the one I never really got a handle on was John Jacob Niles. the films of him singing sound really bizarre to my ears.

but apparently he did big business.

I admit I can't remember where I heard the story about PP and M. would anyone bother to make up an urban myth of so little interest. the period we're referring to is long before Martin joined the group though.
I take you word for it Jim -they got it from somewhere else. I mean , really who care...!
I remember when the Spinners (another lot against the wall after your revolution) split up - I was saying to Martin Carthy that I'd seen them do a nice version of The Bleacher lass of Kelvinhaugh on Pebble Mill at One, and I would miss them.
He said, well I won't - I do that song....!
I said, yeh but they don't ask you to do Pebble Mill at One.
Perhaps they would nowadays - what with the MBE and everything.