Interesting thread. I sang "Copper Kettle", which was sung by Joan Baez (among others) recently at a pub open mic and it was very well received. Favourite singers to inspire me when I was young were The Clancy Brothers (who I saw performing), Joan Baez, The Dubliners, The Spinners, Alex Campbell, and The Kingston Trio. Basically any folk material that I had heard of in my pre-folk club era. Interestingly my list also includes Jeannie Robertson, through my sister's LP of "Heather and Glen", which is now out on CD.

I did listen to folk on the radio though.