, with the rest of his post resonating as it did for me. I can't think of anyone here on the U.S. scene who would come to mind. I don't see anyone in the mainstream media here as being apt to try to manufacture a folk "star". Going back a few decades, something like the New Christy Minstrels or the Serendipitty-doo-da Singers. Even those put out some vinyl that was good for a little fun if not taken at all seriously.