This is almost like the "Influential Folkie" thread with the twist here on originality. And just a few minutes ago on another thread, I was making a similar case for Bill Monroe. And maybe original isn't the right word for either of them............When we were on the other thread, influential was an easier concept. Both of these men were major influences not so much on the process as on the style/format that American folk music took. Instrument types, playing styles, harmonies, the pulling together of so many elements into something completely new...very creative men.

catspaw