In England, the Copper family have long used the song book to sing from, but I think this is more a case of emphasising the importance of the song book in family history - they usually seem to know the words well enough.

Roy Bailey relies on song words now, as does Norma Waterson on occasions. Both of these singers are excellent communicators with their audiences and the song books do not get in the way of that communication. I've also seen singers who rely on the words who sing with their head stuck in the book, not looking up and not communicating. Sad.

Derek