Joseph Scott: Thank you for that very plausible explanation of how Pete Seeger acquired the vocal style that I dislike. The similarity between Lunsford's singing and Seeger's is clear now that you've pointed out the connection, and I dislike the one as much as the other.

I'm relieved to learn that my feeling about this is not based on a prejudice against the upper class. Rather, it's just my usual dislike of any singing that tries to sound like someone else. Do you perchance know whom Bob Dylan is imitating? You can't swing a cat without hitting someone who's obviously trying to sound like Dylan, but I could never figure out where he himself got that odious style.

Lady Diamond: False alarm. Even the few of us who don't revere Pete Seeger's singing won't harbor the prejudice that I spoke of earlier. I'm sure the kitchen boy will love your singing if you use your own voice.