Hello, I am an undergraduate history student at the University of Kentucky and doing a paper on folk music, specifically the "folk revival" of the 1950s and 60s. One of the main topics I'll be discussing is the canonization of certain songs, styles and traditions in American music.

My question to the Mudcat community: What (and who) defines the folk music "canon"? Is it defined by American collectors such as the Lomaxes, or Harry Smith (who collected mostly 20th century U.S. songs)? What of Francis James Child, an American who collected British Isle songs in the late 19th century? There are also a couple of fantastic anthologies from John Fahey. Just curious to find out other peoples' opinion on the matter.

Since I am in Lexington, a short drive from Berea, I'd love to try and speak with Jean Ritchie Pickow. Does anyone have a line on getting in touch with her? She is quite the ethnomusicologist herself, in addition to being a treasured musician.

Many thanks for any insight and help you can offer,

Matt Baker
ma.tt@uky.edu