John, my opinion of best folk singer changes, depending on who I've heard lately that pushes the right buttons. The Waterson/Carthy folks (together or solo), Robin & Barry Dransfield, Frankie Armstrong, Judy Cook, Bob Fox, all leap instantly to mind. But there are others I'd walk across fire to see, if the name was brought up. Favorite gig I've played recently was a coffeehouse in Joliet, Illinois that our Christmas group played for, good interaction between us and the audience. Or a concert Margaret, Kate and I played in Washington DC lately, boy, that was a good time, too. Started playing folk music in my late teens and never really had aspirations to be a rock player at all (early '70's). Liked the folk boom singer/songwriters, got bitten by the trad bug. Like any good song old or new, that makes me laugh or cry. Merry Christmas...